Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys

Respected Fatal Accident Lawyers Ready to Fight for Victims in Chicago

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, especially when their death was caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another person or organization. In these tragic circumstances, family members may not only be left with grief, but they may also need to deal with financial burdens resulting from medical expenses, funeral costs, and the loss of income and support provided by their deceased loved one.

If you have lost a family member due to someone else's wrongful conduct, it is essential to understand your legal rights and your options for seeking justice. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide invaluable guidance during this challenging time. At Schwartz Jambois, we are dedicated to helping families who have lost loved ones navigate through the complex process of pursuing compensation in wrongful death cases in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim arises from situations in which a person dies as a result of another party's negligent acts or deliberate misconduct. Deaths may occur in car accidents, due to medical malpractice, because of defective products, or in a variety of other situations. Wrongful death claims seek financial recovery on behalf of surviving family members who have suffered harm as a result of their loved one's untimely passing.

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act governs these types of claims, outlining how they can be pursued and what damages may be awarded. Typically, immediate family members (such as a person's spouse, children, or parents) are eligible to file these claims. In some cases, the representative of a deceased person's estate may also take legal action to seek compensation for a wrongful death.

Pursuing Compensation for Wrongful Death

When representing clients in wrongful death cases, our compassionate attorneys employ our years of legal experience to build compelling cases focused on obtaining the compensation family members deserve. Here are some key elements of wrongful death claims and the types of damages that may be recoverable:

1. Economic Damages

These damages aim to compensate surviving family members for financial losses resulting from their loved one's death. These can include medical expenses for treatment provided before the person's death, expenses related to a funeral and the disposition of the person's remains, loss of future income (including benefits and pensions), and the value of household services that the deceased would have provided to their family.

2. Non-Economic Damages

These economic damages address the intangible losses suffered by surviving family members as a result of losing their loved one. This category includes emotional pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship or consortium with a spouse, guidance and nurturing for children, and any other negative effects of the person's untimely passing.

3. Punitive Damages

In certain cases where the actions that led to a wrongful death were intentional or involved gross negligence, a court may choose to award punitive damages on top of the economic and non-economic damages mentioned above. Unlike compensatory damages aimed at making victims whole again, punitive damages are meant to be an additional punishment for defendants found responsible for grossly negligent or intentionally harmful acts.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

Navigating through a wrongful death case involves dealing with complex legal procedures while simultaneously coping with grief over losing a loved one. Hiring an attorney who has experience in this area is crucial. At Schwartz Jambois, our attorneys can help in the following ways:

• Familiarity with Illinois laws: Wrongful death claims have specific requirements dictated by state statutes. Our lawyers understand these requirements, and we can ensure that claims are filed correctly within the applicable statute of limitations.
• Detailed investigation: Our skilled lawyers will conduct comprehensive investigations into your case—collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts when necessary—to build a strong and persuasive claim.
• Negotiation skills: Our attorneys will handle communication with insurance companies, defense attorneys, and other parties involved in a case as we work to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. If negotiations fail, we are prepared to effectively represent you during a trial.
• Compassionate support: Dealing with the emotional toll of losing a loved one is challenging. Our knowledgeable attorney can provide solace by offering empathetic guidance throughout the legal process, alleviating some of the burdens you face during this difficult time.

Contact Our Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you have lost someone dear to you due to another party's negligence or misconduct, it is essential to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney right away. At Schwartz Jambois, we are committed to providing unwavering support while pursuing justice for families affected by these heart-wrenching tragedies. Contact us today at 312-782-2525 to set up a complimentary consultation regarding your case.