The loss of a human life is catastrophic and unimaginable. If your loved one was fatally injured due to someone’s negligent conduct, we can help. You may be able to recover burial costs, funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and pain and suffering. We understand that money will never bring back your loved one. However, this is the only form of recovery the law allows for in a civil lawsuit.

 What’s Considered a Wrongful Death Under the Law?

Under Illinois law, the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another person or corporation is considered a wrongful death. Wrongful death laws protect the surviving loved ones who get emotionally and financially harmed due to someone else’s wrongful actions.

 Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death claims are typically brought by the deceased person’s spouse, children, parent, or other family member. At times, a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim.

Types of Damages and Compensation in a Wrongful Death

Any recovery is for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin of the deceased person. The jury may give such damages as they shall deem a fair and just compensation with reference to the pecuniary injuries resulting from such death, including damages for grief, sorrow, and mental suffering, and punitive damages when applicable, to the surviving spouse and next of kin of such deceased person.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Situations

Contact our office to find out if your loved one suffered a wrongful death. If so, we can help determine your options based on the specific facts in your case. Common types of wrongful death situations include:

• Motor vehicle crashes;

• Nursing home fatalities;

• Workplace incidents;

• Medical malpractice;

• Defective products

 How to Proceed with a Wrongful Death Claim

If your loved one lost their life due to a person’s or corporation’s conduct and you’re wondering how to proceed, your first step should be to contact our office. You can lean and count on our knowledge and experience to help you make informed decisions regarding any potential claim. We will immediately begin collecting evidence to prove your case.

Why Choose Acevedo Law for Your Wrongful Death Claim?

One of the most difficult and painful things in life is to lose a loved one. The loss is greater when it’s due to someone else’s actions. You need a law firm that understands the severity of your situation. A law firm that cares about your needs and losses. Acevedo Law provides compassionate legal counsel during this trying time that will be there with you during the entire process.

Our Approach to Securing Justice for Your Loved One

We focus on listening, feeling, and getting to know what your loved one meant to you. We want to understand how your incredible loss has impacted your life. It is only once we have learned your story that we are we able to tell others of your loss.

Reach Out to Acevedo Law to Your FREE Consult

If you recently lost your loved one because of someone else’s negligence, then it’s worth your time to schedule a consultation with Acevedo Law. We won’t charge you anything to discuss your circumstances, losses, and legal options. If we think that you have the basis to file a claim, then we can help you determine whether filing for compensation is in your best interests. If you are ready to get started, call our office to schedule your free consultation.

A motor vehicle crash can permanently change the course of your life, as well as your loved ones. The best thing you can do after a motor vehicle crash is contact Acevedo Law. Over the last 20 years, we have handled hundreds of crashes resulting in traumatic brain injuries, brain bleeds, bone fractures, and amputations.

Types of Motor Vehicle Crashes

We handle all types of motor vehicle crashes, including:

• Trucks

• Cars

• Motorcycles

• Bicycles

• Pedestrians

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Crashes

Some common causes of motor vehicle crashes include:

• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts the driver's attention away from the primary task of safe driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Distracted driving can involve visual, manual, or cognitive distractions, or a combination of these. Common examples include using cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming.

• Unsafe Lane Changes. Changing lanes without checking blind spots or using turn signals leads to many crashes. Drivers must ensure it is safe before switching lanes.

• Driving under the influence.  Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, impairs a driver's ability to react and increases the risk of a crash. 

What to Do Immediately Following a Crash

There are certain things you can – and should – do after being involved in motor vehicle crash.

1. Call 9-1-1: You should call 9-1-1 immediately after a being involved in a crash. It’s best to have law enforcement write a report of what occurred. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of this call and report. Police reports may be the most crucial – and only – source for proving the other driver’s fault and negligence.

2. Seek medical attention: Seek immediate medical care for your injuries. Insurance companies will interpret your decision not to seek prompt medical attention as a sign that you are not that injured. Like a police report, medical records will become critical in proving your injuries. We all know adrenaline masks some of our initial pains. However, do not delay in seeking the care you need.

3. Take pictures/videos: As soon as practical after the crash, take photographs and videos of the crash scene, damaged vehicles, and your injuries. Pictures and videos are especially important if the crash occurs in an area under construction because once the construction is gone, we may not be able to show what the area looked like at the time of the crash. Pictures and videos can serve as evidence of the crash.

4. Never speak with the insurance company: The insurance company may tell you the call is being recorded for “quality assurance.” The reason insurance companies record calls is to use your words against you later. Do not talk to any insurance company without first consulting with Acevedo Law. After you speak with us, we will contact the insurance company on your behalf.

What Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident Injury?

Illinois law allows an injured person to recover economic and/or non-economic damages. Here are some examples of each:

Economic damages:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

Non-Economic damages:

• Pain

• Suffering

• Disfigurement

• Loss of Consortium

Economic damages go to pay others, e.g., medical providers, for the services they have provided – or will provide – you. Non-economic damages value the harms and losses you and you family suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

Acevedo Law’s Approach to Motor Vehicle Crash Cases

Ultimately, it’s our job to place a dollar value on what is taken from you and what you are left with, i.e., life before versus after the crash. What’s the value of your health? What’s the value of quality of life? To truly understand how a crash has impacted you, and your family, we take the time to get to know you. Acevedo Law believes in forming long-lasting relationships with our clients. We cannot tell your story unless we know your story.

Building Your Case: Evidence Collection and Analysis

For the most part, the more evidence we have, the stronger your case. Common forms of evidence include:

• Photographs and/or videos of the crash scene

• Photographs and/or videos of the damaged vehicles

• Interviewing witnesses

• Obtaining and reviewing medical records

• Taking depositions of witnesses, law enforcement, and medical doctors

Personalized Legal Support: No Two Cases Are Alike

Acevedo Law be by your side along every step of the litigation process. We take pride on making certain our clients understand each phase of litigation and its purpose. We know that no two cases are alike. No two human beings are alike. As such, each client receives personalized attention and care on their case.

If you or a loved one slipped and fell – and suffered serious injuries – Acevedo Law can help you recover full and fair justice for your losses and harms.

Typical Causes of Slip and Falls  

• Snow and/or ice

• Wet floors

• Broken or uneven concrete

• Poor lighting

• Loose, or no, handrail

Common Areas for Slip and Falls

• Residential Property

• Apartment Buildings

• Commercial/Business Property

• Parking Lots

What You Must Prove to Win

Slip and fall cases fall under the law of premises liability. Under Illinois law, an injured person must show there was a condition on the premises/property that presented an unreasonable risk of harm to the public. We must then prove the property owner knew or should have known of the condition and risk. Slip and fall cases are difficult because – unless it obvious – it is hard to show the property owners knew or should have known of the condition and risk. Acevedo Law is familiar with these cases and knows where, and how, to investigate to get the needed evidence.

What Can I Recover?

If you suffered serious injuries in a slip and fall, you may be able to file lawsuit to recover money damages for your losses and harms. Like other personal injury cases, there are two types of damages an injured person can recover in slip and falls cases: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, durable medical equipment, and modifications to your home. Non-economic are the most valuable of damages because it looks at the value of human life. Acevedo Law looks at what was taken from our client. Just as importantly, Acevedo Law looks at what our client was left with. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

What Should I Do Next?

Call Acevedo Law for your free consultation. We have the experience and knowledge on representing client’s injured due to the carelessness of others.

Have you, or a loved, one been attacked or bitten by a dog? We can help. At Acevedo Law, we have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered serious injuries from dog attacks.

What You Must Prove to Win

Under Illinois’ Animal Control Act, a dog owner can be liable for injuries caused by their dog.  The law requires you show:

1. The dog was not provoked;

2. The dog attacked or attempted to attack you; and

3. You sustained injuries

It is not excuse that the dog has never attacked, attempted to attack, or injured someone in the past.

Common Injuries in Dog Attacks

Dog bites can cause a variety injuries, including:

• Puncture Wounds: These injuries often require stitches or surgery.

• Infections: Dog bites can lead to infections.

• Scarring and Disfigurement: One of the most common injuries is permanent scarring.

• Nerve Damage: Dog bites can damage nerves which lead to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

• Emotional Trauma: Depending on the severity of the attack and injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder is common.

What Can I Recover?

If you, or a loved one, suffered serious injuries from a dog attack, Acevedo Law can help. Two types of damages an injured person can recover are economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, durable medical equipment, and modifications to your home. Non-economic are the most valuable of damages because it looks at the value of human life. Acevedo Law looks at what was taken from you client and what you were left with. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress.