If your loved one died in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a Chicago wrongful death lawyer from JJ Legal immediately. You deserve the chance to pursue the money you and your family need to cover expenses related to your relative’s death. Someone else or defendant’s negligence and actions caused your loved one to die, and that person should suffer the consequences. You should not be financially responsible for funeral bills, medical expenses, and other costs when your family member wasn’t at fault for the accident. You might be entitled to compensation for your losses. We could represent you in your case and help you recover compensation if you hold the at-fault party liable. You can count on our legal team to fight for you and seek the justice you deserve. If you’re facing the aftermath of a loved one’s untimely death, know that our Chicago wrongful death lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Death Claims in Illinois
Illinois law recognizes the profound loss families endure in wrongful death cases. Our experienced attorneys in Chicago are well-versed in state laws, including the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, ensuring your case is handled with precision and care. The process typically involves investigation, insurance claims, negotiation, and, if necessary, court trials. We guide our clients through each stage, from collecting evidence and filing claims to negotiating settlements or representing you in court. Part of navigating wrongful death claims may involve filing a wrongful death suit.
For cases like brain injury or car accidents leading to wrongful death, there are specific types of cases we handle, including Illinois wrongful death cases. This is vital for creating a network of support and information for families experiencing similar tragedies, showcasing our extensive experience with such cases throughout Illinois.
Why Choose JJ Legal?
At JJ Legal, our Chicago wrongful death lawyers always provide skillful, dependable legal representation for wrongful death victims and their family members. We will focus our time and attention on every detail of the accident and gather evidence to prove fault. We know how to negotiate settlements with insurance companies and battle it out in court. You will be our top priority from start to finish of the legal process. We will work hard to hold the at-fault party liable for their misconduct. Our legal team will be your advocate and protect your rights during legal proceedings. We know state laws and understand how to build successful cases. We will use our resources to both recover damages and the compensation you deserve and try to hold the negligent individual or company accountable for causing your loved one’s death.
Call JJ Legal at 312-200-2000 today for your free consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
The contributing factors to a person’s wrongful death occurs and can vary depending on the circumstances. Fatalities can happen in any situation. Whether someone needs surgery or drives to work in the morning, a devastating accident can have fatal consequences. It becomes wrongful death if an individual or company’s negligent behavior is responsible for the outcome.
The most common causes of wrongful death are below.
Steps You Should Take After a Loved One’s Death
If your relative’s death is due to someone’s negligence, you should pursue legal wrongful death actions against the at-fault party.
You must take immediate steps to protect your rights to compensation and ensure you can hold the negligent individual or entity liable for their misconduct. If you wait too long, vital evidence could go missing, or a critical deadline could pass.
You should focus on grieving the loss of your loved one and making funeral arrangements. We can investigate the incident to determine who’s at fault and file a wrongful death insurance claim or wrongful death lawsuit for you.
You can count on our team to manage the process efficiently to try to resolve your case so you can move forward with your life. If you come across documents related to the accident and your family member’s death, keep them somewhere safe. Evidence is valuable in proving what happened and who should take the blame. You can forward everything you have to us, so we can review the documentation and determine whether we can use it during your wrongful death cases.
The first thing you should do is hire one of the wrongful death attorneys from JJ Legal. Pursuing a wrongful death case can be time-consuming. You face accident investigations, evidence collection, confusing paperwork, and other responsibilities. Most people don’t know how to handle legal proceedings. If you make a mistake, you could walk away without the money owed to you. JJ Legal can take over your case by completing every step on your behalf.
Why Choose Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers from JJ Legal?
JJ Legal has received various awards and accolades for our hard work and case results. Multiple organizations have recognized us for what we do for injured clients, including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The National Trial Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We always treat accident victims with the utmost respect and professionalism when they hire us. We are ready to do the same for you.
Our Chicago wrongful death lawyers understand the importance of quality legal representation. We will treat you as a priority from the moment you walk into our offices. You will receive the support you need to get through this traumatic time in your life and the guidance necessary to navigate the complicated legal road ahead. At JJ Legal, we believe everyone deserves assistance during their most trying times. We know you likely face financial burdens from the accident, and we don’t want to add to the strain. Our law firm only takes cases on contingency, so you’re not responsible for upfront fees or costs. We won’t collect any legal fees from you unless we secure compensation. If we lose your case, you will never owe us money.
We also offer the initial consultation for free. You can speak with us about the incident and learn about the options available to you without obligation. We won’t charge you for the time we spend listening to what happened and advising you about what we can do to help. You can expect to receive an honest evaluation of your case and whether you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party.
The Role of Wrongful Death Attorneys in Chicago
When facing the challenge of a wrongful death case in Chicago, having a skilled Chicago wrongful death lawyer is crucial. Our team at JJ Legal provides comprehensive legal support, ensuring that every aspect of your case is meticulously handled. From investigating the incident at locations like The Willis Tower to representing you in the Cook County Courthouse, we are dedicated to seeking justice for your loved one and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. Our wrongful death attorneys in Chicago are committed to providing compassionate, skilled legal representation. The collective efforts of wrongful death lawyers at our firm are aimed at providing comprehensive legal support to families, guiding them through the process of wrongful death claims to seek justice and financial compensation.
Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases
The money surviving family members recover from a wrongful death lawsuit could compensate them for losses, such as:
- Loss of consortium for a spouse’s loss of companionship, society, and sexual relationship
- Sorrow, mental suffering, and grief experienced by surviving relatives
- Loss of education, instruction, and moral training the deceased could have provided to surviving children if they survived the accident
- Lost financial support, including wages and benefits the deceased can no longer provide
- Funeral and burial expenses
In some states, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit even if no personal injury claims were begun prior to the person’s decease.
Surviving family could use the money they receive to pay off estate debts and cover expenses incurred from the fatal injury, such as:
- Final medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Damage to personal property
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased
Types of Chicago Wrongful Death Cases Our Law Firm Handles
Chicago Wrongful Death FAQs
Wrongful death in Chicago refers to a situation where a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another, as defined under the wrongful death act, including Illinois statutes 740 ILCS 180 and 755 ILCS 5. These laws provide the legal basis for what constitutes wrongful death in Illinois, detailing the types of damages, who can be sued, and who can file a lawsuit.
Wrongful death occurs due to various negligent or intentional actions, such as negligence, willful misconduct, defective products, dangerous premises, car accidents on busy roads like the Dan Ryan Expressway, medical errors at facilities such as Rush University Medical Center, or workplace accidents in various Chicago industries. If the victim could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, their family or estate may pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking to recover financial compensation for surviving family members.
In Chicago, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is typically authorized to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This can be a spouse, adult child, or another close family member. If the deceased did not appoint a personal representative, the court might designate one. The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for the survivors’ loss, such as lost wages, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
In Chicago, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the deceased’s death. This timeframe is crucial; failing to file within it can result in the loss of the right to compensation. However, there may be exceptions or extensions under certain circumstances, such as if the death resulted from a criminal act.
Generally, wrongful death settlements in Chicago are not taxed. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies these settlements similarly to personal injury settlements, which are usually tax-exempt. This policy allows families to use the full amount of their settlement to cope with their loss and related expenses.
Compensation in a Chicago wrongful death lawsuit can cover various losses, including funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, loss of companionship, and emotional distress suffered by the family members. Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation varies based on the specifics of the case and the losses incurred.
Wrongful death is a death that was caused by someone else’s default, wrongful act, or neglect. If the accident victim could have pursued legal action if they had lived, a wrongful death case against the at-fault party for wrongful conduct is allowed.
Although a financial award is supposed to compensate the surviving family for their losses, the only person allowed to pursue a wrongful death case is the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. If your loved one died without a will or didn’t choose a personal representative, the court will appoint one. Typically, a surviving spouse or, adult child, or parent can carry out the necessary responsibilities.
Settling a wrongful death case out of court is possible. You could reach an agreement with the at-fault party or their insurance company regarding the amount of compensation you receive. However, you might have to file a wrongful lawsuit to recover the money you deserve for your loved one’s death.
Whether the case goes to trial will depend on the circumstances. For example, if the defense attorney believes they can win the wrongful death case, they might be more willing to proceed to trial. Sometimes, the defense attorney doesn’t have sufficient evidence to prove their client was not at fault and might want to settle to avoid a costly courtroom battle.
No. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not tax wrongful death settlement checks. According to 26 CFR 1.104-1, the proceeds from wrongful death claims fall under the same classification as compensation for a personal injury or physical sickness. It is not taxable, so the surviving family can use the money for estate expenses and losses resulting from the wrongful death action.
The value of your wrongful death case will depend on multiple factors. No two cases are alike. We will base the amount of money you are entitled to on the factors contributing to your loved one’s death.
Contact a Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Understanding the complexities of wrongful death cases can be overwhelming. As dedicated wrongful death attorneys in Chicago, we aim to provide clear, helpful information to those seeking legal guidance.
If you have more specific questions or need detailed legal advice, please contact a wrongful death attorney at JJ Legal for a free case review.
JJ Legal has represented the surviving family of accident victims since 2008. We know the challenges you face during a wrongful death case. You must cope with your loss while pursuing legal action against the negligent party. It can be overwhelming to handle the entire process alone.You won’t have to deal with the complexities of legal proceedings yourself when you hire us. We will remain by your side during each step to provide the guidance you need. You should take the time to grieve your loss and let a wrongful death lawyer in Chicago take on the responsibility for your wrongful death claims.If you lost your loved one in an accident someone else’s negligence caused, do not hesitate to contact JJ Legal. One of our dedicated and knowledgeable Chicago wrongful death attorneys can meet you for a free consultation. Call us at 312-200-2000 or contact us online.