Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys

The death of a loved one is devastating, no matter the circumstances. When that death occurred due to the negligence of another person, such as a reckless driver or an irresponsible doctor, the heartbreak is even worse. While Chicago wrongful death attorneys from The Horwitz Law Group cannot bring your loved one back, they can help protect your rights as you pursue justice under Illinois civil laws.

Illinois Wrongful Death Laws

Wrongful death is addressed explicitly in the Illinois wrongful death statute. This law allows plaintiffs to seek the recovery of damages if they are able to prove that their loved one died because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party.

To be a plaintiff in a wrongful death case, you must be a personal representative of the deceased victim. Usually, this is an immediate family member like a spouse, parent, or an adult child. If you have questions about filing a wrongful death lawsuit, our wrongful death lawyers can help.

Criminal Charges for a Death

It is crucial to note that criminal charges for a death are entirely separate from civil claims. Whether the party that caused the death of your loved one faces criminal homicide charges or not, you still have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the defendant is found guilty of criminal charges, it can often be easier for you to receive full compensation, though it is possible to prevail in civil court without a criminal conviction.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits: Time is of the Essence

You may be dealing with immense grief and trying to figure out how to adjust your life without your loved one present. Filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind. This is only natural, but you must remember that you only have a limited amount of time to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The deadline to file, also known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the underlying cause of death.

In most cases, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the death or two years from the date of the event that caused the death, whichever date is later. At most, you have two years to file a wrongful death suit in civil court. If you miss this deadline, you will lose the legal right to pursue a wrongful death claim. By securing the services of an experienced wrongful death attorney in Chicago as soon as possible, you can ensure that you do not miss the deadline that applies to your case.

Turn to Our Compassionate Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys

Wrongful death lawsuits are complex, and plaintiffs are often up against large insurance companies who hire aggressive attorneys to handle their claims. Whether your loved one lost their life due to medical malpractice, in a construction accident, or a motorcycle accident, we are here to help.

You deserve full compensation for your significant loss. Our highly skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers in Chicago will fight for you and your family every step of the way. Take the first step in seeking justice for your deceased loved one by scheduling a consultation with an attorney from The Horwitz Law Group today.