Democrats move to allow punitive damages in wrongful death suits

By Hannah Meisel Capitol News Illinois

Posted May 19, 2023 10:41 AM

Updated May 19, 2023 3:17 PM

SPRINGFIELD — Democrats in the General Assembly this week lined up to push a measure that would allow state courts to award punitive damages in wrongful death lawsuits — a departure from the status quo for more than a century in Illinois.Illinois is one of 16 states that does not allow for the recovery of punitive damages in wrongful death cases, though the state does allow for plaintiffs in personal injury cases to seek punitive damages.“It's only when the plaintiff has died from his or her injuries …

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