Lost someone in Chicago because of another person's carelessness? We handle the case so your family can grieve.
A wrongful death claim can cover the support, care and companionship your family lost. Free case review, no fee unless we win, and a real person answers 24/7.
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The first few days decide a lot of cases. In order:
In a 2026 Rockford case, police used license plate cameras to find a driver who seriously injured a teenager. Camera data can be deleted within days, so act early.
What you can get paid for
A wrongful death claim covers what your family lost.
Find out what your case is worthWrongful death results
Deadlines vary. Act early.
How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, have deadlines measured in months, not years. Call early, and we find the deadline that applies to you.
Chicago wrongful death questions we get every day
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A staffed office, not a satellite. Illinois attorneys and their support team work at 150 North Wacker.
More about wrongful death cases in Chicago
Read the full guide
Updated September 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Wrongful death cases in Chicago: what to know
When a person dies because of someone else's carelessness, Illinois law lets the family seek accountability. Most of the cases we see come from car, truck, motorcycle and pedestrian crashes, and from unsafe property.
Illinois rules that shape your case
- Who brings the case. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, the case is brought by the personal representative of the person who died, for the benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin. A court appoints the representative if there is no will.
- Two claims. A wrongful death claim covers the family's losses. A separate claim, for the estate, can cover the person's own losses before death.
- Shared fault. If the person who died is found more than 50% at fault, recovery is barred. Otherwise it is reduced by that share.
- Deadlines vary. How long a family has depends on the case and who is responsible. Claims against a government agency, such as the CTA or the City, can have shorter or special deadlines. Call early.
What a wrongful death case can cover
- The financial support your loved one would have provided
- The loss of their love, care, companionship and guidance
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills before death, through a separate claim for the estate
No amount of money replaces a person. A case can bring accountability and financial stability, and it can uncover what really happened.
What to do now
- Keep the police report number, the death certificate and medical records.
- Do not sign anything from an insurer, and do not give a recorded statement.
- Keep photos, messages and any video. Evidence such as vehicle data and business video can be lost within days. See how long camera footage is kept.
- Call us. We handle the investigation, the insurers and the court filings, so your family can grieve. There is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.
Our Chicago office
TORKLAW has a fully staffed office at 150 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1450. Illinois attorneys and their support team work there. There is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you. A real person answers 24/7, in English or Spanish.
Not sure if you have a case? Call anyway. It's free to ask.
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This is a paid advertisement for TORKLAW, not an offer or guarantee of results. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Some matters may be referred to partner firms as appropriate. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Tracy R. Horn, Esq. is responsible for this advertisement. Main Office: 18650 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612.