Best Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys

When you have suffered the tragic loss of a family member, you want an attorney who will aggressively pursue justice for your loved one while treating you with compassion and respect.  Wrongful death claims are some of the most difficult and most painful of all civil cases, but we take pride in our ability to help families in their times of need. When you lose a loved one to someone else’s negligence, it can amount to a nearly insurmountable blow to your family. Although obtaining the monetary compensation to which you are entitled to (as dependent or next of kin) can’t bring your loved one back, it can help bring a sense of justice for your lost relative and allow you and your family to find a semblance of peace. If your loved one died as a result of someone else’s negligence, reach out to one of the best Chicago wrongful death attorneys today. 

Who May File?

In the State of Illinois, the surviving spouse of the person who has died as a result of someone else’s negligence (the decedent) and his or her children may file the wrongful death case. In the absence of these family members, other relatives of the decedent may file, including his or her parents or siblings. In Illinois, however, wrongful death claims are filed in the name of the decedent’s estate by a personal executor or representative of that estate (on behalf of the survivors). 

When Is a Death Considered a Wrongful Death?

If someone dies because of another person or entity’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, it likely qualifies as wrongful death. The most common precipitating events include:

• Traffic accidents
• Accidents on the job
• Accidents caused by dangerous products
• Accidents caused by hazardous property conditions
• Medical negligence

While the event that leads to your wrongful death claim can also lead to criminal charges (made by the state), this has no bearing on your right to file the wrongful death case.

What Damages May be Sought?

If you’ve lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s lack of care, you can seek compensation for all the following losses you’ve suffered: 

• The cost of your loved one’s funeral and burial
• The grief, suffering and mental anguish you experienced;
• The value of the financial support you’ve lost as a result of your loved one’s death
• The loss of inheritance (that you would have been entitled to if your loved one had lived to the age expected);
• The loss of your loved one’s companionship;
• The loss of your loved one’s parental guidance (for children of the decedent);
• Medical bills incurred by your loved one;
• Any pain and suffering experienced by your loved one prior to their death.

How Are Damages Distributed?

The damages awarded in Illinois wrongful death cases are distributed by the court among the decedent’s eligible survivors – in proportion to each survivor’s dependence on that lost loved one. There is, however, no prescribed calculation process, and the court has considerable discretion in the matter.  

Reach Out to One of Chicago’s Best Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing a loved one to someone else’s careless behavior is exceedingly difficult, but the intrepid wrongful death attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., proudly serving Chicago, have the experience and compassion to aggressively advocate for the compensation you and your family need to help you move past this tragedy (as best you can). We want to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information today.