Wrongful Death

A wrongful death claim arises when a person's death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another. These cases are among the most difficult a family will ever face, and our attorneys approach them with discretion, patience, and a focus on relieving the family of legal burden during an already painful time.

In Illinois, wrongful death claims are typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate, on behalf of surviving family members. Damages may include the loss of financial support, the loss of the deceased person's society and companionship, and grief and sorrow of the survivors. Each case requires careful documentation of the relationship and the financial contribution the deceased provided.

We work closely with the family to understand who the deceased person was — not just the financial figure they represented. Where appropriate, we retain economists and life-care planners to translate that loss into terms a court or insurer can evaluate. We also coordinate with the estate's representative, accountants, and any criminal proceedings that may be ongoing.

There is no timeline that fits every family, but Illinois imposes statutory deadlines on wrongful death claims. We encourage families to seek a consultation when they are ready, even if they are not certain they wish to pursue a claim. The conversation is confidential and carries no obligation.