The wrongful death of a loved one is painful for families. In these circumstances, it can be difficult to consider issues like finances when emotions run high and you’re still processing the grief. But, recognizing you have a valid claim is essential to seeking justice and compensation for the damages. Below are three conditions you’ll have to meet to secure a favorable outcome.

Negligence

If your loved one would have had grounds for a personal injury case had they lived, you can likely pursue a wrongful death claim. The victim’s death must directly result from the reckless or negligent actions of another person or institution. For example, if your loved one was fatally wounded when another individual committed a crime or due to unsafe conditions on a property, you should hire an attorney to pursue compensation for the damages.

Duty of Care

All people and organizations are legally obligated to behave reasonably and avoid unnecessarily endangering others. Those in certain professions, such as doctors and medical care staff, are held to a higher standard set by the industry. In these instances, issues and subsequent suits involving a misdiagnosis or leaving a surgical instrument in a patient are usually categorized as medical malpractice.

Damages

Not every family member can receive payment in a wrongful death claim. Instead, only those who have been directly, financially harmed have grounds to pursue a case. The stipulation tends to limit the suit to close or immediate family. Loss of income, medical payments, and other costs associated with a loved one’s death may be eligible.

If you believe a loved one was the victim of wrongful death, turn to an attorney at Skinner & Associates, L.L.C. in Knox County, IL. They will determine whether your situation has grounds for a suit and provide quality legal counsel and aggressive representation to secure the maximum possible compensation if it is worth pursuing. To get started, call (309) 343-9964 or reach out online today to schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer.