Legal Options If a Loved One Is Killed in a Fatal Shooting

 Posted on April 04, 2024 in Wrongful Death

Reports about shootings are unfortunately becoming more commonplace. Whether you know someone who was specifically targeted or they were in the wrong place at the wrong time when a shooting that had nothing to do with them took place, the death of a loved one in a fatal shooting can be extremely difficult to deal with.

In some cases, a shooting victim’s family wants to see the shooter penalized for his act of violence. In other cases, the family thinks this is in vain since it will not bring their relatives back to life. Sometimes, the family will pursue a wrongful death suit, which could at least provide them with financial compensation for any damages and costs resulting from the shooting. Regardless of the circumstances, if a gunshot wound led to the death of your loved one, you should speak with a Champaigne, IL personal injury lawyer to understand what recourse might be available to you.

Should I File a Wrongful Death Claim?

When someone dies in old age or after a long battle with a serious illness, their families have likely had some time to consider the possibility of their death in advance, and perhaps even make some financial and other related plans accordingly. When someone is fatally shot, it can trigger a whole host of expenses that their surviving loved ones need to suddenly cover. Ambulances, hospital bills, medical procedures, and then funeral costs and burial expenses can add up to an enormous amount of money that you had not planned on spending at all.

Sometimes, the location where the shooting happened could impact how a personal injury lawyer might decide to pursue damages on your behalf. You may be eligible to make a premises liability claim, depending on the circumstances. If your husband was shot in a local restaurant while the two of you went out for dinner, and that restaurant is located in an area where shootings are not uncommon, you might be able to demonstrate that the restaurant had a responsibility to its patron, either by hiring a security guard or installing a door lock and intercom system, for example. If your daughter was shot at school, the school will likely be considered negligent for having allowed a weapon on its premises and not taking measures to prevent that. If your mother was shot in city hall, the municipality might be responsible for not making visitors go through security measures like having their belongings screened and walking through an x-ray machine. An experienced lawyer can review your loved one’s case and advise you on which directions you might consider.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Illinois Wrongful Death Attorney

If a loved one died following a fatal gunshot wound, you might be able to seek compensation for damages resulting from the shooting. A compassionate Springfield, IL wrongful death lawyer can help get the person responsible to pay. At Kanoski Bresney, we understand how detrimental this can be to you and your family, and we have years of experience helping clients in similar circumstances get the compensation they deserve. Call 888-826-8682 to schedule a free consultation.