Respected. Responsive. Relentless.
Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure, and the thought of pursuing a wrongful death claim on behalf of the victim can feel overwhelming during such a difficult time.
At DJC Law, our Chicago wrongful death attorneys know that losing someone you love is one of the hardest things a family can go through. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, answer your questions, and help you understand your options so you can focus on healing instead of the legal stress. Our goal is to make this process as clear and manageable as possible while fighting to get your family the justice and compensation you deserve.
Reach out to our trusted law firm today for a free, confidential consultation—we’re here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way. Call (312) 442-5555 today.
Why Choose DJC Law to Help You?
Our team digs into every detail of the case. Whether a loved one’s death was caused by a careless driver, a medical error, or a defective product, we make sure nothing is overlooked. We gather evidence, talk to witnesses, review records, and handle all the hard work so your family doesn’t have to. And if the case goes to court, we’ll be right there to stand up for you and make sure your side is fully heard.
Our Chicago personal injury law firm is made up of lawyers specializing in wrongful death cases who can provide much-needed advice for clients hoping to recover emotional and monetary damages for the loss of someone close to them. We understand the complexity of each individual case and will work one-on-one with clients to ensure that they receive the damages they are entitled to.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death happens when someone loses their life due to the negligence, recklessness, or misconduct of another person or entity. This can involve a wide range of incidents, including car accidents, medical mistakes, or dangerous product defects.
For families, the emotional and financial impact can be overwhelming. At DJC Law, our wrongful death lawyers help surviving family members file claims to secure fair compensation for their losses. We’re here to guide you through this difficult process with compassion and expertise.
Examples of How Wrongful Death Cases Can Occur
A wrongful death can result from many types of incidents caused by misconduct or negligence. These can include:
- Bicycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Dangerous and defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Nursing home negligence
- Slips and falls
- Truck accidents
This is not an exhaustive list. If your situation isn’t listed here, reach out—we’re here to help you explore your legal options.
Illinois Wrongful Death Act
When a death results from a risk that could have been avoided, the law offers a path forward for grieving families.
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members can pursue damages for the emotional and financial losses they suffer due to the untimely death of their loved one. These damages are typically intended for surviving spouses, children, parents, and other family members who depended on the deceased for support, companionship, and guidance.
Illinois Survival Act
The Illinois Survival Act allows the estate of the deceased to recover damages that the deceased could have pursued if they had survived. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to passing.
Together, these two acts enable families to seek comprehensive justice for both their own losses and the suffering their loved one endured. Our attorneys can help you navigate these laws, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
Potential Damages in a Chicago Wrongful Death Case
We know that no amount of money can ever replace a loved one. Still, the compensation from a wrongful death claim can help ease some of the financial stress—like medical bills, funeral costs, or lost income—and let your family focus on healing. Typically, the payments go first to the spouse, then to children, and finally to any other dependents, making sure that those who relied on your loved one are taken care of.
You and your attorney may pursue compensation for:
Economic damages:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Lost income, benefits, and future earning potential
Non-economic damages:
- Loss of companionship or support
- Guidance, moral training, or instruction the deceased would have provided
- Mental anguish, grief, and sorrow
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?
The responsibility for filing a wrongful death claim falls to the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. If no representative is appointed, the court can assign one. This person not only pursues the claim but manages estate-related matters. Damages, if awarded, go to survivors as well as the estate, typically starting with the spouse and then children or other dependents.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Every case is different, so there’s no set amount for wrongful death claims in Chicago. Factors that affect the case value include:
- Age and health of the deceased
- Occupation and earning potential
- Household contributions and services
- Extent of suffering endured by survivors
- Number of dependents
Insurance companies may offer a settlement, but it’s often lower than it should be. That’s why a skilled wrongful death lawyer is crucial.
Illinois Statute of Limitations
In general, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois (740 ILCS 180/0.01).
Exceptions include:
- Violent crimes: five years from the date of death
- Cases linked to ongoing criminal proceedings: civil claims may be filed within one year after the criminal case concludes
How to Prove a Wrongful Death Claim
Proving a claim can be complex. A Chicago wrongful death attorney will:
- Investigate the incident fully
- Gather evidence and witness statements
- Show that negligence caused the death
- Calculate losses for survivors and the estate
The four key elements of negligence:
- Duty of care existed
- Duty was breached
- Breach caused death
- Compensable losses occurred
How DJC Law Can Help
Chicago wrongful death claims can be complicated. At DJC Law, we take care of everything so families don’t have to. We:
- Review facts and outline the best next steps
- Investigate thoroughly to gather evidence
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate settlements or file claims in civil court
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
With years of experience handling wrongful death cases in Chicago, we know how to get results. We work hard to negotiate fair settlements, and if a trial is needed, we’re ready to take the case all the way. Our goal is to make sure families get the justice they deserve and the support they need during a difficult time.
Tips for Families After a Wrongful Death
- Keep a journal of expenses and missed work
- Save medical receipts and documents
- Document emotional impact and caregiving needs
- Avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance
- Request official records (police, medical, etc.) promptly
Contact Our Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
At DJC Law, we proudly serve Illinois families by holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the compensation victims deserve. We handle every part of the claims process—from collecting evidence and police reports to negotiating settlements or going to trial if needed.
With decades of experience, we know how to pursue settlements for wrongful death cases in Chicago and help families get justice. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, call (312) 442-5555 today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help you get the closure and support your family deserves.
