Losing a family member because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. A wrongful death lawyer in Oak Lawn can help your family pursue justice and the financial compensation you may need to move forward.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we handle these cases with the care and sensitivity they require. Choose Charlie. Our founding partner’s background in insurance defense gives us a clear understanding of how insurers approach these cases, and we use that knowledge to fight for the families we represent.
Contact our personal injury lawyers in Oak Lawn now to fight for your family’s financial future after losing a loved one.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois
Illinois law limits who is eligible to bring a wrongful death claim. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The compensation recovered is then distributed to the surviving spouse and next of kin based on the loss each person has suffered.
Eligible survivors for compensation may include a spouse, children, parents, or other close family members, depending on the circumstances. An Oak Lawn wrongful death attorney can review your family’s situation and explain exactly who may be entitled to recover in your case.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims can arise from many different types of accidents and incidents. What they share in common is that the death resulted from another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct.
Car and truck accidents are among the most frequent causes of wrongful death claims in Illinois. Motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, and workplace incidents also give rise to these claims on a regular basis.
Some of the most common causes of wrongful death claims include:
- Motor vehicle accidents caused by a negligent or impaired driver
- Motorcycle and bicycle crashes involving driver error
- Pedestrian accidents at crosswalks or intersections
- Construction site accidents and falls from height
- Premises liability incidents, including slip and fall accidents
What Damages May Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case
Illinois law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for a range of losses resulting from their loved one’s death. The damages available in a wrongful death case go beyond simple financial losses.
Recoverable damages may include the deceased person’s medical expenses prior to death, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided. Surviving family members may also be able to recover for the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support.
In some cases, the estate may also pursue a survival action alongside the wrongful death claim. A survival action seeks compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced between the time of injury and the time of death.
What to Expect During the Claims Process
Wrongful death cases can take time to resolve, and the process can feel overwhelming when you are also grieving. Knowing what to expect can help your family feel more prepared and in control.
Your attorney will begin by investigating the circumstances of your loved one’s death, gathering evidence, and identifying all potentially liable parties. This may involve reviewing accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and other documentation.
Once the investigation is complete, your attorney will typically attempt to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party’s insurer. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation. Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved at every stage.
How Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Can Help Your Family
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand that no amount of money can replace the person you have lost. What we can do is fight to hold the responsible party accountable and help your family recover the financial support you need to move forward.
We have been serving injured people and grieving families across the Chicago area since 2002, recovering over $100 million for our clients. We bring more than 75 years of combined legal experience to every case, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
We offer Zoom consultations for your convenience and provide a client portal that makes it easy to share documents and stay in touch with our team. You will always be treated with dignity and compassion when you work with us.
Speak With a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Oak Lawn Today
Your family should not have to face this process alone. Illinois law sets strict deadlines for wrongful death claims, and waiting too long can limit your options in ways that are difficult to undo. Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule your consultation.
Our wrongful death attorneys in Oak Lawn are ready to listen, answer your questions, and stand by your family as you pursue the justice and compensation your family needs.
