Rockford Wrongful Death Attorney

Attorney Gary Newland has been incredible to work with. Ultra responsive, caring, and a master of his craft! He puts the time and effort into making the most of your case and is compassionate throughout the whole experience.

No amount of money can bring back a loved one who has died too soon. But when a person's death was caused by someone else's negligence or recklessness, their family members may take steps to obtain financial compensation and achieve some measure of justice. A wrongful death claim cannot undo the loss, but it can help a family cover the costs involved in a person's death, maintain financial stability in the future, and ensure that the person responsible for the death will be held accountable for the harm they have caused.

Newland & Newland, LLP represents grieving families in Rockford who have lost loved ones because of the negligence of others. Our attorneys approach every wrongful death case with compassion and sensitivity, and we are committed to helping find justice for victims who have been wrongfully killed. We will handle the legal burdens involved in these cases so families can focus on getting through one of the most painful experiences of their lives.

Situations That May Lead to Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful deaths may occur in a wide range of circumstances, including:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents, truck crashes, and motorcycle collisions can result in fatal injuries. When a driver causes a fatal accident because they were speeding, driving while impaired, running a red light, texting while driving, or acting carelessly or recklessly in other ways, they may be held liable for their negligence. In fatal accidents involving commercial trucks, other parties may also be held liable, such as a trucking company or maintenance provider.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Fatal injuries can occur in pedestrian or bicycle accidents when drivers fail to protect the safety of people walking or riding on or near the roads. In these cases, victims may have no protection against the impact of a vehicle, and fatalities can occur when people drive while distracted, violate speed limits, or get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Medical Malpractice

When a healthcare provider fails to provide the proper care, and their negligence results in a patient's death, the victim's surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim based on medical malpractice. Surgical errors, failure to diagnose a serious condition such as cancer, medication errors, anesthesia errors, and birth injuries are all examples of situations in which wrongful deaths may be addressed through medical malpractice claims.

Premises Liability

When a property owner's failure to maintain safe conditions results in a fatal accident, they may be held liable through a wrongful death claim. Premises liability cases involving fatal injuries may include slip and fall accidents, drowning accidents in improperly maintained swimming pools, collapsing balconies, or fatal assault take place in locations with inadequate security.

Defective Products

When a dangerous product causes a consumer's death, the manufacturer or others in the supply chain may be held liable. Product liability cases may address deaths that occurred due to defective auto parts like seat belts or airbags, defective medical devices, or malfunctioning tools or appliances.

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Older adults who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities may be placed at risk if they do not receive the proper care or if they experience intentional abuse. Nursing home abuse or neglect may lead to fall injuries, malnutrition and dehydration, medication errors, wandering and elopement, or other issues that could result in the death of a resident.

Why Families Pursue Wrongful Death Claims

Family members who have lost a loved one because of someone's negligence may pursue wrongful death claims for multiple deeply personal reasons. While the outcome will never be able to fill the void left by a person's death, a wrongful death claim may serve several important purposes.

Accountability matters for many families of people who have been wrongfully killed. When someone's careless or reckless behavior has resulted in a tragedy, a family may take steps to ensure that the responsible party will face consequences. A wrongful death claim can hold a person, company, or other party accountable for the harm done to a victim and their family.

Financial security may also be a pressing concern for many families after a person's wrongful death. When the person who died was one of the primary sources of income for a family, the loss of that income can threaten their ability to meet their basic needs. They may struggle to pay a mortgage, cover children's educational expenses, pay for ongoing expenses like groceries and utilities, and plan for the future. A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for a family's losses, helping them maintain a stable financial situation as they recover from tragedy.

Prevention and deterrence may also be reasons to pursue wrongful death claims. When a company faces financial consequences for releasing dangerous products, or when a person is held responsible for negligent behavior, they and others will have an incentive to prevent similar situations from happening in the future. A family may find solace by helping to ensure that the same type of tragedy will not affect others.

Finally, the legal process itself can provide a measure of closure. Gaining answers about why a person was killed and making sure the responsible parties are held accountable can help a family put the situation behind them and begin healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Cases in Rockford

Contact Our Rockford, Illinois Wrongful Death Attorneys

When you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, the attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP are ready to stand with you and provide you with compassionate legal help. We will fight to pursue justice and accountability for your family. To schedule a free consultation and speak with a member of our legal team about your case, contact our Rockford wrongful death claim lawyers at 847-797-8000. There is no charge for an initial consultation, and you will not owe any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family.