Best Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer

Eric Terry leads our team of Chicago wrongful death lawyers with a focused commitment to families who have lost loved ones due to negligence or misconduct.

With more than a decade of experience in personal injury law, Eric approaches wrongful death cases with both legal precision and deep compassion for grieving families.

He and the attorneys at TorHoerman Law are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping surviving spouses and family members pursue justice under Illinois law.

At TorHoerman Law, we take a collaborative approach to every wrongful death claim.

Rather than assigning a single lawyer, we build a legal team tailored to the specific needs of your case.

Each attorney contributes their distinct experience in litigation, insurance negotiations, and personal injury law to develop a strategy that seeks maximum compensation for your loss.

This team approach allows us to investigate thoroughly, communicate consistently, and provide the personal attention you deserve during an emotionally difficult time.

Our Chicago Wrongful Death Attorneys include:

• Alan Holcomb: Alan is a nationally recognized trial attorney with years of experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims across the country. Known for his litigation skills and track record, Alan has recovered millions for families impacted by negligence.
• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of experience, Steve has represented families in high-stakes wrongful death cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace incidents. His litigation background and commitment to justice make him a strong ally for families seeking accountability after a tragic loss.
• Jake Plattenberger: As a partner and the head of our Chicago office, Jake brings extensive courtroom experience and a deep understanding of wrongful death litigation. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has tried more than 35 cases to jury verdict and works closely with families to build strong, evidence-based claims.
• Chad Finley: Chad’s legal and medical knowledge is particularly valuable in wrongful death cases involving catastrophic injuries and delayed medical treatment. He focuses on proving the long-term impact of a loved one’s death on surviving family members and securing comprehensive compensation.
• Tyler Schneider: As managing partner, Tyler plays a pivotal role in the firm’s strategy and client care. His leadership helps guide complex wrongful death claims and keeps the firm’s mission focused on delivering meaningful results for clients throughout Chicago and Illinois.
• Rachal Rojas: Rachal leads the firm’s intake and client support team. She helps families through the legal process with clear communication, empathy, and an understanding of the emotional toll that follows a loved one’s unexpected death.

At TorHoerman Law, our Chicago wrongful death attorneys are here to provide legal support and compassion when it matters most.

Our Founder and Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman, founder of TorHoerman Law, is a nationally recognized attorney with more than 20 years of experience in personal injury cases.

He has dedicated his career to advocating for those harmed through no fault of their own, including elderly residents subjected to neglect and abuse in nursing facilities.

Tor has successfully secured billions of dollars in compensation for his clients, holding negligent corporations and individuals accountable for their actions.

Under his leadership, TorHoerman Law has built a reputation for compassionate representation and tenacious advocacy.

Tor is committed to ensuring every client receives the personalized attention and justice they deserve.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer from TorHoerman Law?

Hiring a Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer from TorHoerman Law costs nothing upfront.

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case and secure compensation on your behalf.

This arrangement allows grieving families to pursue justice without the financial burden of hourly legal fees or out-of-pocket costs.

You can focus on healing while we handle the legal process. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.

Losing a loved one in a wrongful death accident takes a profound emotional and financial toll on surviving family members.

In the wake of the victim’s death, families are often left dealing with medical expenses, funeral costs, and sudden loss of income.

These burdens are made worse when the death results from a wrongful act, such as in motor vehicle accidents or incidents involving negligence.

While no amount of money can replace a life, a wrongful death claim can provide the financial relief and justice needed to help families move forward.

Acting quickly and following the right steps can strengthen your claim and help you hold the responsible party accountable.

Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death Occurs:

1. Seek Immediate Support – Contact trusted family members or friends to help you process the loss and manage initial logistics.
2. Obtain the Death Certificate – This legal document is necessary for filing any claims related to the victim’s death.
3. Gather Evidence – Collect documentation such as accident reports, medical records, and witness information.
4. Preserve Financial Records – Keep track of funeral costs, medical bills, and other expenses related to the wrongful death.
5. Consult a Wrongful Death Lawyer – Contact an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process and determine if a wrongful act caused the death.

Gathering Evidence for a Chicago Wrongful Death Case

In a Chicago wrongful death case, evidence is critical to proving that a wrongful act, negligence, or reckless behavior caused your loved one’s death.

Strong evidence helps establish liability and connect the at-fault party’s actions to the harm suffered by surviving family members.

It also supports your claim for fair compensation by documenting the emotional, financial, and personal losses experienced.

Without clear and organized evidence, your chances of holding the responsible party accountable may be reduced.

Common Evidence in a Chicago Wrongful Death Case:

• Accident Reports – Official reports from police or investigators detailing the incident.
• Medical Records – Documentation of the victim’s injuries and medical treatment leading up to their death.
• Witness Statements – Accounts from people who observed the event or the behavior of those involved.
• Surveillance Footage or Photos – Visual evidence showing what occurred before, during, or after the incident.
• Expert Testimony – Professionals who can explain how negligence or reckless behavior caused the death.
• Financial Documents – Records of funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost income used to calculate damages.
• Communication Records – Emails, texts, or internal memos that may show negligence or intent.

Wrongful Death Damages Explained

In a civil lawsuit for wrongful death, damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to surviving family members to account for the losses resulting from their loved one’s death.

These damages serve to recognize both the economic and emotional consequences of losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence, wrongful act, or misconduct.

A wrongful death action in Illinois allows certain relatives to recover compensation for losses such as lost income, companionship, and funeral expenses.

The goal is to provide support to wrongful death victims—those left behind—who are now facing the aftermath of the tragedy.

Damages Available in a Chicago Wrongful Death Case May Include:

• Lost Wages and Future Earnings – Income the deceased would have earned over their lifetime.
• Loss of Companionship and Consortium – Emotional loss suffered by a spouse or close family member.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses – Costs associated with laying the deceased to rest.
• Medical Expenses – Bills incurred before the victim’s death as a result of the fatal injury.
• Pain and Suffering of the Deceased – If the person experienced pain before passing, this may be considered.
• Loss of Parental Guidance – Compensation for children who lost a parent and provider.
• Loss of Household Services – Value of tasks the deceased would have contributed to the family home.

In Illinois wrongful death cases, the legal process is governed primarily by two statutes: the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) and the Illinois Survival Act (755 ILCS 5/27-6).

These laws work together to ensure that both the surviving family members and the estate of the deceased can pursue legal action after a fatal accident caused by negligence or misconduct.

The Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to seek damages for losses such as grief, sorrow, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Separately, the Survival Act permits the deceased’s estate to recover damages the deceased person would have been entitled to if they had survived, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.

Together, these statutes provide a comprehensive legal framework for pursuing compensation after a wrongful death in Illinois.

Filing a lawsuit under these laws requires attention to deadlines, documentation, and procedural steps unique to civil litigation involving a deceased person.

Legal counsel can help families understand how these laws apply to their case and manage the legal and emotional burden involved.

Below is an overview of the key steps in the legal process:

1. Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney – Begin by consulting a lawyer who handles Illinois wrongful death and survival actions.
2. Investigate the Fatal Accident – Your attorney will gather facts, review police reports, and work with experts to understand what caused the death.
3. Identify Liable Parties – The at-fault individual or entity responsible for the fatal accident will be formally identified.
4. File a Claim Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act and/or Survival Act – The appropriate legal actions are filed based on the specific damages being sought.
5. Collect and Present Evidence – Your attorney will compile documentation such as medical records, witness testimony, and financial records to support the claim.
6. Engage in Settlement Negotiations – In many cases, parties may negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party or their insurance provider before trial.
7. Proceed to Trial if Necessary – If no settlement is reached, the case will move forward in civil court where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
8. Distribute Recovered Damages – If compensation is awarded, it is distributed according to the laws governing wrongful death and survival claims in Illinois.

What is Considered a “Wrongful Death” in Illinois?

A wrongful death in Illinois is defined as a death caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another person or entity.

Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, if the deceased would have had grounds for a personal injury claim had they survived, their surviving family members may be entitled to compensation.

This includes situations involving motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, and other forms of negligence.

The law focuses on the impact the injuries suffered had on the victim and the resulting loss to their loved ones.

A wrongful death claim is a civil action, separate from any criminal charges that might also apply.

These lawsuits aim to hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial relief to those left behind.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate has the legal authority to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

This person acts on behalf of the surviving family members to pursue compensation for losses related to the death.

The Illinois Survival Act allows the estate to seek damages the deceased would have been entitled to had they lived, such as for pain and suffering or medical expenses.

These two statutes together provide a path for families to recover both personal and estate-based damages following a wrongful death.

Eligible parties who may be represented in a wrongful death lawsuit include:

• The victim’s surviving spouse
• Surviving children of the deceased
• Parents of a deceased minor child
• Other next of kin, if there is no surviving spouse or child
• Court-appointed personal representative of the estate

Wrongful death cases in Chicago often stem from accidents or incidents where another party’s negligence or misconduct caused a preventable fatality.

These events can occur in everyday situations—on the road, at work, or in care facilities.

The Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to pursue compensation when a loved one dies due to someone else’s careless or wrongful behavior.

Whether the loss happens in a head-on collision or due to long-term neglect in a facility, the emotional and financial toll on families can be devastating.

Legal action through a wrongful death lawsuit helps hold the responsible party accountable and secure justice for surviving relatives.

Common causes of wrongful death span a wide range of scenarios:

• Car accidents caused by reckless or impaired drivers
• Truck accidents involving commercial vehicle negligence or violations of safety regulations
• Motorcycle accidents resulting from driver inattention or road hazards
• Nursing home abuse or neglect leading to fatal injuries or medical complications
• Daycare injuries involving unsafe environments or inadequate supervision
• Workplace accidents, including falls, equipment failures, or exposure to hazardous materials
• Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnoses
• Defective products that cause fatal injuries despite proper use
• Criminal acts, including assaults, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and more.

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure.

At TorHoerman Law, we understand the emotional and financial strain that follows a wrongful death, and we are here to help you take the next step toward justice.

Our team of experienced Chicago wrongful death attorneys works tirelessly to investigate the facts, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation your family is entitled to under Illinois law.

We handle each case with compassion, urgency, and the full weight of our legal resources.

If you believe your family member’s death was caused by a wrongful act, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out instantly if you qualify to file a wrongful death claim.