When someone you love dies because another person or company failed to act responsibly, your family is left to deal with consequences that were never yours to bear. A wrongful death lawyer in Des Plaines can help your family pursue accountability and seek compensation for the losses you have suffered.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we are ready to fight for your family. Choose Charlie when you need help. Our team has recovered more than $100 million for clients and their families across the Chicago area.
If your family is ready to explore your legal options, contact our Des Plaines personal injury lawyer team today for a free consultation.
When a Death Becomes a Legal Matter in Illinois
Not every tragic death gives rise to a wrongful death claim, but many do. Under Illinois law, a wrongful death claim may be pursued when a person dies as a direct result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. The key question is whether the deceased would have had the right to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived.
If that standard is met, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a claim on behalf of the surviving family members. The compensation recovered is then distributed to the spouse and next of kin according to Illinois law. This process can feel unfamiliar and daunting, especially while your family is grieving.
Speaking with a Des Plaines wrongful death attorney early helps your family understand whether you have a viable claim and what steps to take next. Waiting too long can put your family’s legal rights at risk.
Types of Incidents That Commonly Lead to Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims arise from a wide variety of incidents, and the circumstances surrounding each loss are unique. What these cases share is that another party’s failure to act with reasonable care played a role in causing the death.
Incidents that frequently give rise to wrongful death claims in Illinois include:
- Car and truck accidents caused by distracted, impaired, or reckless drivers
- Motorcycle and bicycle accidents involving negligent vehicle operators
- Construction site accidents stemming from unsafe conditions or inadequate training
- Slip and fall incidents on properties with known, unaddressed hazards
- Workplace accidents caused by employer negligence or safety violations
- Pedestrian accidents where a driver failed to exercise proper care
Each of these situations involves a party that had a responsibility to others and failed to meet it. We investigate the facts of your loved one’s death carefully to build the most complete picture of what happened and who is accountable.
The Role of Insurance Companies in a Wrongful Death Case
Insurance companies are almost always involved in wrongful death cases, and their interests are not aligned with your family’s. Their goal is to resolve claims for as little as possible, and they have experienced adjusters and legal teams working toward that outcome from the moment a claim is filed. Knowing this going in can help your family avoid common pitfalls.
Insurance companies may reach out to your family shortly after the death to offer a quick settlement. These early offers are rarely in your family’s best interest and often do not reflect the full value of your claim. Accepting a settlement too early can prevent your family from seeking additional compensation later, even if new losses come to light.
Our founding partner spent years working on the insurance defense side with Allstate. That experience gives us a direct understanding of the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we use that knowledge to push back effectively on your family’s behalf.
How Long Does Your Family Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim
Illinois law sets a strict deadline for filing wrongful death claims. In most cases, families have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from seeking compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.
There are limited exceptions that may extend this deadline in certain circumstances, but relying on an exception is a risk your family should not have to take. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more time there is to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a thorough claim on your family’s behalf.
A Des Plaines wrongful death attorney from our firm can review your family’s situation, confirm the applicable deadline, and make sure every step is taken in time. Do not let a filing deadline stand between your family and the justice you may be owed.
Why Choose Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has been representing families across the Chicago area since 2002. We are a boutique firm that prioritizes personal attention and direct communication over high case volume. When you work with us, you will have a legal team that knows your case and is accessible when you have questions.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means your family pays nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer Zoom consultations and a client portal so your family can stay informed and connected throughout the process without added inconvenience.
We go to bat for every client we represent. For families who have lost a loved one to someone else’s negligence, that commitment is something we take seriously.
Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Des Plaines Today
Your family should not have to take on insurance companies and legal deadlines alone while also dealing with grief and loss. Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today for a free consultation and let us review your family’s case at no cost to you. We are ready to listen and ready to fight.
A wrongful death attorney in Des Plaines from our firm can help your family pursue the accountability and compensation you may be owed. We have stood beside families facing some of their hardest moments, and we are here to do the same for yours. Reach out today to get started.
