Skip to main content

Belleville Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging things to endure. When they are taken unexpectedly in an accident caused by another party, it only adds to the tragedy of the situation. The legal implications of your loved one’s death may be the farthest thing from your mind; however, you must speak to a lawyer who can help you fully understand your legal rights. If your loved one has lost their life because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to hold that person or entity accountable for their death.

The Belleville wrongful death attorneys at Nelson & Nelson have helped families who have lost loved ones due to another party’s negligent or willful act. We handle wrongful death claims involving fatal injuries arising from all types of accidents in Illinois and Missouri, and we may be able to help you recover monetary damages.

Contact Us

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Many wrongful death claims involve negligence-based incidents such as cartruckmotorcycle, and bicycle accidents, defective vehicles, defective products, work-related accidents, and construction accidents. Other claims often involve medical malpractice errors and mistakes or criminal acts.

How Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help

A wrongful death claim can be brought in any situation where the person could have brought a personal injury claim had they survived. To win a wrongful death lawsuit, you must show the court that the negligence, recklessness, or intent of some other person or entity caused your loved one’s death. We understand how difficult your loved one’s loss may be, and we want to help make this time less stressful for your family. Our wrongful death lawyers will go through the details of the incident while you and your family focus on the grieving process. You can rely on us to work to resolve your case in the most efficient manner possible.

Our experienced team of Bellville wrongful death attorneys can:

  • Gather and preserve evidence to build a strong wrongful death claim
  • Retain experts to testify to help prove your loved one’s death was caused by negligence
  • Fight against the large insurance companies’ lawyers
  • Represent you in settlement negotiations or in court
  • Demand fair compensation from the negligent party

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Illinois, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative/executor of the deceased person’s estate. However, if your loved one died without appointing a personal representative in their estate plan, the court may appoint a personal representative. The personal representative is responsible for pursuing the wrongful death claim, as well as carrying out other tasks related to the estate.

In Missouri, a wrongful claim can be filed by the deceased person’s spouse, children, grandchildren, or parents. If the deceased person does not have those surviving family members, then a claim may be brought by a sibling.

Wrongful Death Damages

In Illinois and Missouri, damages are intended to compensate the deceased person’s survivors for the financial losses associated with the death and the intangible losses the family suffered. While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of your loved one, our goal is to help put you and your family in the best possible situation after your loss while holding the responsible parties accountable.

Common types of wrongful death damages include money for:

  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Loss of financial support, including future income, inheritance, and benefits such as medical insurance
  • Loss of consortium
  • Mental distress, pain, and suffering
  • Loss of instruction, education, and moral training the deceased would have provided to any surviving children

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Each state’s statute of limitations for wrongful death varies. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the person’s death. However, there are some exceptions. If you have questions, it is best to contact our office right away.

In Missouri, most wrongful death claims must be filed within three years from the date of death. There are exceptions. If you have questions, please give us a call right away.

It is always best to contact a wrongful death attorney right away to ensure that your claim is filed within your state’s time limit and to gather and preserve as much evidence as possible. Wrongful death lawsuits can vary in length. Even if your case does not go to trial, settling your case takes time. Some claims may take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle, depending on the specific circumstances.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Lawyers in Belleville, IL

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact Nelson & Nelson today at (618) 277-4000 to schedule your free case evaluation. Our wrongful death attorneys can help you protect your rights as a survivor and fight for the compensation you deserve.

AP 3 mobile

Speak with a Skilled Illinois and Missouri Personal Injury Attorney

At Nelson & Nelson, we understand that personal injuries can take an enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families, and we do everything we can to ensure that the legal process is smooth and stress-free. We provide free consultations and thorough case assessments, so you can make the most informed decision regarding what legal avenue to pursue. We also understand that finances are tight for most personal injury victims. This is why we never charge upfront attorney fees in these types of cases—you only pay attorney fees if we win your case.

If you or someone close to you has been injured due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, contact us today at (618) 277-5000 to schedule your free case evaluation.

logo bright red