Orland Park Wrongful Death Attorney

Suffering the horrible loss of a beloved family member is an unimaginable event that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those left behind. When that loss results from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, a sense of injustice and the need for answers often compounds the grief.

Wrongful death cases are particularly challenging, not just because of the legal complexities involved but also because they require navigating a deeply emotional terrain. Having the right Wrongful death attorney in Orland Park is important for achieving closure and justice. That guidance is precisely what you’ll receive from Michael J. Brennan. He’s ready to put his more than 30 years of experience in similar cases to work for you and your family.

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• The Emotional Toll of Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
• Michael J. Brennan – A Compassionate, Effective Orland Park Wrongful Death Attorney
• The Complexity of Proving Negligence
• The Financial Impact on Surviving Family Members
• How Insurance Companies Impact Wrongful Death Claims
• Building a Strong Case Through a Thorough Investigation
• Different Types of Experts That Can Help You Obtain Compensation Through a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Call an Experienced Orland Park Attorney Today To Seek Justice and Closure in a Wrongful Death Case
  

The Emotional Toll of Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim

One of the most profound challenges in wrongful death cases is the emotional burden placed on the surviving family members. The grief of losing a loved one is intense, and the process of pursuing a legal claim can feel overwhelming. Unlike other legal cases, wrongful death claims force families to relive the trauma of their loss, as they must recount the details of their loved one’s death in depositions, court hearings, and potentially in front of a jury.

The emotional toll can be even more pronounced in places like Orland Park, where the community is closely knit. The loss of a community member often reverberates through the town, affecting the immediate family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. This shared grief can make it difficult for families to navigate the legal process.

To make matters more challenging, wrongful death claims often require families to confront the very individuals or entities responsible for their loved one’s death. This can be emotionally taxing, as it forces them to face the people who caused their pain.

However, families often pursue wrongful death lawsuits despite these and other challenges. It’s not just about seeking financial compensation; it’s about holding those responsible accountable and finding a sense of justice amid overwhelming grief.

Michael J. Brennan – A Compassionate, Effective Orland Park Wrongful Death Attorney

Learning that a family member passed away due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure. In such times, navigating the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming. This is why having a compassionate, effective Orland Park wrongful death lawyer is crucial.

Michael J. Brennan is that attorney. He understands the emotional turmoil you’re experiencing and approaches your case with empathy and sensitivity. Michael will listen to your concerns, respect your grieving process, and support you during this difficult time. This compassionate approach helps create a trusting relationship, allowing you to focus on healing while your Orland Park wrongful death attorney handles the legal aspects.

Michael combines this compassion with the determination and skill to pursue justice on your behalf. When you turn to Michael, he’ll be dedicated to thoroughly investigating your case, gathering evidence, and building a strong argument to hold the responsible parties accountable. He’ll protect your rights and do everything he can to help you receive the compensation necessary to secure your family’s future.

When you turn to Michael J. Brennan, he’ll seek justice for your loved one and provide the support and guidance you need to navigate this challenging chapter in your life.

You can visit Michael at his office at 16521 S 106th Ct, just east of the Children’s Wellness Center. To schedule a free case evaluation, please call (708) 460-9300.

The Complexity of Proving Negligence

In wrongful death cases, proving negligence is critical to the claim. However, this isn’t always straightforward. The burden of proof lies with the surviving family members, who must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions directly led to their loved one’s death. This requires gathering and presenting evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Wrongful death cases can be particularly complex due to the diversity of potential scenarios. Whether the death occurred as a result of a car accident, medical malpractice, a workplace incident, or another form of negligence, each case presents its own unique set of challenges.

For example, in medical malpractice cases, an Orland Park wrongful death lawyer must be familiar with medical procedures and standards of care. A lawyer will often call on medical professionals to establish that negligence occurred.

In addition, the legal standards for proving negligence can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Sometimes, your lawyer may have to prove gross negligence, which involves a higher standard of proof than ordinary negligence.

This adds another layer of complexity, as your Orland Park wrongful death attorney must not only demonstrate that the defendant was negligent but that their actions were particularly reckless or egregious. However, Michael J. Brennan is up to the task. He has more than 30 years of experience helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve.

The Financial Impact on Surviving Family Members

The financial implications can be as devastating as the emotional impacts, particularly in wrongful death cases. For surviving family members, life’s abrupt end often comes with unexpected and overwhelming financial burdens. These challenges are magnified when the deceased was the primary breadwinner, leaving the family not only to grapple with their grief but also to navigate an uncertain financial future.

Families must often face many expenses that they may not be prepared for. Funeral and burial costs can be substantial, often costing thousands of dollars. On top of these expenses, there may be outstanding medical bills from the deceased’s final days, which can add significant financial strain, especially if the death resulted from a prolonged illness or injury.

The sudden loss of income from the primary earner can quickly jeopardize a family’s financial stability. Without that income, families may struggle to cover everyday expenses such as mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and education costs for children. This strain can quickly spiral into a situation where the family faces the threat of losing their home, depleting their savings, or accruing significant debt.

Difficult Decisions to Make

This financial pressure often forces surviving family members to make difficult decisions about how to proceed with their wrongful death claim.

On one hand, there may be an urge to settle quickly, even if the settlement amount is far less than what the family is entitled to. The immediate availability of funds can provide relief, allowing the family to address pressing financial needs. However, quick settlements often come with a significant downside: they may not fully account for the long-term financial impact of the loss, leaving the family vulnerable in the future.

On the other hand, pursuing a fair settlement or taking the case to trial can be a lengthy and emotionally exhausting process. This path requires patience and resilience, as the legal process of wrongful death claim can take months or years. During this time, the financial strain continues to mount, and the uncertainty of the outcome can add to the emotional burden the family is already carrying.

However, a fair settlement or favorable verdict can provide the financial resources needed to secure the family’s future, covering lost income, medical expenses, funeral costs, and even non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Orland Park wrongful death lawyer Michael J. Brennan will consider all the above factors when recommending whether you should accept a settlement offer. He’ll work tirelessly to compel the at-fault party’s insurance company to give you every dollar you have coming.

How Insurance Companies Impact Wrongful Death Claims

Insurance companies play a significant role in wrongful death claims, often acting as the primary source of compensation for surviving family members. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as their primary goal is to minimize payouts. This can lead to disputes over the claim’s value, coverage extent, and policy language interpretation.

These companies have experienced adjusters and legal teams who protect their interests, which can disadvantage families if they aren’t fully informed about their rights and options.

Moreover, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or downplay the severity of the negligence involved in the case. This can make it difficult for families to obtain the compensation they deserve, particularly if they are not familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce payouts. In some cases, insurance companies may offer quick settlements that seem attractive in the short term but far less than the family is entitled to.

Michael J. Brennan Knows How to Handle Insurance Companies

Large insurance companies don’t intimidate Michael J. Brennan. Nor do their high-priced legal teams. Michael will have the facts on his side when negotiating with an insurer and back those facts with hard evidence. Once the insurer knows Michael is your Orland Park wrongful death attorney, they’ll be more likely to offer a fair settlement.

Different Types of Experts That Can Help You Obtain Compensation Through a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the testimony and analysis provided by expert witnesses can be key in establishing liability and calculating the full extent of the damages owed to the surviving family members. These experts bring specialized knowledge that can clarify complex issues, support claims, and ultimately help secure the compensation you deserve. Here are a few examples of experts who might help your case.

Medical Experts

Medical experts are often essential in wrongful death cases, especially when the death results from medical malpractice or injuries sustained in an accident. These professionals can provide detailed explanations of the medical cause of death, the standard of care medical personnel should have provided, and how the defendant’s actions (or inactions) directly led to the fatality. Their testimony can be pivotal in proving negligence and establishing a clear link between the defendant’s conduct and the death.

Accident Reconstruction Specialists

In cases where the wrongful death results from an accident, such as a car crash or workplace incident, accident reconstruction specialists can play a vital role. These experts analyze evidence from the scene, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements, to recreate the events leading up to the accident. Their findings can help determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.

Economists and Financial Experts

Economists and financial experts are key to calculating the financial losses resulting from a wrongful death. They assess the deceased’s earning potential, the value of lost benefits, and other economic contributions the deceased would have provided to their family. These experts help quantify the full financial impact of the loss, which is critical for determining the appropriate amount of compensation.

Each expert contributes valuable insights that can strengthen your case and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Call an Experienced Orland Park Attorney Today To Seek Justice and Closure in a Wrongful Death Case

Orland Park personal injury attorney Michael J. Brennan understands the unique challenges these cases pose. He approaches them with a thoughtful and strategic approach, working to help the surviving family members achieve justice and closure.

By taking a comprehensive and empathetic approach to wrongful death cases, Michael provides grieving families in Orland Park with the support they need to deal with the legal process and move forward with their lives. You can schedule a free consultation by contacting Michael online or calling (708) 460-9300.

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Michael J. Brennan Accident & Injury Lawyer – Orland Park Office

16521 S 106th Ct
Orland Park, IL 60467
P: (708) 809-2211