There is no pain that can compare with losing a loved one forever. The death of a family member can leave some people uncertain of how to move forward. For those who lost loved ones to old age or a chronic illness, the pain is deep, but the underlying idea that this is part of the circle of life can act as a form of comfort to those who feel left behind. The loss of a family member or friend because of another person’s negligence can be nearly impossible to bear. You are likely wracked with anger and frustration, none of which can dull the immeasurable pain. In order to address such situations and hold people or companies accountable for their actions, Illinois law has recognized these tragedies and instilled legal consequences for those found guilty of wrongful death charges.

Holding Negligent Parties Responsible

If you have recently lost a loved one and you think someone may be to blame, you are likely wondering how you can hold that party accountable. The state of Illinois has named such tragedies “wrongful death.” If anyone loses their life as a result of another person’s wrongful act, neglect, or default, their death falls under this legal category. The person or company responsible for the death will be held liable through the payment of damages to the affected party. While financial compensation can never make up for the loss of a loved one, it is a way to hold the guilty party legally responsible. The negligent party will also have a felony charge added to his or her criminal record. Wrongful death can occur in a number of situations, with the most common being car accidents, medical malpractice, and unsafe workplaces.

Kelly Wenzel, wife of Robert Wenzel, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the rideshare company Lyft for compensation of more than one million dollars. One Saturday evening in April of 2016, Robert Wenzel was killed on his motorcycle by an illegally stopped car driven by a Lyft driver. The accident occurred on a generally busy road, where Wenzel's attorney says Wenzel crashed after a truck driving in front of him abruptly swerved to the left, revealing the Lyft driver in a Honda Civic who had stopped for its passengers. Wenzel then lost control of his motorcycle and hit the curb of the road, striking a wooden utility pole. 31-year-old Robert Wenzel was found dead at the scene.

Lyft spokesperson Alexandra LaManna released a short statement after the announcement of Wenzel's death saying, "Our heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones affected by the accident. We are available to assist the authorities in their investigation."

Wenzel's lawsuit points out the city's law on rideshare companies: “A driver operating as a rideshare driver may not stop, stand, park, load or unload passengers in a travel lane or in an officially designated bus stop.” Wenzel's lawyer says the wife did not file the lawsuit for money only, but to get answers to questions about of her husband's death and to find closure for her family, which she expects to find once the investigation on Lyft is completed.