Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney Winning Claims Throughout Illinois
Last updated on July 9, 2025
When a personal injury results in death, a wrongful death claim allows the loved ones of the deceased to seek damages against the responsible persons and entities for the damages caused by the sudden and tragic loss. The process can be complex and daunting. At Eames Law Group, our Chicago wrongful death attorney is experienced in representing the families of deceased victims and helping to ease the financial burdens and devastating impacts caused by the loss of a loved one.
Why Choose Eames Law Group For Your Wrongful Death Claim?
When you’re facing the profound grief of a wrongful death, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Eames Law Group, we’ve earned the trust of grieving families throughout Chicago by delivering results that speak for themselves. Here’s why you should consider us:
- Proven Results: We have a long list of positive outcomes, consistently recovering multimillion-dollar awards and settlements in complex wrongful death and personal injury cases.
- Award-Winning Track Record: Our attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Best Lawyers in America for our relentless advocacy and proven success. We have also won numerous other awards and honors.
- Personalized Attention: Your well-being is our priority. We provide dedicated and personalized legal services, ensuring your case receives the detailed attention it deserves from day one.
- Unwavering Advocacy: We never back down from a challenge, and insurance companies know it. We have a deep commitment to justice, even in the toughest cases, and are committed to aggressively pursuing your recovery.
You can place your faith in Eames Law Group for fierce representation rooted in experience, empathy, and a record of results.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact us today for a confidential evaluation.
What Types Of Damages Can Be Recovered In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Illinois, families may be eligible to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Economic damages may include:
- Loss of income that the deceased would have earned
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Funeral and burial expenses
On the other hand, noneconomic damages may cover:
- Pain and suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of companionship or parental guidance
- Emotional distress
Punitive damages might be awarded in rare cases where gross negligence or intentional misconduct is proven. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter future wrongdoing.
Proving Negligence In A Chicago Wrongful Death Case
Wrongful death cases depend on proving negligence. This means showing that someone’s carelessness caused the death of your loved one. Illinois law requires proving four key elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant owed a legal duty to the deceased
- Breach of duty: That duty was violated
- Causation: The breach directly caused the death
- Damages: The family suffered losses as a result
Evidence often includes police reports, eyewitness accounts, video footage or expert testimony. For example, in a fatal car accident, phone records or toxicology tests may reveal recklessness. In a medical malpractice case, surgical notes or autopsy findings may show a deviation from proper care.
What Constitutes A Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death refers to the death of a person as the result of another individual or party’s negligence. Not all accidental deaths count as wrongful deaths. You must demonstrate that the other person or party owed a duty of care. If they breached this duty and your loved one died as a result, you may have a case.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death lawsuits are usually brought by the closest family member, who can be the deceased’s spouse or the deceased’s children. If the deceased has neither a living spouse nor any living children, other next of kin can and often are appointed to bring the case for wrongful death. If a loved one has suffered an injury resulting in death, it is crucial to hire an experienced attorney who is capable of investigating and identifying all potential theories of liability in order to obtain the maximum possible recovery.
Understanding Survival Actions
In addition to a claim for wrongful death, if the deceased survived for any period of time after receiving the fatal injuries, resulting in suffering and other damages, a separate claim may be brought by the deceased’s representative, known as a “survival action.” This claim is brought on behalf of the estate of the deceased person to recover damages that the deceased would have been entitled to receive had he or she not passed away. The circumstances of the injury are very important to determine whether a survival action exists. That is why it is crucial to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, and confirm all relevant issues and potential claims.
How Long Do I Have To File A Wrongful Death Claim In Illinois?
Illinois has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including wrongful death lawsuits. In our state, you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of your deceased loved one’s passing. If you do not meet this deadline, then you may not use a legal claim to seek compensation. You should immediately contact us to discuss your rights and all potential theories to recover the maximum compensation.
Hire A Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney: Free Consultations
At Eames Law Group, we understand the pain and financial toll of a wrongful death. Our team is here to help you receive maximum compensation for this injustice. To begin, please contact us for a free consultation. Call 312-319-8350 or use our online contact form.
