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When a person passes away because of someone else's recklessness or negligence, surviving family members may have sufficient grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. But what types of damages can be sought in the claim? What evidence is necessary to effectively establish these damages? Attorney Jim Skinner at Skinner & Associates, LLC, in Galesburg, IL, provides some answers.

Medical Bills

If the deceased required medical treatment as a result of the accident that caused their death, they likely accumulated health care costs. These are typically included in a wrongful death claim. The more detailed the medical bills are, the better, as a breakdown of costs will more fully illustrate the extent of the injury and its severity.

Funeral Expenses

The costs associated with funerals, memorials, and burials or cremations often come as a surprise to grieving family members. In a case of wrongful death, these costs can be one aspect of the damages pursued. However, claimants should make sure the expenses are within reason, and they should submit itemized bills for every funeral-related service or product purchased.

Lost Wages

wrongful deathIf the deceased had to miss work as a result of the injuries that led to their passing, survivors can seek compensation for the wages lost during that time. The matter of lost wages can have a significant impact on victims with minor children or adult dependent children. One way to establish this component is through the submission of timecards and paycheck stubs, which can illustrate the accident's impact on the victim's working life.

Pain & Suffering

Pain and suffering in a wrongful death case can be pursued from two angles. First, there is the distress the victim went through leading up to their passing; this can be substantiated through police reports or independent investigations of the scene. Second, there is the emotional trauma the victim's family endured because of the unexpected death of their loved one, which can often be established through the medical records of survivors who were treated by mental health professionals because of the loss.

If you've lost someone in a wrongful death incident, let Skinner & Associates, LLC, help you get the needed compensation and justice. Attorney Skinner has been practicing law since 1995, and he will handle the legal matters during this difficult time. Call (309) 343-9964 or visit him online to schedule a free consultation today.

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