If your spouse or other loved one died as a result of an accident that could have been prevented, the law provides you with recourse. Although there are no requirements that you must hire a Chicago wrongful death attorney to sue for damages, there are numerous reasons why this is the best approach. An attorney skilled in civil claims has an understanding of the law that few laypeople would have, this knowledge will save a great deal of time and invariably result in a better settlement.
Determine if you have a valid claim:
Although your loved one died, that does not necessarily mean that it was a wrongful death in the eyes of the law. When you first meet the attorney he or she will hear you out, ask certain questions and if it can help, the attorney may speak to witnesses. The outcome of this initial consultation will determine if your claim of wrongful death is valid and can be pursued.
Identification of the negligent party:
The first thing that your Chicago wrongful death attorney will do is to identify the negligent party. In many cases there will be no doubt to the identity of the party. If your loved died in an automobile accident for example and it was found that the driver of the other vehicle had more than the legal limit of alcohol in his or her bloodstream, there is no question as to who the negligent party was.
It is not always easy to identify the party to be named in the lawsuit, your attorney may have to undertake an in depth investigation which may involve experts who can render their opinion of the cause of the accident.
Although many claims are settled out of court, your Chicago wrongful death attorney will not hesitate to take the case before a judge and jury.
Should a loved one die as a result of negligence or an intentional act, the survivors can engage the services of a Chicago wrongful death attorney and sue for damages. You are welcome to discuss the details of your case with the Shea Law Group at www.shealawgroup.com. Follow us on twitter.
