Chicago Injury Attorney Blog

Film director Peter Berg is being sued for wrongful death. The director of “Hancock” and the “The Kingdom” was riding in a sport utility vehicle in Mesa, Arizona in August 2006, when the SUV crashed into another vehicle. Assistant prop master Nick Papac, who was working on the film “The Kingdom” at the time of the crash, was killed in the accident.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Papac’s parents, Michele Bell and Mike Papac. Also named as defendants in the wrongful death lawsuit are the driver of the SUV and a production company. Papac’s parents are asking for an unspecified amount of damages, including lost wages, medical costs, and funeral expenses.

Third Party Lawsuits
While you cannot sue a decedent’s employer for wrongful death if he or she was killed in a work-related accident, there may be third parties that can be held liable for the wrongful death accident. If your loved one was killed in a work-related accident in Illinois, an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine if anyone other than the employer caused the injury accident.

Workers’ Compensation
If your loved one died in a work-related accident in Illinois, you may be entitled to death benefits from the employer’s insurance company. Death benefits are usually paid to the decedent’s spouse and children. An Illinois workers’ compensation claim is not a personal injury lawsuit. A good Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer can make sure that you receive your benefits in a timely manner, especially if your employer’s insurer is denying or delaying your claim.

Availing of your recovery from third parties, in addition to collecting death benefits from your loved one’s employer can help you receive the financial resources that you need in the wake of your family member’s unexpected death—especially if he or she was a main source of financial support. It is also a way to hold the responsible parties liable for the wrongful death.

Hancock' director sued over death, CNN.com, August 8, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Illinois Wrongful Death Act, Illinois General Assembly