Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyers

Young adult female grieving while leaving fresh flowers at a loved one's grave

Compassionate Legal Support from Wrongful Death Attorneys in Illinois

Losing a loved one changes everything in an instant. At the height of their grief, families are left searching for answers, stability, and a way forward. At Mahony Law, our Illinois wrongful death lawyers stand beside you with compassion and clear guidance. 

From Naperville and Oak Park to Wilmette and other northern Chicago suburbs, we’ve helped families hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation they need to ease the financial burdens left behind. We also offer the same trusted support to Wisconsin clients dealing with the unnecessary loss of a loved one. 

You don’t have to face the devastating aftermath of another’s negligence or reckless behavior alone. We’re here to protect your family, help you get closure, and fight for justice with dignity and care.

Why Families Turn to Us in Wrongful Death Cases

Trust is the foundation of our legal practice. That means we treat every client like a partner and, most importantly, like a human being who matters immensely. 

When life leaves you feeling blindsided and unsure of what to do next, you need a lawyer you can count on. At our wrongful death law firm, Chicago suburbs residents know they’re in good hands because we offer:

  • No upfront costs: You pay nothing unless we win your case. Just show up to your free initial consultation, and we’ll go from there.
  • Individualized counsel: Work one-on-one with an experienced attorney, not an assistant.
  • Empathetic advocacy: To us, you’re family, and we consider your suffering a deeply personal matter.
  • Responsive communication: We return calls and emails within 24 hours.
  • Trusted results: Our firm has recovered tens of millions for victims and their families.
  • Aggressive negotiation:  From medical bills and funeral expenses to lost income, we pursue full compensation to honor your loved one’s legacy and attain the financial stability your family deserves.

Let us take care of the logistics and protect your future while you focus on healing.

Close up of a grieving woman hiding her face in her hands
Loved one holding an injured patient's hand in the hospital room

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Illinois

Every tragedy has its own story. Under Illinois law, wrongful death happens when someone loses their life because of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or otherwise wrongful actions. At Mahony Law, we’ve stood with families facing losses from different types of wrongful death claims.

Here are some common causes of wrongful death in Illinois:

  • Medical malpractice or negligence
  • Car and trucking accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Boat and ATV accidents
  • Construction accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Aviation accidents
  • Defective products
  • Slips and falls

No matter the cause, our Illinois and Wisconsin wrongful death lawyers fight to uncover the truth, hold guilty parties accountable, and safeguard your family’s future.

Filing a Lawsuit: Wrongful Death Compensation in Illinois

While no amount of money could ever replace the person you lost, fair compensation can relieve the financial strain their absence brings and offer stability for the road ahead. In Illinois, our skilled attorneys can help you recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Lost wages and future income
  • Loss of companionship and support
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

Our role is simple: pursue every dollar the law allows, so your family has the resources to grieve, heal, and rebuild in peace.

Bouquet of pink roses and other bright-colored flowers displayed at an outdoor funeral
Judge's gavel lying next to a doctor's stethoscope on a table

How Wrongful Death Lawsuits Work in Illinois (and Wisconsin)

In Illinois, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate — often a spouse, parent, child, or a court-appointed family member. This ensures the claim benefits those most deeply impacted by the unexpected loss.

The statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of death to file. Some cases, like medical malpractice or claims against government entities, may have shorter deadlines. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation.

At Mahony Law, we guide you through every step of the legal process from consultation to compensation:

  1. Determine eligibility. We identify who can legally file the claim.
  2. Investigate the case. Gathering evidence, medical records, police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and other relevant documentation.
  3. File the claim. We help determine the responsible party and file a lawsuit with the appropriate court within Illinois’ (or Wisconsin’s) statute of limitations.
  4. Negotiate a wrongful death settlement. In Illinois or Wisconsin, our attorneys seek fair compensation to help aggrieved family members recover from their losses.
  5. Go to trial if needed. If insurers won’t pay, we’re ready to fight in court.

Illinois vs. Wisconsin

While Illinois allows families to recover from grief and sorrow without damage caps, Wisconsin law is stricter. Loss of companionship damages are capped at $350,000 for deceased adults and $500,000 for lost minors, and vehicle-related wrongful death claims must often be filed within two years of the incident. 

Mahony Law’s knowledge of both legal systems gives families along the Illinois–Wisconsin border a crucial advantage in getting their case heard. Through it all, we keep the process transparent and approachable, so you know what’s happening, why it matters, and what to expect next.

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney?

Emotional Support

Losing someone you love is deeply painful, and handling legal matters can feel impossible during this time. That’s why Mahony Law offers compassionate legal assistance to Illinois residents struggling to recover from the death of a friend, family member, or other close relationship. We manage every detail of your case so you and your family can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s life.

Financial Hardships

Wrongful death often leaves families with massive medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. Because of this, we help you pursue financial compensation for wrongful death in Illinois. With our expert assistance, you can get much-needed relief from these unexpected burdens.

Complicated Laws

Navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially after a sudden and devastating loss. Our team takes the time to explain wrongful death laws in Illinois while offering legal advice at every step. We’re here to protect your rights as fiercely as we would advocate for our own families.

Why Hire Mahony Law?

At Mahony Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll a wrongful death brings. Our experienced Naperville, Oak Park, and Wilmette wrongful death lawyers are here to lighten your load by handling your case with the care, professionalism, and personal attention it deserves.

We aren’t afraid to take on big corporations, insurance companies, or anyone responsible for your loss. Our team is committed to fighting for rightful compensation and helping your family find lasting closure. When you hire us, you get dedicated advocates who truly care about getting justice for your loved one.

Bronze statue of Lady Justice holding scales, symbolizing law and fairness in Illinois wrongful death cases

Start the Path to Earning Justice

Getting in touch with our experienced personal injury attorneys is the most important step in the process. Call today for a free consultation.

    FAQs About Wrongful Deaths

    According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This is often a spouse, parent, or adult child. If no one is named, the court can appoint a family member to act on the estate’s behalf.
    Generally, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim. However, certain situations may have different deadlines, so it’s best to speak with our attorneys as soon as you can.

    You may recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, burial expenses, lost and future income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering caused by your loved one’s death.

    While you’re not required to have one, hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney in Illinois strengthens your claim. They can help complete the process smoothly and improve your chances of securing fair compensation.
    Some of the most common causes include car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, defective products, and slip-and-fall accidents.
    Every case is different, but wrongful death claims can take several months to over a year to resolve. The timeline depends on factors like how complex the case is, how many parties are involved, whether liability is disputed, and whether the case goes to trial. Cases that settle out of court are usually faster, while those requiring extensive investigation or courtroom litigation can take longer.
    In Illinois, compensation is distributed among surviving family members in proportions the court finds fair. This usually depends on their level of financial dependence on the deceased, but our attorneys guide families through this process with clarity and care.
    Most wrongful death cases in Illinois are resolved through settlement, often without ever stepping into a courtroom. Settlements can provide families with closure more quickly while avoiding the stress of a trial. However, if the other side refuses to offer fair compensation, Mahony Law is fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.