Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys
No matter how much time goes by after the death of a loved one, the pain and grief never fully go away. But when that person is suddenly and senselessly taken away from you by someone else’s careless, reckless, or negligent acts, that pain is compounded by anger and questions about how to hold that person responsible for your loss.
At Hammond Law LLC, we recognize that we can never fully grasp the depth of your grief. We know that no amount of money can replace a spouse, parent, child, or other family member. But as experienced Chicagoland wrongful death attorneys, we can help you through this painful time by listening to your story, answering your questions, and fighting for accountability and justice for your loved one’s death. We will use our experience, compassion, and commitment to get you the compensation that can help you move forward with your life after such a tragedy.
What Makes a Death “Wrongful” in Illinois?
A “wrongful death” under Illinois law is one caused by “a wrongful act, neglect or default.” This can include everything from negligence to intentional acts. Common examples of wrongful death cases include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slips and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Criminal acts
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products, medications, or medical devices
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Your deceased loved one cannot file a lawsuit to recover damages for their own pain and suffering, loss of future earnings, and other losses arising from their death. That is why the Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows certain family members to file a lawsuit on their loved one’s behalf to obtain such damages along with compensation for their own losses.
However, not every bereaved family member can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois. Surviving spouses and children can seek wrongful death damages, as can parents or siblings if the individual died without a surviving spouse or children.
Time is a critical factor if you are considering pursuing a wrongful death claim, as the statute of limitations for Illinois wrongful death lawsuits arising from a fatal injury is two years after the date of death.
If an eligible family member or the decedent’s personal representative fails to file a wrongful death lawsuit within that time, they will lose all rights to seek compensation against the party responsible for their loved one’s death. That is one reason why it is so important to meet with an experienced Chicagoland wrongful death lawyer as soon as you feel able to do so after your loss.
Wrongful Death Damages
Damages recoverable in an Illinois wrongful death lawsuit include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering between the time of the victim’s injury and their death
- Survivors’ pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Economic losses caused by the death, such as loss of future income
- Loss of consortium and society
Compassionate, Committed Representation During a Difficult Time
No amount of compensation will bring back a loved one, and the legal system is not capable of restoring your life to the way it was before their death. But a successful wrongful death action may be the only way to hold the wrongdoer accountable, send a clear message to prevent further tragedies, and help your family get the financial resources you need.
Hammond Law has helped many families work through the unspeakable tragedy of losing a loved one. If you have suffered such a loss, please contact us today. We are available for a risk-free consultation, and there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.