When a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct, the right type of lawyer to handle your case is a wrongful death attorney. These attorneys specialize in representing families who have lost someone because of accidents, medical errors, workplace injuries, or intentional acts. At Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, Illinois, our experienced wrongful death lawyers understand the emotional and financial pain families face after such devastating losses. We help victims’ families recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering caused by another’s wrongful actions.
Understanding Wrongful Death and Fatal Injury Claims
A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of another party. Unlike a criminal case, which seeks punishment, a wrongful death lawsuit seeks financial justice for surviving family members. It’s a civil action brought to recover damages that the deceased can no longer pursue on their own.
These cases often stem from car accidents, truck collisions, medical malpractice, defective products, nursing home neglect, workplace incidents, or unsafe premises. The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to ensure that families are not left with the burden of emotional and financial losses caused by another’s negligence.
At our Law firm, we take a compassionate yet determined approach. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate every detail—collecting evidence, speaking with witnesses, and consulting with medical and accident experts—to build a strong case that holds the responsible party accountable.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Illinois, the Wrongful Death Act allows specific family members to file a claim. Typically, this includes the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased. If none of these exist, the representative of the deceased person’s estate may bring the case.
The law recognizes the pain families endure after an unexpected death and provides a legal path to pursue justice. Surviving relatives may be eligible to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and financial dependency.
At Phillips Law Offices in Chicago, our wrongful death lawyers guide families through each step of the legal process—ensuring every deadline is met and every piece of evidence is properly documented. We understand that every case is unique and requires personalized attention to achieve the best possible outcome.
Types of Cases Wrongful Death Lawyers Handle
A wrongful death lawyer is skilled in handling various fatal injury situations. Some of the most common cases include:
1. Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle crashes—especially those involving cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks—are leading causes of wrongful death. When negligence, speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving leads to a fatal crash, a wrongful death attorney investigates police reports, black box data, and witness statements to prove fault.
2. Medical Malpractice
Medical errors, surgical mistakes, or delayed diagnoses can result in wrongful deaths. At Phillips Law Offices, we work with medical experts to demonstrate how negligence by a doctor, nurse, or hospital contributed to the patient’s death.
3. Workplace Accidents
Employers are legally required to maintain safe working environments. If an unsafe condition or defective equipment causes a worker’s death, their family may pursue both workers’ compensation benefits and a wrongful death lawsuit.
4. Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
When elderly residents die due to neglect, malnutrition, or improper care, our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys take swift action to expose negligence and protect the dignity of victims.
5. Product Liability
If a defective product, vehicle part, or medication causes a fatal injury, manufacturers and distributors can be held accountable under product liability laws.
Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims
In a wrongful death lawsuit, families may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The amount and type depend on the specifics of the case, but typically include:
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of future income and financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Emotional distress and grief
Illinois courts often consider both the economic impact and the emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members. While no amount of money can truly replace a loved one, these financial awards can help ease the burden and provide stability during difficult times.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Proves Liability
To win a wrongful death case, it’s essential to prove that negligence directly caused the death. This requires demonstrating four main elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a responsibility to act safely or within reasonable standards.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to meet that responsibility, through negligence or wrongful actions.
- Causation: Their breach directly caused the death of the victim.
- Damages: The family suffered measurable losses—both emotional and financial.
Our Chicago wrongful death attorneys gather detailed evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert evaluations to prove each element clearly and convincingly. We also collaborate with financial experts to calculate long-term losses, ensuring that your family’s future is protected.
Why Choose Phillips Law Offices for Wrongful Death Cases in Chicago, Illinois
At Phillips Law Offices, we have decades of experience handling complex wrongful death and fatal injury claims across Illinois. Our law firm is recognized for its commitment to client advocacy, compassionate communication, and outstanding results in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
We take pride in our track record of successful settlements and verdicts that have helped families recover millions in damages. Our lawyers handle every aspect of your case—from investigation and negotiation to trial representation—so you can focus on healing while we fight for justice.
We believe that no family should face such legal battles alone. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This ensures that every family has access to justice, regardless of financial situation.
When Should You Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
If you suspect that a loved one’s death was caused by negligence or wrongdoing, you should contact a wrongful death attorney immediately. In Illinois, there are strict deadlines for filing these claims, known as the statute of limitations. Delaying action could risk losing your right to seek compensation.
Our legal team at Phillips Law Offices can evaluate your case during a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your claim, and take immediate steps to preserve evidence. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of building a strong and successful case.
Contact Phillips Law Offices Today
Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest challenges, and when that loss is caused by another’s negligence, the pain can be unbearable. Working with a dedicated wrongful death lawyer ensures that your family’s voice is heard and justice is served.
Our wrongful death attorney stand by families who seek accountability and compensation after tragic losses. With compassion, experience, and determination, we fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident or due to wrongful conduct, our attorneys are here to help. Call Phillips Law Offices in Chicago for a free consultation and let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Interesting Reads:
Illinois Wrongful Death Statistics
What to Do After Wrongful Death?
Do I Need a Lawyer in Aurora to Prove a Wrongful Death?
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