Chicago Workplace Wrongful Death Attorneys
Representing Fatal Workplace Injury Claims in Chicago
When someone you love is fatally injured at work, it can be extremely difficult to process the emotional, financial, and legal implications. As you and your family try to grieve, you might also be asking questions about how the injury happened, why, and whether or not it was preventable.
The entire matter can be difficult to swallow, and finding your next step may seem impossible. That’s why our firm is here. Our experienced workplace wrongful death lawyers in Chicago can help you with your Workers' Compensation wrongful death claim after your tragic loss.
Most people know they are entitled to certain Workers' Compensation benefits after sustaining an injury, but did you know that families may also claim benefits if their loved one was fatally harmed on the job?
Call (312) 487-2513 to discuss your case with our workplace wrongful death lawyers in Chicago.
Fatal Accidents In The Workplace Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4,836 reported fatal work injuries in 2015, nearly 1,000 of which occurred as construction site accidents. In 2016, the numbers rose to a total of 5,190 fatal work injuries, making it the third consecutive year to see an increase in work-related deaths.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Fatal Workplace Accidents?
Workplace fatalities can occur anywhere but are more common in industries where workers do physical work, especially around heavy machinery or dangerous chemicals.
The outcome is the same whether the accident is caused by:
- A slip and fall
- Broken machinery
- Malfunctioning vehicle
- Chemical spill
- Or some type of violent incident
Understanding Your Rights
As the spouse or family of a fatally injured worker, you have certain rights to compensation. Dealing with the death of a loved one is always difficult, but when they were taken from you because of some tragic accident, it can make it all the more difficult to cope.
Between funeral costs, burial costs, the loss of income, outstanding medical bills, and loss of companionship, the aftermath of their loss can be difficult to bear. Our firm can work with you to seek maximum benefits and compensation for your loved ones’ fatal injuries. We know how to navigate the claims process, negotiate settlements, and can take your case to trial if need be.
What Are Workers' Compensation Death Benefits in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, families of deceased workers can receive the following as part of their Workers' Compensation death benefits package:
- Funeral/burial expenses
- A percentage of the weekly wages that have been lost because of the fatality
Who Receives Workers' Comp Death Benefits?
Surviving family members are allowed to claim death benefits in a specific order of priority:
- The surviving spouse
- Minor children under the age of 25 (must be enrolled in school full-time or be mentally or physically disabled)
If the deceased worker has no spouse or children, their parents may be allowed to claim death benefits if they were dependent on the victim prior to their death.
How Long Do Death Benefits Last?
In general, families can receive death benefits for up to 25 years or until they have been paid $750,000 in benefits, whichever comes first. If the surviving spouse remarries but still has minor children (under 18), the death benefits will continue.
However, if the spouse remarries but has no minor children they will only receive 2 years worth of death benefits. Surviving children with mental or physical disabilities will continue to receive benefits for as long as their condition exists.
Let Leonard Law Group Help You
Our legal team at Leonard Law Group has represented more than 35,000 injured individuals and we’ve won more than $1,000,000,000 in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We have a thorough understanding of the benefits available to injured workers, including the death benefits that workers’ families are entitled to.
We understand how difficult this time is for you, which is why we want to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need as you focus this time on grieving and healing. Visit our testimonials page to see what our clients have to say about working with our team.
Contact Leonard Law Group today to discuss your case in a FREE consultation with our Chicago workplace wrongful death attorneys.
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“Attorney J. Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with. They were highly professional and excellent communicators. They were also extremely knowledgeable about my case. I wouldn't hesitate to refer him to others.”