Jacksonville, Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyers

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult. If someone else caused your loved one's death through their negligence, you can seek payment through a wrongful death claim. To protect your rights during this type of claim, be sure to work with a Jacksonville, IL wrongful death lawyer who can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

At Kanoski Bresney, we have years of experience helping clients recover compensation for their losses, including many victories in wrongful death claims. You will not pay anything for our services unless we help you get paid, so do not hesitate to reach out to us today.

Call 217-523-7742 Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Auto Accident Wrongful Death Claims in Jacksonville

Losing a family member in a car accident is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face, especially when the crash resulted from someone else's carelessness. Under Illinois law, certain family members can benefit from a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies as a result of another driver's negligent or reckless conduct behind the wheel.

These claims often arise from speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, running red lights, and other traffic violations. A wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal charges the at-fault driver may face, and one case does not depend on the outcome of the other.

Compensation in these claims can include funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members. Even when a driver disputes fault, evidence such as traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and witness statements can help establish what actually happened. Kanoski Bresney can review the circumstances of the crash and help determine which parties bear responsibility.

Is a Property Owner Ever Liable for a Visitor's Death in Illinois?

Wrongful death claims are not limited to car accidents. Under Illinois premises liability law, a property owner has a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. When an owner fails to address a known risk or danger, such as a collapsing staircase, faulty wiring, inadequate security, or a poorly maintained walkway, and that failure leads to a fatal injury, the owner may be held responsible.

The specific duty owed can depend on the visitor's status on the property and the nature of the hazard involved. A store, apartment complex, or private residence can all face liability if a dangerous condition was left unaddressed and someone died as a result. Establishing this type of claim usually requires showing that the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about the hazard and failed to fix it or provide adequate warning.

These cases often involve detailed investigation into maintenance records, prior complaints, and inspection history, along with testimony from anyone who witnessed the incident or the conditions leading up to it.