Wrongful Death

Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers

Helping You on the Road to Recovery

The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person will ever endure. When the loss of life is caused by the negligence of another party, the flood of emotions can be overwhelming. Along with grief, there’s also often a sense of frustration and anger. The attorneys at Jeffrey M. Goldberg Law Offices can help your family hold the people responsible for your loved one’s death accountable for their actions. We have over 45 years of experience handling complicated wrongful death cases in Illinois. Our team uses the knowledge and experience we’ve developed over the years to uncover fundamental details other lawyers may overlook. We know what evidence to look for, what questions to ask, and how to transform that information into a strong legal case.

To learn more about how we can help you recover, call the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Jeffrey M. Goldberg Law Offices. 312-236-4146.

Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?

A wrongful death claim may be filed by someone seriously affected, normally the deceased person’s spouse, child, or parent. If the deceased person passed away without appointing a personal representative, a representative may be appointed by the court.

Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

If your loved one passed away because of the negligence or intentional act of someone else, we can help you recover compensation to ease some of the financial burdens that accompany such a loss. Damages in a wrongful death case are generally categorized into one of three groups.

Economic Damages
These are compensatory damages that can be objectively measured. Some of the economic damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death case include the deceased’s future lost wages, medical bills, burial costs, and loss of benefits such as insurance.

Non-Economic Damages
Subjective non-financial losses are commonly referred to as “non-economic damages” and may include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, grief, sorrow, and emotional trauma of the surviving family members.

Survival Damages
There may also be a claim for damages that occurred prior to the death, including the decedent’s pain and suffering and medical bills. This is known as a Survival cause of action, and it is often filed in conjunction with a wrongful death claim.

Our wrongful death attorneys understand that your case is about more than just money, however. It’s about holding people responsible for their actions. It’s about making sure such mistakes never happen again. It’s about justice. We’re here for your family when you need us most.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Illinois

Wrongful death cases can arise in a variety of situations. Some of the most common include:

Proving a Wrongful Death Case in Illinois

If the fatal incident is based upon the legal concept of negligence, you must prove:

  1. The responsible party had a duty to the victims to exercise reasonable caution.
  2. The wrongdoer breached the legal duty through carelessness or recklessness.
  3. The breach of duty caused the death of your loved one.
  4. The victim’s death caused you to suffer losses.

Wrongful Death FAQ

Is an autopsy necessary in a wrongful death case?

While an autopsy is not legally required when filing a wrongful death claim, it may be factually necessary to prove what caused your loved one’s death.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

In most cases, you have just two years from the date your loved one passed away to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois. Waiting until the deadline approaches to contact a wrongful death lawyer is not recommended, however. The sooner our attorneys can begin working on your case, the better.