Did you lose a loved one because of a fatal accident in Chicago, Illinois? If another party caused their death through negligence or wrongful conduct, your family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A Chicago wrongful death attorney at Gill Ports Hoste LLC can help guide your family through this difficult but important process.
We have decades of combined experience representing families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Our Chicago personal injury firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients and their families throughout Illinois.
Contact a wrongful death lawyer today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Why Choose Gill Ports Hoste to Handle Your Chicago Wrongful Death Case
Families in Chicago hire Gill Ports Hoste LLC because:
- We have decades of legal experience and focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death claims
- We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for families affected by wrongful death or catastrophic injury
- We have extensive courtroom experience battling against the largest corporations in the U.S.
- Our Chicago wrongful death attorneys are recognized by the legal community (Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and more)
- We provide personalized attention and consistent communication throughout your case
We understand that every wrongful death case represents a tremendous loss. Our attorneys are committed to getting answers and accountability. Call us today to schedule a free case review with one of our Chicago wrongful death lawyers. We handle wrongful death claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
Why Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Chicago
Chicago wrongful death claims are complex, high-value cases. They often involve powerful insurance companies, large corporations, and extensive legal defense teams — all working to deny or undervalue your right to compensation. Your family deserves experienced legal representation that can stand up to these parties and pursue justice that honors your loved one.
A wrongful death attorney can assist your family by:
- Conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances of your loved one’s death
- Gathering and preserving evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Identifying all liable parties responsible for the fatal incident
- Consulting with qualified experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals
- Calculating the full extent of your family’s financial and emotional losses
- Handling all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and defense attorneys
- Filing a wrongful death lawsuit and representing your family in court if necessary
- Complying with all procedural rules and deadlines for claims
A wrongful death lawyer in Chicago goes to bat for your family and your late loved one, handling all aspects of your claim and giving you space to grieve.
What Is Wrongful Death Under Illinois Law?
Under Illinois law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. If your loved one had had the right to file a personal injury claim if they survived, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death cases can arise from a variety of circumstances, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Construction accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Unsafe property conditions
- And more
These cases often require detailed investigations to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?
Illinois law limits who may file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal accident. Typically, the claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members. The compensation recovered in the claim is intended to benefit eligible surviving relatives.
Eligible beneficiaries may include:
- The surviving spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- Other next of kin
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your family may be entitled to compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to your loved one’s final injury or illness
- Loss of income and financial support that your loved one would have provided
- Loss of future earnings, benefits, and retirement contributions
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
- Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering experienced by surviving family members
In addition to wrongful death damages, the deceased person’s estate may also pursue a related survival action, which allows recovery for damages your loved one experienced before death. An experienced Chicago wrongful death attorney can evaluate your case and pursue full compensation that reflects both the financial and personal impact of your loss.
Can You Recover Compensation If Your Loved One Was Partially at Fault?
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means your family may still recover compensation if your loved one was partially responsible for the incident, as long as they were less than 50 percent at fault. However, your total compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.
For example, if damages total $500,000 and your loved one was found 20 percent at fault, your family could recover $400,000 (80 percent). But if their percentage of fault reaches 51 percent, you cannot recover any compensation.
Insurance companies often attempt to “blame the victim” in wrongful death cases. If they can shift some blame, they pay less. If they can shift most of the blame, they pay nothing. Gill Ports Hoste LLC works to challenge unsupported claims of shared fault and protect your family’s right to compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law sets deadlines on your right to file a wrongful death case. State law generally requires wrongful death lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you can lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
Certain exceptions may apply in limited circumstances. For example, claims involving government entities may have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines. You should consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time and critical evidence is preserved.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer for Help
No legal action can undo your loss, but pursuing a Chicago wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family and give you a sense of justice.
Call Gill Ports Hoste LLC today at (312) 372-8893 to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago wrongful death attorney. We’re here to help you make meaning out of your loss and ensure this never happens to anyone else.