How to Hire a Lawyer for Your Wrongful Death Case in Chicago

Losing a loved one is never easy, but when that loss occurs as a result of wrongful death it can be even more difficult. If you are experiencing the loss of a loved one as a result of someone else’s wrongful actions, it can be frustrating to deal with all of the legal processes related to filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Here in Chicago, there are attorneys who focus specifically on helping families who have lost loved ones due to another party’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you are thinking about hiring a lawyer for your wrongful death case, here are some of the things that you should keep in mind when searching for the right attorney for you.

What is a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death case is a lawsuit that an individual files against another individual or entity for the wrongful death of their loved one. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks financial compensation for the loss of the loved one and other types of damages related to the death. Whether a serious car crash or medical mistake led to the death of your loved one, you have the right to seek compensation for their losses through a wrongful death case.

Types of damages that may be recovered in a wrongful death case include medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and other costs associated with the victim’s death. In Illinois, a person may bring a wrongful death action on behalf of the deceased person’s estate, the surviving spouse, or the decedent’s parents if there are no surviving children or if the decedent’s spouse is deceased. The statute of limitations in Illinois for a wrongful death action is two years from the date of the decedent’s death.

Hiring an Attorney for Your Wrongful Death Case

Chicago wrongful death lawyers are available to help families who have tragically lost their loved ones due to the wrongful actions of another party. An experienced attorney will be able to guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit and help you recover the compensation that you need to move forward after such a traumatic event.

When choosing an attorney to handle your wrongful death case, you should make sure that they have experience handling these types of cases and that they are known for providing personalized service to their clients. You should also ask friends and family members for recommendations and look for online reviews from past clients that can be helpful when evaluating different attorneys.

What to Expect When Working with a Wrongful Death Attorney

During the Initial Consultation

When you contact an attorney about representing you in your wrongful death case, the attorney will usually meet with you to discuss the circumstances surrounding the accident that led to your loved one’s death. They will also help you decide if you want to hire them to represent you in your case.

At the initial consultation, your attorney should answer your questions and explain your rights and options in clear terms so that you can make an informed choice about whether to move forward with the case. Your attorney will also provide you with some information about your potential legal claim and a cost estimate for the services they will provide if you decide to hire them to represent you in your case.

During the Investigation

Your attorney will begin the investigation process immediately by collecting all of the relevant evidence pertaining to your case. This may include hiring accident reconstruction experts and other experts who can examine the vehicles and machinery involved in the accident and help determine the cause of the accident. They may also review police reports, eyewitness accounts, and other documentation to gather all of the information that they need to determine who is responsible for their loved one’s death.

If your attorney is unable to determine the party responsible for your loved one’s death on their own, they may decide that it is necessary to file a lawsuit in order to obtain a court order allowing them to conduct further investigation.

During Settlement Negotiations and Trial

If your attorney is able to negotiate a settlement with the defendant(s) in your case, they will present the settlement offer on your behalf and help you decide whether or not to accept it. If you decide to accept the terms of the settlement, your attorney will prepare the paperwork needed to finalize the agreement and then collect the agreed-upon payment from the defendant. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney will prepare the case for trial and present the evidence to the jury to get them to return a verdict in your favor.

Conclusion

A wrongful-death lawsuit can help you recover damages for your losses and hold the person responsible for your loved one’s death accountable for their actions. Understanding what to do after your family member has been killed in a fatal accident can be difficult, but a qualified personal injury attorney can help make the process easier for you and your family. Contact a lawyer today to learn more!