Bloomington Wrongful Death Attorney
Ready to Help Your Family in Need
Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. When that loss is caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions, the grief is compounded by anger and a need for justice. At Haxel Law, our compassionate legal team understands what families in Bloomington, IL, go through during these difficult times. We are here to guide you through the legal process and pursue the compensation and accountability your family deserves.
Hiring an experienced wrongful death lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you have a dedicated advocate fighting on your behalf.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life because of another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, or intentional misconduct. While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to seek justice and financial relief.
Common situations that may lead to wrongful death claims in Bloomington, IL include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers.
- Medical malpractice – errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors.
- Workplace accidents – unsafe working conditions or failure to follow safety regulations.
- Defective products – dangerous consumer goods, auto parts, or medical devices.
- Nursing home abuse or neglect – failure to provide proper care leading to fatal injuries.
- Criminal acts – intentional violence or reckless behavior resulting in death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois has specific laws about who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file the claim. This is often the executor named in the will, or if no will exists, the court may appoint someone.
The lawsuit is filed on behalf of the surviving family members, who may include:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children (including adopted children)
- Parents (if the deceased was unmarried and had no children)
The purpose of the claim is to secure compensation for the financial and emotional losses suffered by surviving family members.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
While every case is unique, wrongful death compensation is designed to help families recover both economic and non-economic damages. A skilled Bloomington wrongful death lawyer will fight to maximize your recovery in areas such as:
Economic Damages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Loss of the deceased’s income and financial support
- Loss of benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
- Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of consortium for a surviving spouse
In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, Illinois courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Contact our office at (217) 215-4166 today to request a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Is My PI Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your claim can be complex. It can be easy to overlook many types of compensation available to you, especially without an in-depth understanding of Illinois law. Seeking legal representation is essential to identify liable parties and calculate the total damages in your claim.
While pinpointing the exact value of your claim requires a thorough case evaluation from our attorneys, you should know that you are entitled to compensation for all losses incurred in the accident, including future costs resulting from your injuries. Our firm can negotiate effectively on your behalf to pursue the full compensation available to you.
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How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
It depends. The timeframe for settling a personal injury claim will vary based on unique factors, such as whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer, any potential liability disputes, and whether your case goes to trial. Many claims are settled out of court, but others can take more time to resolve. However, taking longer to settle isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While preparing for potential litigation may extend the duration of your case, it can also mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation and walking away with much less than you deserve. Our attorneys are familiar with insurance companies to pursue the fastest path to resolution without compromising the just settlement you need to focus on your recovery.
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Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?After an accident, you should avoid discussing the incident with any insurance representative without your lawyer present. Having your attorney speak directly with the insurance adjuster on your behalf is typically best to protect your rights. If you do end up talking with the insurance adjuster, you only need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, and so on. Don’t share any information that may be used against you, such as apologizing or admitting fault.
Why You Need a Bloomington Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death cases are often complex, requiring thorough investigation, expert testimony, and skilled negotiation with insurance companies. At Haxel Law, we take on the legal burden so you and your family can focus on healing.
Our team will:
- Investigate the cause of death and gather evidence
- Identify all liable parties
- Consult with medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts
- Handle all communication with insurers and opposing counsel
- Fight for maximum compensation through settlement or trial
Wrongful Death FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding wrongful death claims in Bloomington:
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois?
In most cases, Illinois law allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, certain cases—such as those involving government entities or medical malpractice—may have shorter deadlines. It’s best to contact a Bloomington wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
How is compensation distributed among family members?
Compensation is awarded based on the financial and emotional losses suffered by each surviving family member. The court determines a fair distribution among eligible survivors.
Can a wrongful death case be filed if criminal charges are also pending?
Yes. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action, separate from any criminal charges. Even if the responsible party is acquitted in criminal court, they can still be held liable in a civil wrongful death case.
What if the deceased person did not have a will?
If there is no will, the court will appoint a personal representative (often a close family member) to file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the survivors.
How much is a wrongful death case worth?
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on several factors, including the deceased’s age, earning potential, medical expenses, and the emotional losses of surviving family members. Our Bloomington wrongful death attorney can evaluate your case and provide an estimate.
Speak With a Compassionate Bloomington Wrongful Death Lawyer
At Haxel Law, we understand that no legal outcome can truly make up for your loss. What we can do is help you pursue justice, financial stability, and accountability for your loved one’s death.
Call (217) 215-4166 today to schedule a free case review.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.