Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys
Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers Help Families Recover
If you think you may have a wrongful death claim, you need an experienced Chicago wrongful death attorney to review your case and discuss your legal options. At Herbert Law Firm, we’re here to help. We have over 20 years representing clients on wrongful death lawsuits and have the knowledge, experience, and sensitivity to deal with the legalities of protecting your rights during your time of loss.
Our personal injury lawyers in Chicago help family members of deceased victims recover financial compensation in wrongful death claims. Whether your loved one lost his or her life in the line of duty, as a result of a catastrophic accident, or due to the negligent or intentional behavior of someone else, our Chicago wrongful death attorneys will be by your side throughout the entire wrongful death claims process to ensure that the responsible parties are held liable for your loss.
While no amount of money can take away the grief, pain and paralyzing sense of loss that accompanies the unexpected loss of a loved one, monetary compensation can help provide relief from medical bills, lost future wages and benefits, funeral expenses and other death-related costs. In some cases, our wrongful death attorneys may be able to recover compensation for additional damages like loss of companionship and consortium, pain and suffering, anguish and grief and even punitive damages.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois
Wrongful death lawsuits or claims are generally filed by spouses and next of kin of the decedent. While Illinois does not require surviving family members to pursue damages in wrongful death claims on behalf of the deceased’s estate, these lawsuits are often filed in conjunction with survival claims to recover damages suffered by the decedent prior to death.
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act states:
“Whenever the death of a person shall be caused by wrongful act, neglect or default, and the act, neglect or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, then and in every such case the person who or company or corporation which would have been liable if death had not ensued, shall be liable to an action for damages, notwithstanding the death of the person injured, and although the death shall have been caused under such circumstances as amount in law to felony. No action may be brought under this Act if the decedent had brought a cause of action with respect to the same underlying incident or occurrence which was settled or on which judgment was rendered.”
You May Be Able to Collect Both Economic and Noneconomic Damages
Surviving family members may be able to obtain compensation for a variety of types of damages.
- Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium is the loss of a familial relationship due to injury, or in this case, wrongful death. In Illinois, both husband and wife may recover compensation for loss of consortium. A loss of consortium action must be joined with the principal action - in this instance, the wrongful death claim.
- Economic Damages: Economic damages are monetary costs like loss of financial support, medical expenses, and funeral expenses.
- Noneconomic Damages: These include the loss of love, care, comfort, supervision, guidance, household assistance and general society.
- Personal Grief and Anguish: Surviving family members may also be compensated for their own personal grief and suffering.
The Chicago wrongful death attorneys at Herbert Law Firm will carefully evaluate every aspect of the incident that caused your loved one’s death to ensure that all responsible parties are held liable and that you receive appropriate compensation for your loss.
If someone else was responsible for the death of your loved one, call our personal injury lawyers today at 312-655-7660 to learn more about your legal options.
Request a free Legal Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Our law firm understands that those injured have unique losses and concerns. These can range from work restrictions, lost overtime and off-duty assignments, fitness-for-duty and safety concerns, injury aggravation from ordinary work duties, permanent injury, and loss of seniority, retirement, and other benefits. Below are common FAQ’s you may have in relation to personal injuries, car accidents and disciplinary hearings.
Our Related Services
Criminal/DUI
Our team is experienced with handling all types of criminal cases and our versatility has proven highly effective.
Family Law/Divorce
We aim to support families in resolving their own disputes. We ensure professional consultancy and result.
Disciplinary Hearings
Professional help with financial, commercial, tax disputes and other complex business issues.