How Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys Help Families Navigate a Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a family member because of another person's actions or negligence can create lasting emotional and financial challenges. Along with grieving, family members may have questions about medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and their legal rights.

A wrongful death claim can provide a legal path for eligible family members to seek compensation when a person's death results from circumstances that may give rise to legal liability. Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys can help families understand the claims process and the legal issues that may apply to their situation.

Understanding a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death claim is a civil legal claim that may arise when a person dies because of another party's wrongful act, neglect, or default. These cases can involve various circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, medical negligence, defective products, or other types of accidents.

Illinois law establishes specific requirements concerning who may bring a wrongful death claim and the types of damages that may be available. Because each situation is different, families should obtain legal guidance based on the facts of their case.

Investigating the Circumstances of the Death

Understanding how the death occurred is an important part of a wrongful death claim. An attorney may review available records and evidence to determine what happened and identify the parties who may be legally responsible.

Depending on the circumstances, relevant information may include police reports, medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, employment records, insurance information, and other documentation.

A detailed review can help establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine what legal options may be available to the surviving family members.

Identifying Potentially Responsible Parties

Wrongful death cases can involve more than one potentially responsible party. For example, a fatal auto accident may involve questions concerning another driver's conduct, while a workplace incident may involve different legal and insurance issues.

A Chicago wrongful death lawyer can review the available evidence and explain which parties may potentially be involved in a claim.

Understanding Available Damages

The financial consequences of losing a family member can be significant. Depending on the circumstances and applicable Illinois law, damages in a wrongful death claim may address losses such as funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, loss of financial support, and other legally recognized losses.

Calculating these losses may require reviewing financial records, employment information, medical documentation, and other relevant evidence.

Handling Insurance Companies and Legal Documents

Insurance companies may become involved in wrongful death cases, particularly when the death results from a car accident or another incident involving insurance coverage.

Families may receive requests for information or documents while they are dealing with their loss. An attorney can handle communications related to the legal claim, review relevant documents, and help the family understand the legal process.

Paying Attention to Legal Deadlines

Wrongful death claims are subject to legal deadlines. The applicable deadline can depend on the circumstances of the death and the type of claim involved.

Missing an applicable filing deadline can affect the ability to pursue a claim. For this reason, families should seek legal advice promptly after a wrongful death rather than waiting until a deadline is approaching.

How Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. Can Help

Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. represents individuals and families dealing with personal injury and wrongful death matters in Chicago. The firm has served the community for more than 40 years.

The attorneys featured on the firm's website are the attorneys who represent its clients. The firm focuses on providing direct legal representation and helping families understand their options after a serious injury or loss.

A wrongful death claim cannot undo the loss of a loved one. However, understanding the legal process can help eligible family members address the financial and legal issues that may follow a fatal accident.

Speak With a Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney

If your family has lost a loved one because of an accident or another circumstance that may involve legal responsibility, contact Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. at 312-332-5400. A Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney can review the circumstances of the loss, explain the legal process, and help you understand the options that may be available to your family.