Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney

Chicago Premier Wrongful Death Lawyer

When a loved one passes away due to the negligence of another, it can be an unimaginably difficult time for family members. Unfortunately, wrongful death suits are commonplace in the city of Chicago. If your family is dealing with this tragic situation, seeking legal assistance from a Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help you seek justice and gain some closure following the death of your loved one.

At Law Offices of Mitch Furman, our compassionate attorneys understand just how sensitive these matters are and will provide you with the best legal representation possible. We file wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of families and fight for financial compensation to help ease their financial burdens while additionally holding liable persons accountable for their negligent actions. With years of experience handling wrongful death cases, our attorneys strive to provide meaningful resolution to our clients and make sure that no future person or family has to suffer unduly as a result of someone else's negligence.

What Is a Wrongful Death Suit In Chicago?

Wrongful death is defined as the death of another person that is caused by the negligence, wrongful act, or default of an entity or individual. It is a tragedy for those who have lost a loved one due to someone else's fault, and in Illinois, wrongful death can arise from a number of situations. The most common causes of wrongful death are motor vehicle accidents, car accidents, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. When these cases occur, the person or entity responsible for causing the death may be held liable through a civil lawsuit. In order to succeed in these circumstances, the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant was responsible for their negligence and actions which led to the deceased's passing.

The damages that can be sought after in a case related to wrongful death may include elements such as hospital bills incurred prior to the decedent's passing; emotional suffering endured by surviving spouse and family members; pain and suffering experienced before they passed away; loss of domestic services contributed by the decedent and financial losses incurred due to no longer having that specific loved one with them. 

How Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Chicago, Different From a Criminal Case?

A wrongful death action lawsuit is different from criminal trials in that it serves mainly as a civil suit where compensation can be requested instead of a person being sent to prison. Wrongful death lawsuits in Chicago, Illinois are civil cases filed by the personal representative, family, and close relatives of a person who has died as a result of another's negligence or intentional act. Suing for wrongful death brings both accountability and financial compensation to the individuals affected by the death. It serves to hold negligent parties responsible for their actions and provide monetary relief to the victims' families.

By pursuing wrongful death claims in Chicago, families can fight to recover compensation against whatever individual, business or agency committed a wrongful act that directly caused their loved one's death. These actions allow for those left behind to be compensated for damages through medical expenses, lost earning capacity, funeral costs, and pain and suffering resulting from the loss of life. If you have experienced such profound grief, it is critical that you speak with an experienced attorney who can represent your case throughout legal proceedings so you get fair representation in court.

Am I Able to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Chicago?

Wrongful death claims in Chicago can be filed by the immediate family members of a deceased victim. This includes the victim's spouse, children, parents, and siblings. For instance, if an individual is tragically killed as a result of another party's negligence or recklessness, his or her surviving family will be able to seek justice with a wrongful death claim. These family members may be eligible for financial compensation for medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident, funeral costs, and other damages allowed under Illinois law.

In certain circumstances, extended family members may also have standing to file a wrongful death claim in Chicago. Immediate relatives such as grandparents, stepparents, and adopted siblings are typically able to file claims on behalf of a deceased victim. Furthermore, distant relatives may even have legal standing if they can prove that they were financially dependent on the loved one who suffered wrongfully due to unforeseen accidents or criminal acts. If you believe that you are entitled to bring such a claim, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of these types of cases in Chicago. It is important for families who have lost someone close to them due to another person's actions to get the justice they deserve.

Will I Have to Pay Upfront Fees to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Chicago?

Law Offices of Mitch Furman, we don't believe families in need of wrongful death legal representation should have to worry about paying legal fees upfront and out-of-pocket. That's why all our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that your family won't have to pay any legal fees until the case is successfully resolved. Our Chicago wrongful death attorneys will strive to be transparent in outlining our billing practices with you from the start. Payment details will be finalized when a settlement or trial award can be negotiated or obtained. Our goal is to provide quality legal representation for those who would otherwise not be able to pursue justice due to financial constraints. With Law Offices of Mitch Furman, you can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to represent your family aggressively and seek successful litigation results for your case.

Are there Time Limits to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois?

The state of Illinois has a statute of limitations that applies to all civil actions. This means that there is a limited amount of time after the death of your loved one in which you can take action against the responsible party. Per state law, all wrongful death claims must be filed within one year or the statute of limitation set forth by law for the underlying type of case – whichever occurs later. For example, personal injury typically has a two-year statute of limitations, so plaintiffs have at least one year and as many as two years to file their claim. If you fail to act within this set timeline, then you may not be able to make any financial recovery from the defendant.

It is important to seek out a consultation with a qualified attorney who specializes in wrongful death cases if someone close to you passes away due to an accident or another's negligence. An experienced Chicago wrongful death attorney at Law Offices of Mitch Furman can assist you throughout the entire process and ensure that your claim meets all necessary filing deadlines and complies with Illinois laws. Don't wait until it's too late! Contact us today for your free consultation.

How Is Liability Determined in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In a wrongful death case, the burden of proof lies with the surviving family of the deceased individual. Legal recourse must be taken, and liability must be proven in order to receive compensation for the losses suffered due to their loved one's passing. To prove that a death was wrongful, four elements must be established: duty of care, breach of this duty, causation, and harm resulting from the breach.

It is the responsibility of you and your attorney to show that there was a duty of care owed by the defendant to your loved one which was breached in some way. That breach then must be shown to have resulted in your loved one's passing through either an act or omission. Lastly, it is necessary to demonstrate that as a result of the defendant's conduct, you suffered some sort of harm. Only once these four elements are successfully proven can you be granted justice for their ultimate passing.

How Can a Chicago Premier Wrongful Death Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Wrongful death claims in Chicago can be complex and difficult to bring forward. At Law Offices of Mitch Furman, we can help you determine if a claim is appropriate. We will assess the initial facts of the case and ensure that all elements necessary for a successful claim are present. Additionally, we will work diligently to gather evidence that will ultimately prove your lawsuit to be viable. 

Contact our team today. 312-236-7078