Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Chicago

When a loved one has lost their life to a negligent or reckless act of another, we are not just legal counsel.  We will treat you with compassion and humility, and provide sound advice or even a shoulder to cry on. Even when you’re not in the grieving process, determining whether you have a valid legal claim is difficult enough.  We strive to put our clients first, and help them through the difficult times in their lives, while aggressively investigating legal solutions behind the scenes.  We have helped people who have lost parents, siblings, and children.  While our work can never bring them back, you can at least rest assured you have done everything to bring justice in their name.  The best wrongful death lawyers in Chicago can help you determine this and compassionately guide you through a wrongful death claim. You can seek justice on behalf of your loved one, have time to grieve, and help settle their affairs with a trusted attorney on your side.

Should You File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Illinois law, if a death is caused by another individual’s wrongful act, neglect, or default, a wrongful death claim can be filed. If the deceased person could have filed a personal injury claim had they lived, then a representative can file a survival action claim on their behalf.

Keep in mind that even if the person who caused the death of your loved one is facing criminal charges, you can still file a civil wrongful death lawsuit. These are two separate cases in different courts with different potential consequences. In criminal court, the defendant could end up with fines and jail time, whereas in civil court, they, or their employer, could owe you compensation for the death of your loved one.

Speaking with the best Chicago wrongful death attorneys about the circumstances of your loved one’s death is usually the best approach to determine if further action is warranted.

Damages for Wrongful Death

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim’s family or personal representative can seek compensation for different types of damages. These include:

• Hospital, medical, and surgical services incurred before their death as a result of the defendant’s actions
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Reimbursement for the personal representative for the estate administration and other duties
• Grief
• Sorrow
• Mental suffering by the surviving spouse and any next of kin
• Wages and financial assistance that the deceased could have been expected to contribute to his surviving family members.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Just like personal injury lawsuits must be filed within a specified amount of time, wrongful death lawsuits must be done so as well. Generally, they must be filed within two years of the date of death.

Lawsuits not filed within the legally mandated time limit are no longer actionable. This could be devastating to a grieving family. The main benefits of hiring the best wrongful death lawyers in Chicago as soon as possible is that they will investigate the facts of your case and ensure your claim is filed before the statutory deadline.  Sometimes, field investigations or vehicle inspections are necessary, and these must be performed before evidence is destroyed or altered.  Even though the pain might be fresh, it is important to let the attorneys begin investigating the claim while the evidence is still available.

You Need the Best Wrongful Death Lawyers in Chicago

After the death of a loved one, you need the best wrongful death lawyers in Chicago. You will find them at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. They can help you understand the laws governing your loved one’s death, inform you of your rights, and help you pursue justice. To schedule a no-obligation case review and get your claim started, contact us today.