Since 2001 Findgreatlawyers.com has been the leading internet resource to find Illinois lawyers and Illinois legal information

Wrongful death lawsuits are a type of personal injury lawsuit. When someone is killed because of the negligence or misconduct of someone else, a claim can be brought against the person or entity responsible. Examples include medical malpractice, nursing home abuse or neglect, vehicle accidents and defective products.

In order to succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, you need to prove negligence and prove that the negligence was the cause of the death. You also need to prove damages, which is the monetary compensation you are seeking, such as payment for medical bills, lost earnings or support of the person who died, and even pain and suffering.

In Will County, most personal injury cases are filed at the main county courthouse, located at 14 W. Jefferson Street in Joliet. Many of the attorneys in Will County are located close to the courthouse. In many cases, we suggest starting local when searching for an attorney. Benefits include having someone who is familiar with the local legal community and customs, as well as someone who knows the judges, clerks and other attorneys. Hiring a local attorney doesn’t guarantee a result, but it can give you an advantage.

In other cases, we might suggest broadening your search. Some wrongful death cases might fit into this category. Although location can matter, experience is essential. If you have a unique case, and there is an attorney in Chicago who has experience with your particular issue, it might be your best bet. Similarly, if you have a high-profile case that is going to be expensive, you might need a larger firm because the firms in these cases pay the costs of litigation upfront. So an attorney’s available resources might be an important consideration, as well. We weigh all these factors when helping you find the best attorney for your case.

In wrongful death lawsuits, the estate of the deceased usually files the lawsuit. The deadline is generally two years from the date of death, but there are many exceptions. For example, if you have a lawsuit against a government entity, you have much less time to take action. It’s a good idea to talk to an attorney as soon as you suspect you might have a case. It doesn’t cost anything to consult with a wrongful death attorney, and it’s a great way to get your questions answered.

Attorneys who handle wrongful death and other personal injury cases generally charge on a contingency basis, which means that there is no fee unless you win. Contingency fees are typically 1/3 of what you recover. So if you are awarded money at trial, or agree on a settlement amount, your attorney gets a cut. The amount can vary, and fees should be discussed up front so there is no confusion or disagreement about it later on. It’s a good idea to sign a fee agreement at the beginning of a case.

If you have other questions about wrongful death lawsuits in Joliet or elsewhere in Will County, or if you would like our help finding an attorney to meet with, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are usually available right away, and if not we almost always get back to you within 24 hours.

If you have a potential wrongful death case out of the following cities or towns, your case would likely be filed in Will County: