A wrongful death claim is a civil case that is brought by the survivors of a person who has been killed due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to seek compensation for the losses that the survivors have suffered as a result of the death, such as lost income, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. A Chicago wrongful death lawyer can play a crucial role in helping you navigate the claims process.
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When families in Chicago lose a loved one due to another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, they turn to Loizzi Law Offices for support, guidance, and a path toward accountability. Our team brings more than 70 years of legal experience, along with the insight gained from formerly representing defendants in civil court. When we take on a wrongful death case, we devote the time, resources, and focus needed to pursue meaningful results.
What sets our firm apart is our unwavering commitment to the people we represent. We understand that a wrongful death claim is not only about financial loss but also the emotional toll that follows a sudden and preventable tragedy. Our attorneys are forceful in their pursuit of justice while remaining compassionate and attentive to each family’s needs. Trust our trial-ready lawyers to go the extra mile to secure the justice you deserve. We offer free consultations.
To file a wrongful death claim, the survivors must first prove that the death was caused by the negligence or wrongful act of the defendant. This can be done by showing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, that the defendant breached that duty, that the breach of duty caused the death, and that the survivors have suffered damages as a result of the death.
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to seek compensation when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct. There are many situations where the negligent party could be both criminally culpable and civilly liable for a death. Both systems of justice are independent and can run concurrently.
The amount of compensation that the survivors can recover in a wrongful death claim will vary depending on the specific facts of the case. However, the survivors may be able to recover damages for lost income, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. It is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights.
Illinois sees devastating preventable deaths every year, from violent crime to construction hazards and roadway fatalities. These cases affect families across Chicago neighborhoods, including Englewood, Logan Square, and Rogers Park.
Construction also remains dangerous, with approximately 65% of worker fatalities tied to OSHA’s Focus Four hazards. On Illinois roads, 1,147 fatal crashes caused 1,268 deaths in 2022. When life-saving care at a major trauma center, such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E Huron St, is unable to prevent a loved one’s passing, families often turn to the civil justice system for answers.
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This individual is named in a will or appointed by the probate court. The claim is filed for the benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin, including children, parents, or other qualifying relatives. If no personal representative has been appointed yet, a family member can speak with a lawyer about being appointed.
If your family suffered the ultimate loss due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, your first step should be to hire a wrongful death lawyer. The state’s wrongful death laws create a pathway for holding the at-fault party accountable for the harm they cause. A Chicago wrongful death attorney can explain the legal process and your options moving forward.
An attorney’s support can play a key role in ensuring that you receive the compensation you are owed for both economic (tangible) and non-economic (intangible) damages. Pain and suffering are common non-economic damages that you can seek through a wrongful death claim.
If any obstacles arise during the process, your attorney can address those so they do not delay the compensation you are owed. Lawyers are skilled negotiators and litigators who care about the harm your family suffered and see that justice is served. From the start of your case until its resolution, having legal representation ensures that you receive the justice and accountability that you are owed.
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A: The wrongful death law in Illinois allows surviving loved ones and dependents to pursue compensation from the individual who caused the wrongful death. Any legal action follows the same steps as a personal injury claim. The plaintiffs represent the deceased’s estate and may pursue compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims are resolved through settlements or court verdicts.
A: The amount that you can claim for a wrongful death in Illinois depends on the financial and emotional harm your family endured due to the untimely death. Where surviving loved ones suffer significant emotional pain and face serious financial losses, they can claim significant damages by working with a wrongful death attorney who can negotiate with the negligent party or take direct legal action in court.
A: The grounds for a wrongful death claim are any situation where an individual or group’s negligence or wrongful acts caused or significantly contributed to someone else’s death. These cases can run concurrently with criminal charges. Any wrongful death claim requires compelling evidence to back up accusations of wrongdoing or negligence.
A: Under Illinois’ wrongful death law, the next of kin typically includes the surviving spouse and children. If the deceased had no spouse or children, the next of kin may be the parents or siblings. Illinois courts determine next of kin based on who would benefit from the wrongful death claim, focusing on the individuals who relied on the deceased for emotional or financial support.
Losing a loved one due to another party’s negligence can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. Families deserve answers, accountability, and support from a legal team that takes the time to understand what they are going through. When you work with Loizzi Law Offices, you draw on decades of collective experience handling complex wrongful death cases throughout Chicago.
We listen first, learn your concerns, and focus on building a case that reflects the full impact of your loss. Don’t place your financial future in the hands of untested counsel. Our attorneys have secured significant settlements and jury verdicts for the people we represent. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice and financial stability your family is owed.
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