Wrongful Death Lawyers in Illinois

The grief and devastation of losing a loved one due to the negligent acts of another person or company in Illinois is only described as unbearable. At Burger Law, we understand the pain and shock that you and your family are experiencing and we are here to do everything in our power to provide some measure of comfort. While no dollar amount can bring back your lost loved one, our Illinois wrongful death lawyers can help your family address the financial difficulties you may be going through, as well as provide some justice. Call us immediately at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.

We know that wrongful death claims are never easy. In a perfect world, careless and negligent acts would never happen. But they unfortunately do, and Burger Law is here to help fight to make sure the company or individual responsible for your loved one’s death is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We will never settle for anything less than a full recovery for you and your family, and neither should you.

The Burger Law legal team fights for your rights and demands a full recovery in your Illinois wrongful death claim. Our knowledgeable and aggressive attorneys have successfully recovered $200 million in settlement and trial results for our clients, including a multi-year legal battle resulting in a trial verdict of $113 million. We do not charge any fees unless we win your family’s claim.

Burger Law’s Successful Illinois Wrongful Death Claims

At Burger Law, we believe that results matter. We realize that no amount of money is going to replace your lost loved one. But you deserve to know that we are giving 100 percent to your case and fighting for your loved one on their behalf and, hopefully, compensation can help alleviate the stress of paying for medical bills and funeral costs. Here are a few of the wrongful death claims we have successfully taken on:

• Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim – In this claim, we held the business liable for the actions of their truck driver and were able to win a great settlement for our clients, as well as handle the family’s probate matters so that their recovery was protected.
• Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Claim – In this suit, we showed that the doctor/provider didn’t take our client’s symptoms seriously and that they also neglected to perform tests necessary to the symptoms displayed.
• Nursing Home Negligence Wrongful Death Claim – Sometimes a person will pass years after an accident. Sometimes a complication may arise after the accident that would not have happened had the accident not occurred. Here, we made sure that the nursing home was held fully responsible for the injuries they caused to our client, and the illness that caused her death.
• Wrongful Death due to Fentanyl – This drug, in large amounts, can be fatal. The company neglected to tell users that fentanyl patches could introduce potentially fatal levels of the drug into the bloodstream. We were able to prove that the company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, acted negligently, and were able to settle the claim for a substantial, confidential amount.
• Car Accident Wrongful Death Claim – In this case, we fought hard for a client and her three sons to make sure they were given the compensation and care that they deserved and needed following the loss of their father when a first responder vehicle collided with their car.

Our firm has also been involved in several opioid overdose wrongful death claims. The opioid epidemic is ravaging the United States. Doctors often get financial kickbacks for prescribing opioids, and thus prescribe the dangerous drugs more often. These companies need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for their actions. Here is a short video on the misrepresentation of opioids:

How Does Illinois Law Define Wrongful Death?

According to 740 Illinois Compiled Statute 180/1, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s “wrongful act, neglect or default.” A wrongful death claim can be brought in any situation where the individual could have brought a personal injury lawsuit had he or she lived.

Under 740 ILCS 180/2, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the individual’s death. However, if the person died as a result of “violent intentional conduct,” referenced in Molly’s Law, the suit must be filed within five years of the date of the death.

A wrongful death claim may be brought one year after a criminal case is completed if the person who caused the wrongful death was charged with any of the following crimes in relation to the death:

• First- or second-degree murder
• Intentional homicide or voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child
• Involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide
• Involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide of an unborn child
• Drug-induced homicide

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a wrongful death claim can only be filed by a personal representative of the deceased. If the deceased has a valid will that names an executor, then the executor is considered the personal representative. If the decedent does not have a will or their will is considered invalid, then the court appoints an administrator that is typically nominated by an interested party. The process of appointing this administrator is governed by the Illinois Probate Act. While a court may accept any person as administrator, the Probate Act gives preference to family members and others in the following order:

• Surviving spouse
• Legatees
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Parents
• Brothers and sisters
• Nearest kin

What Are My First Steps in a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?

The first thing you need to do is, at the very least, have a conversation with a qualified wrongful death lawyer. You can do that for free by calling Burger Law now at (314) 500-HURT or reaching out to us online for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

The Burger Law wrongful death lawyers in Illinois understand that the primary goal of any family that loses a loved one is to seek justice. We get it. However, it is equally important to seek damages for the losses incurred – financial or otherwise – now, as you only have one chance to make the person who ended your loved one’s life pay for what they have done. Our skilled and tenacious attorneys work with you throughout the following steps of your wrongful death claim:

Investigation to make your case. This is what you hire your lawyer to do. A strong wrongful death attorney in Chicago and throughout Illinois is prepared to go to any lengths to make sure you get what you and your family deserve. We have a team of qualified evidence experts that help us reconstruct events and gather evidence and documents relevant to your case.

Take the workload off of your plate. Rely on your Burger Law wrongful death lawyer to handle all the administrative and other aspects of your case so you can focus on the things that matter to you. We have a fully staffed firm of legal professionals who can handle filing the proper paperwork, communicating with the defense and other parties involved and other clerical tasks.

Know the value of your claim and negotiate. As an experienced attorney who has been handling cases like yours for more than two decades, your Burger Law wrongful death lawyer in Chicago knows how to properly calculate the value of your claim. Without this experience, it is next to impossible to understand the monetary value of damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of support. Even when it comes to economic damages like medical bills and loss of income and benefits, your lawyer will make sure that every dollar is accounted for and that you and your family are demanding what your case is truly worth. This also includes negotiating a settlement with the defense and taking your case to trial in front of a jury of your peers if necessary. The litigation and trial experience of your wrongful death lawyer in Illinois greatly increases your chances of success in your wrongful death suit.

Offer support and guidance. One of the most valuable things your lawyer can do for you is to simply be there for you and your family. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time. You have lost someone you love suddenly and tragically, and now you have to deal with the legal process of your wrongful death suit. The Illinois wrongful death attorneys of Burger Law take our responsibility of representing and counseling mourning families very seriously and we understand that sometimes what you need from us most is encouragement, a kind word, or a hand to hold. We are here for you. We can provide you with sound legal advice on your options and the best course of action to take and we can listen when you need to unload. The role of your wrongful death attorney is one we wear with honor.

What Are Some Examples of a Wrongful Death Case in Illinois?

Burger Law’s wrongful death lawyers have decades of proven experience in wrongful death claims and have helped many family members in Chicago and throughout Illinois get the compensation they deserve to alleviate the uncertainty and pressure they face following their substantial loss. Our wrongful death lawyers have successfully taken on all kinds of cases, including:

• Car accidents are one of the most common causes of death, and can come either from road issues or driver negligence.
• Medical malpractice cases often involve misdiagnosis or the failure to properly diagnose an issue, but can also involve surgical errors and other problems.
• Construction site and workplace accident suits involve deaths that occur at high-risk jobs, especially if safety precautions were not properly observed.
• Product defects that result in the death of a loved one often warrant a wrongful death suit, and can involve anything from toxic foods to dangerous toys.
• Truck accidents are distinct from car accidents in that trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, as much as 20 to 30 times more than a standard car, and cause death with more frequency.
• Pedestrian accident suits can involve driver negligence, but also occasionally involve problems with roadways which are maintained by the applicable city or county.

These are only common examples of wrongful death cases in Illinois. If you have questions about the validity of your claim, call Burger Law right away at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form. It costs nothing to speak with our top Illinois wrongful death lawyers for a case review. There will be no fee unless we win your case.

How Will a Wrongful Death Lawyer Prove My Claim in Illinois?

As the plaintiff in a wrongful death case, you must demonstrate that the defendant owed your loved one a duty of care, and prove that their negligence in that duty caused your loved one’s death. In order to ensure that your family has a legitimate claim, and for the best chances of winning a wrongful death suit and recovering damages for your claim, you need to speak to an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Burger Law based in Chicago right away.

In proving your wrongful death case, you must show the following facts are true:

• The decedent was owed a duty of care.This means the defendant owed a specific duty to the victim. In a car accident, it is automatically accepted that motorists owe their fellow road users a duty to drive safely and do their part to keep other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from harm. In a medical situation, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are supposed to treat their patients as effectively as possible while doing as little harm as possible. Consumer product manufacturers are supposed to release products that have minimal risk to users, and any dangers in using the product should be adequately disclosed.
• There was a breach of this duty of care.The next fact you must establish is that the defendant did something that violated that responsibility, a breach of duty. This is where negligence applies. This occurs when an intoxicated person decides to operate a motor vehicle or when a doctor fails to operate on a patient safely.
• This breach caused your loved one’s death.Now, you must prove fault and causation. Essentially proving that, if the defendant had not done what they did, the decedent would almost certainly still be living. Your Illinois wrongful death lawyer will likely consult and get testimony from experts like medical professionals or coroners who can determine the cause of the death and how certain conditions and injuries impact a person’s ability to survive.
• The defendant’s negligence caused damages.Finally, to win your wrongful death claim, you must show how the defendant’s behavior has affected you. A skilled wrongful death lawyer will calculate the complete value of your damages and negotiate appropriate financial compensation on your behalf. Burger Law’s wrongful death attorneys have experience in wrongful death cases like yours and know how to value your damages and negotiate an excellent recovery.

Call Burger Law now at (314) 500-HURT or reach out to us online.

What Damages Can My Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Recover?

After the death of a loved one in Illinois, surviving family members can struggle to remain afloat financially. Medical bills and funeral costs may be overwhelming and families can find it difficult to make ends meet. If you and your family fail to file a wrongful death suit, you will be responsible for covering the expenses with your own money, which may not be enough. Fortunately, a strong wrongful death claim headed by a seasoned Illinois wrongful death attorney from Burger Law may have a strong chance of recovering some of these costs as damages. Under Illinois law, your family can recover a number of different damages, and there are no caps on damages. Damages are categorized as one of the following:

• Economic: expenses such as medical bills, treatment costs, funeral expenses and loss of income and benefits which are measurable dollar amounts
• Non-economic: other damages that are not quantified, such as mental anguish, loss of guidance and loss of companionship
• Survival: damages suffered by the victim due to the accident prior to their death, such as pain and suffering due to their fatal injuries

To collect the full damages you and your family are entitled to, you must find an experienced Chicago wrongful death law firm you can trust. The Illinois wrongful death attorneys of Burger Law are committed to fighting for you and your family and bringing you a full financial recovery after your unspeakable loss. We will not rest until we have helped you recover any applicable damages, including:

• Loss of income
• Reduced capacity for future income
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of instruction to children
• Guidance
• Counseling
• Funeral Expenses
• Burial costs
• Medical expenses
• Treatment costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

We understand that your loved one’s passing is difficult. We want to help you and your family receive all of the compensation and financial recovery that you deserve. Your family deserves to have their needs and their concerns met. When you are ready to talk, we can help. Call (314) 500-HURT or contact our wrongful death lawyers in Illinois.

RECEIVE A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CASE REVIEW TODAY

Reach Out To a Burger Law Wrongful Death Lawyer in Chicago, Illinois

Burger Law knows how devastating the loss of a loved one is, and we understand the fear and unknowns associated with your loss. When you hire our Illinois wrongful death lawyer, we stand by your side and fight to preserve the memory of your loved one and the future of your family. We never settle for anything less than complete recovery, and neither should you. We can help you and your family get the justice, compensation, and recovery you deserve.

Call a Burger Law Illinois wrongful death lawyer based in Chicago right away at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We do not charge any fees unless we win your family’s claim.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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