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The sudden death of a family member due to another person’s negligence can bring overwhelming grief as well as financial difficulties that may include funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of future support. If another party’s actions contributed to your loved one’s death, an Elk Grove Village wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue a legal claim.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our attorneys have recovered more than $100 million for injured clients and their families.
Contact our Elk Grove Village personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free case review and discuss your potential wrongful death claim.
What a Wrongful Death Claim Means
A wrongful death claim is a civil case brought when a person dies because of another person’s wrongful act, neglect, or default. In many situations, if the person had lived and could have filed a personal injury claim, the surviving family may have a wrongful death case.
This type of claim is separate from any criminal case. Even if no one is charged with a crime, or a criminal case does not lead to a conviction, your family may still have the right to seek financial recovery in civil court.
Through a wrongful death lawsuit, you may seek payment for losses tied to the death, including both financial harm and the personal loss suffered by surviving family members.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Illinois
Under Illinois law, a wrongful death action is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The claim is filed for the benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin.
That does not always mean only one person is affected by the case. A recovery may be distributed among eligible family members based on the facts, the family relationship, and the losses suffered.
If you are unsure whether you can bring a claim, we can review the family and estate situation with you. In many cases, questions about standing can be resolved early so the case can move forward.
Damages Available to Surviving Families
A wrongful death claim may seek damages related to the family’s losses caused by the death. The exact amount depends on the person’s role in the family, income history, and the impact of the loss on surviving relatives.
Damages may include:
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and society
- Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of services the deceased provided
In some cases, a separate survival action may also be available through the estate. That claim can address damages the deceased person experienced before death, such as medical bills, lost earnings before death, and conscious pain and suffering.
How Liability Is Proven
To recover in a wrongful death case, you generally must show that another party’s conduct caused the death and created legal responsibility. The evidence needed will vary depending on whether the case involves a crash, unsafe property, defective product, or medical negligence.
We may use records, witness statements, photographs, video, physical evidence, and testimony from qualified professionals to build the claim. Insurance companies often challenge fault, damages, or both, so early investigation can make a real difference.
Wrongful Death Attorney in Elk Grove Village for Fatal Accident Cases
Fatal accident claims often involve insurance carriers that begin reviewing exposure right away. Adjusters may contact family members early, request statements, or seek records before the full picture is known.
You do not need to sort through those issues alone. An Elk Grove Village wrongful death lawyer can step in to handle communications, preserve evidence, and push for a fair evaluation of the claim.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we work to identify every available source of recovery. That may include auto coverage, business policies, umbrella policies, or claims against multiple defendants.
Time Limits That May Apply
Illinois law limits the time you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The general statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years. Missing the filing deadline can prevent your family from pursuing compensation, even when the facts strongly support the claim.
The exact deadline may depend on how the death occurred and whether a public entity or other special circumstance is involved. Because of that, it helps to review the case as soon as possible after the loss.
Waiting can also make it harder to collect records and preserve witness memories. A wrongful death lawyer in Elk Grove Village can identify the likely deadlines and move the case forward before evidence is lost.
Why Early Action Can Help Your Family
Acting early can help preserve documents, secure video footage, inspect vehicles or equipment, and locate witnesses before details fade. In fatal injury cases, delays often benefit the party defending the claim.
Early action also helps your family avoid mistakes when dealing with insurers. A recorded statement or a rushed settlement discussion may affect the value of the case before all damages are known.
When you speak with our team, we can explain the next steps, the records that may matter, and how an Elk Grove Village wrongful death attorney may help protect the claim from day one.
How Our Legal Firm Can Help
Our firm represents injured people and grieving families across Illinois in serious injury and fatal accident claims. We prepare each case with attention to liability, damages, and the real effect the loss has had on your household.
We can investigate the death, gather records, work with the estate process when needed, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair resolution is not offered, we are prepared to pursue the claim through litigation.
You may have questions about whether a lawsuit is right for your family or how damages are divided among relatives. We can give you straightforward guidance based on the facts of your case and the law that applies in Elk Grove Village.
Speak With a Wrongful Death Lawyer Serving Elk Grove Village Today
A fatal accident caused by another party’s negligence can leave a family struggling with profound grief while also confronting funeral costs, lost wages, and other financial hardships. If you believe careless or wrongful conduct played a role in your loved one’s death, learning about your rights can help you determine whether you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
With more than 75 years of combined experience, Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has helped families throughout Elk Grove Village seek accountability and financial recovery after devastating losses.
Our attorneys can review the circumstances of the death, identify potential sources of liability, and explain the legal options available. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
