Losing a loved one is always a tragic event. But it is especially tragic when the loss could have been prevented. Under Illinois law, the family of a wrongful death victim may be entitled to recover compensation from the person, doctor, hospital, or company responsible for the victim’s death.
An experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help you understand how to move forward with a wrongful death claim and handle your entire case for you in your time of need. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers take the time to understand our clients’ legal needs and provide them with compassionate legal representation. We will fight for justice on your behalf and help you obtain the financial compensation you are owed.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Chicago, please contact us at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Chicago, IL wrongful death attorney today. We can answer your questions and guide you through this difficult process while helping you recover the compensation that is due to you under Illinois law.
In this Article
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Chicago, Illinois?
In Chicago, wrongful death lawsuits are civil cases brought by the family or close relatives of a person who has died due to another’s negligent behavior or intentional act. The purpose of these claims in wrongful death actions is to seek financial compensation for the pain and suffering endured since the loss occurred. In order to recover benefits from a wrongful death action in Chicago, you will need an experienced attorney to represent your case and handle all legal proceedings. We can provide you with such representation and fight for justice on your behalf.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Chicago?
In Chicago, wrongful death claims may be brought by the immediate family members of the deceased victim. This includes their spouse, children, parents, and siblings. In addition to these family members, in some cases, extended family may also be able to recover financial compensation.
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act
According to the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/0.01, et al.), the “personal representative” of the deceased person is allowed to file wrongful death claims. If the person who passed away has a will that specifies who will manage their estate, then that person is known as the personal representative or executor. If a person who has passed away did not create a will or if their will is deemed invalid, the court will select an administrator. This administrator is usually someone with an interest in the matter like a surviving spouse or dependent.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers understand that no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. We are here to help you through this difficult time and fight for justice so you receive full and fair compensation for your losses under Illinois law.
Get In Touch Today
Contact us today at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers if you have lost a loved one in an accident in Chicago, IL. We can help you understand your rights under the law and provide compassionate legal representation throughout the entire process. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are here to help you get the compensation that is due to you under Illinois law. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Chicago
Common causes of wrongful death in Chicago include:
Motor vehicle accidents: automobile, trucking, motorcycle, train, or bus accidents
Medical malpractice: prescription errors, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, birth injury deaths, and more
Workplace accidents and injuries: construction site accidents
Nursing home abuse and neglect
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers has represented the families of those who were wrongfully killed in Chicago for decades. We understand that no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one but we will work to obtain justice on your behalf and make sure you receive full compensation for your losses. Call today to speak with a Chicago wrongful death attorney.
How Do You Know if You Have a Wrongful Death Case?
Wrongful death refers to a situation where someone’s fatal injury was caused by another person—either intentionally or unintentionally. You may have a wrongful death case if you can prove that someone’s negligence or act of violence led to your loved one’s passing.
If you are a surviving spouse or family member seeking representation from our Chicago lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, we will work hard to prove how the wrongful death occurred:
Duty of Care
This means that someone owed your loved one a duty to act reasonably, responsibly, and safely. So, for example, if they were in a vehicle, this means the other party should have obeyed the rules of the road. If the other party was a subcontractor managing a construction site, this means they should have offered safe equipment and other safety measures.
Breach of Duty of Care
The negligent party took some action (or inaction) that neglected their duty of care. On the road, in car accidents, this could mean speeding, drunk driving, or improper maneuvers. In an accident at a worksite, this could mean that work equipment was improperly maintained or manufactured.
Causation
We will have to prove that the other party’s negligence directly caused your loved one’s accident and fatal injuries. If during your wrongful death lawsuit the other party claims that your loved one was responsible for their own personal injury or there was some other cause, we will work to counter those claims with evidence.
Losses
Evidence will also be needed to show that your loved one’s passing has caused you financial and/or non-financial losses. This is an important part of wrongful death claims as this will help determine what will be fair financial compensation for you.
Get Help from a Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer
There are a lot of moving parts involved in wrongful death lawsuits. All of this can be challenging to handle if you are grieving a loss. Let us handle your case so you don’t have to interact with the evidence of your loved one’s wrongful death claim and navigate any potential disputes to your wrongful death suit. An experienced Chicago wrongful death attorney from our law firm can take care of all these legal details for you.
What Are the Steps Involved in a Wrongful Death Case?
Our legal team will typically begin your case as an insurance claim. Then, we could proceed with a wrongful death lawsuit if necessary. This process typically involves the following:
Gathering Evidence of Your Losses and Liability
We will build compelling evidence to show who was liable for your loved one’s passing—and that they owe you full, fair compensation that reflects the extent of your losses.
Calculating the Value of Your Case
The losses involved in a wrongful death claim can be substantial. We will thoroughly assess how the death of your loved one has affected your finances and your life. We can then make our demand to an insurance company.
Negotiating with an Insurance Company
Going back and forth with the liable party’s representatives could produce appropriate compensation—or we may need to file a wrongful death suit to seek the damages you deserve.
Taking Your Case to Court, If Needed
We won’t hesitate to prepare your case for court trial if an insurer can’t agree to a settlement offer. We will represent your best interests and prepare you for this stage of the process.
Advising You on Your Legal Options
Pursuing an insurance claim may be a faster route, and you may not wish to proceed with a court case under the circumstances of a loved one’s death. We can advise you on how to move forward based on your own preferences and best interests.
Even though we will be handling the negotiations for you, it is your right to determine when in the process you would like to accept a settlement offer. We listen carefully to all of our personal injury clients and make sure that your wishes are carried out.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover?
If you are a close surviving spouse or family member, you could seek compensation for both the clear financial losses you are now facing and the more intangible losses that reflect your grief.
Example Compensation for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In wrongful death cases, a Chicago wrongful death attorney could pursue recovery for damages such as:
Medical care needed by your loved one
Funeral and burial costs
Mental anguish
Loss of companionship
When you work with the Chicago wrongful death attorneys from our law firm, we can tell you more about what damages you qualify to seek compensation for. Calculating the value of a wrongful death claim can be especially complicated, but we have the experience to identify what fair compensation looks like in these cases.
What Can Our Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers Do for You?
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can handle every aspect of your wrongful death case. From proving negligence to negotiations with the various insurance companies involved, we will take care of your wrongful death lawsuit while you deal with grieving.
Our team is proud to offer the following services in addition to those described above:
Free case review: This free call can help you understand your legal options and how we will go about representing your case. Our wrongful death attorneys can answer all your questions about what happens when you file a wrongful death claim.
Regular updates and communication. We take pride in our responsiveness to our clients and will keep you updated through every step of your case.
Representation with no upfront fees. Because we work based on contingency fees, you do not owe us anything unless and until we win your case. You don’t have to worry about how you will afford legal help when you work with our team.
There is no financial risk to get started. Take advantage of your free case review and learn how our wrongful death lawyers in Chicago can help you today.
Past Results for Our Clients
We also want our potential clients to know that they are choosing a team that has a track record of successful results. In one situation, we won $3 million on behalf of family members facing the loss of a loved one hit by a garbage truck.
In another case, we won $7.5 million in a construction site personal injury claims case, which was at the time the highest award for an accident of this type in DuPage County.
We will work hard to seek every available dollar in wrongful death claims.
The Statute of Limitations Restricts the Amount of Time You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
We know that it can be challenging to move forward with any injury case, let alone a situation where you are grieving a loss. However, keep in mind that your legal options are not available indefinitely.
Surviving Family Members Have a Two Year Limit
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit is typically two years, although there are some exceptions, per the Illinois Wrongful Death Act 740 ILCS 180/2. It is important to take legal action, if you feel you’ve lost a loved one wrongfully.
We recommend that getting started as soon as you can, as this can help a legal team build the strongest case possible for wrongful death victims.
Our Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers Are Here for You in Your Time of Loss
During this difficult time, our experienced and compassionate Chicago wrongful death lawyers will guide you through your options with patience and competence. We are committed to fighting for the compensation families deserve.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers now for a free consultation or to get started on your wrongful death personal injury claim now.
Call Today, For Free
Call us for your totally free consultation and The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers will provide a no obligation evaluation of your wrongful death claim. Our team of personal injury lawyers are ready to answer all your questions about Illinois wrongful death cases. We are here to listen to you during this difficult time and will help you seek justice for your loved one’s death.
What You Get In a Free Consultation with a Wrongful Death Lawyer
Here is what our Chicago wrongful death attorneys will cover in the call:
We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
We identify the compensation you and other surviving family members may be eligible for.
We evaluate the existence of available insurance coverage.
We will give you an estimate of how long the case will take to complete.
We will listen to you and answer your questions about wrongful deaths.
No Cost and No Obligation to Have Your Questions Answered
There is no obligation. There is no cost. There is no reason not to call and speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney to find out what monetary damages you may be eligible for when wrongful death occurs.
Call today to find out what your case may be worth.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident in Chicago, please contact us at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today.
(312) 223-1700 