Wrongful Death Attorney in Cook County, Illinois
Losing a family member to someone else's negligence is one of the most difficult situations a family can face. Illinois law provides a path to hold responsible parties accountable — and understanding whether that path is available to your family costs nothing.
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What Illinois Law Provides for Wrongful Death Claims
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may pursue a civil claim when a death results from another party's negligence or intentional act. Eligible claimants typically include a surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. The claim is separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from the same event.
Illinois wrongful death claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations, generally measured from the date of death. Certain circumstances may affect that window. If you are uncertain whether the deadline has passed, a consultation will give you a direct answer.
What a Wrongful Death Claim Can Address
A wrongful death claim accounts for more than the immediate circumstances of the loss. Illinois law allows recovery for the financial and personal impact on surviving family members — including loss of income and financial support the deceased would have provided, medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium that surviving family members have experienced.
These claims are not about assigning a monetary value to a person's life. They are about acknowledging that negligence caused a loss with real, lasting consequences for the people left behind — and that the responsible party should bear accountability for those consequences.
Common Circumstances That Give Rise to Wrongful Death Claims
Many wrongful death cases in Cook County arise from car and truck accidents, medical negligence, or other situations where a preventable act or failure to act caused a fatal outcome. We handle wrongful death cases that arise from the full range of circumstances we represent in our personal injury practice.
If the death involved a vehicle accident, the liability analysis — and the evidence required — follows the same framework as a serious injury case, including the multi-party liability considerations that apply when a commercial truck is involved. If the death resulted from medical negligence, the claim involves a detailed review of the standard of care and how it was breached.
Compensation pursued for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term damages
How We Handle Wrongful Death Cases
Families dealing with loss should not also have to manage the demands of a legal claim. We handle every aspect of the legal process — investigation, filing, insurance negotiations, and litigation when necessary — so that client involvement is focused on decision-making rather than administration.
Wrongful death cases in Illinois are litigated in the Circuit Court of Cook County when they do not resolve through negotiation. We handle the full process on a contingency fee basis. There is no legal fee unless a recovery is made.
A wrongful death case requires careful, thorough preparation. We approach these cases with the same factual rigor we apply to every personal injury claim and with full awareness of what families in these situations are carrying.
Illinois Firearms Law Is More Complex Than It Appears
A significant number of people facing weapons charges did not believe they were doing anything illegal. Illinois has specific rules about where you can carry, how a firearm must be transported, and what documentation you are required to have — and those rules change depending on proximity to schools, parks, and other restricted zones.
Your intent matters. What you understood about the law at the time matters. These are legitimate legal defenses, not technicalities, and we have raised them in Cook County courts.
Testimonials
I can’t thank Steve enough for the work he did on my criminal case. From day one, he was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and straightforward about everything. He responded quickly whenever I had questions and always kept me informed about what was going on. Most importantly, he got my case dismissed.
David Cortez
5 stars across the board! Mr. Skinner was a great help, very professional and knowledgeable. He did what he said he would! I would highly recommend him for all of your legal needs!
Jim Marino
Attorney Skinner handled my daughter’s traffic matter wonderfully! He was very professional and helpful throughout the process.
Keri Moritz
Quick and concise service. Applying for law enforcement, needed to clean up my past ASAP, Mr Skinner ensured the job got done in time for the next hiring cycle. A blessing no doubt!! Knowledgeable and professional, well mannered, I recommended highly.
Steven Quiroz
Common Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Illinois
How does a wrongful death lawsuit work in Illinois?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought by surviving family members against the party whose negligence or intentional act caused the death. The claim is separate from any criminal case. It proceeds through investigation, filing, negotiation with the responsible party's insurer, and litigation if a fair resolution is not reached. Illinois wrongful death cases are heard in the Circuit Court of Cook County for claims arising in this area.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a claim is typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate on behalf of surviving family members — most commonly a spouse, children, or parents. The specifics of who is eligible and in what capacity depend on the family's circumstances. A consultation will clarify who can file and what the process involves.
How long do we have to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
Illinois generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations measured from the date of death. Certain circumstances can modify that window, but the safest approach is to have the claim evaluated as early as possible. Waiting does not preserve options — it limits them.
What damages are available in a wrongful death case in Illinois?
A wrongful death claim can include loss of financial support and income the deceased would have provided, medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, and loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium for surviving family members. The specific damages available depend on the family's relationship to the deceased and the circumstances of the loss.
Does it cost anything to have a wrongful death case evaluated?
No. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, and consultations are free with no time limit. There is no legal fee unless a recovery is made. A consultation is a conversation about what happened and what your family's options are — nothing more is required of you.
Steven Skinner is a personal injury attorney licensed in Illinois with 20 years of experience representing clients in Cook County courts. Skinner Law Firm, P.C. handles wrongful death claims throughout Cook County on a contingency fee basis, including cases arising from vehicle accidents and medical negligence. The firm holds a 4.9-star Google rating (28 reviews) and a 5.0 Avvo rating (18 reviews). Learn more on the About page.
Understanding Your Family's Options Is the First Step
A consultation is a conversation — about what happened, who may be responsible, and what Illinois law allows. It does not commit you to anything. If your family has questions about whether a wrongful death claim is available, we are here to answer them.
Call or text 312-852-9937. Consultations are free with no time limit. We are available after hours and on weekends.