Wallace Miller’s experienced team of wrongful death attorneys represents claimants across the greater Chicago region who have suffered the death of a loved one due to the negligent or tortious acts of others.
Contact Wallace Miller for a free, no-obligation legal consultation with an experienced attorney from our team and find out what legal options are available to you.
Comprehensive Legal Support for Wrongful Death Claims in Chicago
Losing a loved one is an indescribable tragedy, especially when it results from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. At Wallace Miller, we dedicate ourselves to supporting families in Chicago through these difficult times with empathy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. Our firm specializes in wrongful death cases, ensuring that your loved one’s story is heard and justice is served.
Why Wallace Miller Stands Apart in Wrongful Death Representation
Our firm is focused on providing the best legal representation possible to each of our clients, no matter the case.
- Client-Focused Legal Care: We prioritize your needs, offering personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific case.
- Commitment to Justice: Our firm is driven by a passion for helping families find closure and justice.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Understanding the Scope of Wrongful Death in Chicago
Wrongful death claims occur when the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another cause an individual’s death. These cases can encompass a wide range of scenarios, including:
- Vehicular accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians
- Medical malpractice, including surgical errors and misdiagnoses
- Workplace accidents, particularly in high-risk industries
- Incidents of premises liability, when properties are unneccesarily dangerous or hazardous
- Incidents involving defective consumer products, medical devices, or pharmaceutical products
- Cases involving chemical exposure or environmental harm
- Cases of abuse, assault, or other intentional actions
The Role of a Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney
During this difficult time, your primary focus should be on finding closure and recovery, while your attorney should carry the burden of the legal process to bring justice and make your family financially whole.
Roles of your Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer include:
- In-Depth Investigations: We investigate into the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, gathering crucial evidence and expert testimonies.
- Expert Negotiations: Our team has extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Comprehensive Legal Guidance: We navigate the complexities of wrongful death laws on your behalf, keeping you informed and involved at every step.
- Legal Action, when Necessary: If necessary, Wallace Miller will take your claim to court and represent your interests to gain a settlement or verdict that compensates you for your losses.
Legal Framework: Illinois Wrongful Death Act
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act was created to establish rights for family members and loved ones who have suffered a wrongful death. The IL Wrongful Death Act allows immediate family members to seek compensation for their losses. These damages include:
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
An experienced wrongful death attorney will help you to evaluate your total losses in order to ensure that you are making a claim that fully compensates you for the damages that you have incurred, both tangible and non-tangible.
In some incidents, punitive damages – damages awarded as a form of financial punishment for the defendant – can be awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Chicago
Wrongful death actions are typically filed by the personal representatives of the deceased’s estate.
Primary beneficiaries often include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Sometimes other dependents of the deceased
In order to determine estate representation, it is best to speak with an attorney from Wallace Miller. Our expert estate and probate attorneys can help you to establish an executor and, if necessary, establish the estate.
Timeliness in Filing Your Claim
It’s crucial to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit within the statutory deadline in Illinois, which is generally two years from the date of death. Prompt action is vital to preserve your rights and ensure a thorough investigation.
If an executor of the estate fails to file a claim within the statute of limitations, it is unlikely that a wrongful death lawsuit can proceed.
Statute of limitations is unique to every case, so it is important to seek legal guidance from an experienced Chicago wrongful death lawyer to ensure that you meet the statute of limitations.
Seeking Full and Fair Compensation
Our goal at Wallace Miller is to help you recover the fullest possible compensation, which may include:
- Economic damages like lost wages and financial support
- Non-economic damages such as loss of companionship and emotional trauma
- In certain egregious cases, punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer
Our attorneys will work with you to compile the total losses that you incurred, both economic and non-economic, so that we can ensure you are wholly compensated for your losses.
Navigating the Complexities of Wrongful Death Claims
At Wallace Miller, we understand that navigating a wrongful death claim can be a daunting and emotionally taxing process.
These claims are inherently complex, involving numerous legal, procedural, and emotional challenges. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through each step, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Understanding the Legal Intricacies
Statutory Interpretation: Wrongful death laws vary by state and are subject to specific statutory interpretations. Our legal team is well-versed in Illinois law, ensuring that your claim adheres to all legal requirements and maximizes the potential for a successful outcome.
Establishing Liability: One of the most critical aspects of a wrongful death claim is proving liability. This involves demonstrating that the death resulted from another party’s negligence or intentional harm. We meticulously gather and analyze evidence to build a strong case against the responsible parties.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Oftentimes, these claims can be handled outside of the courtroom but require a period of arbitration with insurance companies,
While this is preferred over a lawsuit (generally a better outcome for plaintiffs), it takes expertise to deal with insurance companies.
Negotiating Settlements: Insurance companies often play a significant role in wrongful death claims. Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating with insurers to ensure you receive a fair and just settlement. We are prepared to counter lowball offers and advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Understanding Policy Limits: We help you navigate the complexities of insurance policies, including understanding coverage limits and exclusions, to ensure that all potential sources of compensation are explored.
Financial and Economic Analysis
Calculating Damages: Determining the financial impact of a wrongful death involves complex calculations. We consider factors such as lost wages, loss of future earnings, medical expenses, and non-economic impacts like loss of companionship and emotional distress.
Working with Experts: Our firm collaborates with financial analysts, economists, and actuaries to accurately assess the full extent of your financial loss, ensuring that the compensation sought reflects the true value of your claim.
Procedural Challenges
As previously mentioned, procedural challenges, such as the statute of limitations, can hinder the claims process. For the uninitiated, the procedural process can be daunting and overwhelming.
However, the Chicago wrongful death lawyers at Wallace Miller are experienced in these processes and can ensure that all procedures are correctly followed and all deadlines are met.
Filing Deadlines: Adhering to statutory deadlines is crucial in wrongful death claims. We manage all aspects of your case’s timeline, ensuring all filings are made promptly and efficiently.
Court Proceedings: Our experienced trial lawyers are prepared to represent you in court if your case goes to trial. We handle all aspects of litigation, from pre-trial preparations to presenting your case before a judge and jury.
Emotional Support and Guidance
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and navigating a legal case during this time can add to the stress. At Wallace Miller, we recognize the importance of providing legal expertise, emotional support, and guidance throughout your wrongful death claim.
Compassionate Representation: We recognize the emotional burden of a wrongful death claim. Our team provides legal and emotional guidance, helping you navigate this difficult period with sensitivity and understanding.
Keeping You Informed: We believe in open and transparent communication. You will be kept informed at every stage of the process, and we are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Your Advocates in Seeking Justice
At Wallace Miller, we are more than just legal professionals; we are advocates for those who have lost a loved one due to wrongful death. We are committed to navigating the complexities of your claim, providing expert legal representation, and offering the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Contact Wallace Miller for Comprehensive Legal Support
If you are facing the aftermath of a wrongful death in Chicago, let a personal injury lawyer from Wallace Miller in Chicago be your guide and advocate. Use our chatbot for a free, instant online case evaluation to determine your eligibility for legal action. You can also call our offices for a free, no-obligation legal consultation with an experienced Chicago wrongful death attorney at (312) 261-6193.
We are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.