When a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence, your family is left to carry a burden that should never have fallen on you. A wrongful death lawyer in Palatine can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for everything your family has lost.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we are here to fight for your family. Choose Charlie when you need help. We have recovered more than $100 million for clients and their families across the Chicago area, backed by over 75 years of combined legal experience.
If you are ready to speak with someone about your family’s situation, our Palatine personal injury lawyer team offers free consultations and is ready to help you take the next step.
What Illinois Law Says About Wrongful Death Claims
Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct.
The law recognizes that a preventable death causes real financial and emotional harm to those left behind. These claims exist to hold responsible parties accountable and provide families with a path forward.
To bring a wrongful death claim, the death must have been caused by an act or omission that would have entitled the deceased to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. The claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, and any recovered compensation is distributed to the surviving spouse and next of kin.
Illinois law imposes strict deadlines on when these claims must be filed. If you are unsure whether your family’s situation qualifies, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is the right move. Time limits can affect your family’s ability to pursue a claim.
Accidents and Incidents That May Lead to a Wrongful Death Case in Palatine
Wrongful death claims can arise from many different types of accidents and incidents. What these situations share is that another party’s careless or reckless behavior played a role in causing the death. Identifying that party and proving their responsibility is at the heart of every wrongful death case.
Some of the incidents that commonly give rise to wrongful death claims include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents involving negligent drivers
- Pedestrian accidents where a driver failed to yield
- Construction site accidents caused by unsafe working conditions
- Slip and fall incidents on neglected or hazardous properties
- Workplace accidents resulting from inadequate safety measures
- Boating accidents on Illinois waterways
The facts surrounding your loved one’s death will shape how we approach your family’s case. We investigate every detail to build the strongest possible foundation for your claim.
Compensation Your Family May Be Able to Recover
A wrongful death claim in Illinois may allow your family to seek compensation for both financial losses and the deeply personal impact of losing a loved one.
The types of damages available will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Our goal is to make sure your family’s full range of losses is accounted for.
Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income and financial support that the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
- Grief and mental suffering experienced by surviving family members
- Medical expenses incurred before your loved one’s death
In some cases, the estate may also bring a survival action alongside the wrongful death claim. This allows recovery for the pain and suffering your loved one may have experienced before passing.
The Legal Process for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
Filing a wrongful death claim involves several legal steps, and the process can feel overwhelming when your family is also grieving. Understanding what to expect can help reduce some of that stress. We walk our clients through every stage of the process so there are no surprises.
The process generally begins with a thorough investigation of the incident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records. From there, we identify all parties who may share liability and determine what insurance coverage is available.
Negotiations with insurance companies often follow, and if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. A Palatine wrongful death attorney from our firm will be with your family at every stage. We handle the legal work so you can focus on your family during this painful time.
Why Choose Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has been representing injured people and grieving families across the Chicago area since 2002.
We are a boutique firm, which means every client receives personal attention and direct communication from our lawyers. You will never feel like just a case number when you work with us.
Our founding partner spent years on the insurance defense side with Allstate before switching to represent people like you. That background gives us a clear picture of how insurance companies approach wrongful death claims and what strategies they use to limit payouts. We use that knowledge to advocate more effectively for every family we represent.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning your family pays nothing up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Zoom consultations and our client portal make it easy to stay connected throughout your case without adding more stress to your schedule.
Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Palatine Today
Your family deserves answers, accountability, and a legal team that will fight for you. Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today for a free consultation and let us review your family’s case at no cost. We are ready to listen and ready to act.
A wrongful death attorney in Palatine from our firm can help your family pursue justice and the compensation you may be owed. We have stood beside families in some of their darkest moments, and we are honored to do the same for yours. Reach out today and let us go to bat for your family.
