Springfield Wrongful Death Attorneys Pursue Compensation for Families of Murder and Assault Victims

Lawyers for Cases of Violent Crime Deaths in Peoria, Decatur, and Champaign

The death of a loved one is never easy, and family members will often struggle with both emotional trauma and financial difficulties as they deal with the aftermath of this tragic event. While a wrongful death can be hard enough when it occurred accidentally due to someone else's negligence, this type of situation can be even more difficult if a person was killed because someone intentionally caused them harm. In cases involving murder and other violent crimes, a victim's loved ones should be sure to consult with an attorney to determine how they can hold the perpetrator responsible for the harm inflicted on their family.

At Kanoski Bresney, our lawyers have more than 40 years of experience representing victims in a wide variety of personal injury and wrongful death cases. We have recovered over $400 million for our clients through jury verdicts and out-of-court settlements, and we have the skills and knowledge needed to help victims pursue the financial compensation they deserve. We work to make sure our clients receive respect, response, and results that will help them move on following the death of a loved one.

Compensation for Wrongful Death Due to Homicide or Assault

Following a wrongful death, the estate of the deceased person or their surviving family members may bring a lawsuit against the person who was responsible. In cases where a person is killed by accident, it will usually be necessary to demonstrate that the death occurred because of someone else's negligence. However, it may be easier to prove liability when a victim was killed because of someone else's intentional actions. If a person is convicted of homicide, assault, or other violent crimes, this conviction can usually be used as evidence to show that they were responsible for the victim's wrongful death.

In most wrongful death cases, there is a two-year statute of limitations, meaning that a lawsuit must be filed within two years after the date of the victim's death. However, in cases where a person was killed by intentional, violent conduct, this time limit is increased to five years, or one year after the perpetrator is convicted of first- or second-degree homicide, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, or drug-induced homicide. This increased statute of limitations only applies to claims filed against a person who committed a violent crime that led to the victim's death.

In wrongful death cases, the victim's surviving family members can recover compensation that addresses both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include the costs of the victim's medical treatment before their death, the income and employment-related benefits they would have provided to their family, and expenses related to the person's funeral and burial. Non-economic damages include loss of companionship, grief, and sorrow experienced by the victim's family members, and pain and suffering experienced by the victim before their death. In cases involving murder or assault, punitive damages may also be awarded, and these types of damages are meant to punish the perpetrator for their illegal actions.

Contact Our Macon County Wrongful Death Lawyers

Few things are more difficult for a family to handle than the death of a loved one, especially when a person is killed because someone meant to cause them harm. If your family is struggling to pick up the pieces after losing a loved one to violent crime, Kanoski Bresney can help you take steps to receive financial compensation. While no amount of money will bring back a lost family member, a wrongful death claim can provide you with much-needed financial resources, and it can also make sure a person is held responsible for the harm they have done to your family. Contact our office today by calling 888-U-COUNT-2 or 888-826-8682 to arrange a complimentary consultation today. We provide legal help with wrongful deaths and other personal injury cases in the state of Illinois, including Sangamon County, Champaign, Quincy, Pekin, McLean County, Springfield, Peoria, Rushville, Decatur, Macomb, Tazewell County, Champaign County, Peoria County, McDonough County, Adams County, Bloomington, Schuyler County, and Macon County.