Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyer
Illinois Wrongful Death Attorney – Compassionate Advocacy, Proven Results
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or wrongful acts in IL, you deserve justice, closure, and financial compensation for your devastating loss. At Phillips Law Offices, our experienced wrongful death attorneys fight tirelessly for families, holding negligent parties accountable and securing the resources you need to move forward. With a legacy of top results and wide recognition in Illinois legal circles, our team stands ready to guide you through every step of this difficult journey—honoring your loved one’s memory with the respect and legal excellence you deserve.
Free Consultation | No Fees Unless We Win | Call (312) 598-0917
A Record of Trust, Compassion & Legal Excellence
Choosing the right wrongful death lawyer is critical for your family’s peace of mind and financial security. Phillips Law Offices brings over 75 years of combined expertise in Illinois wrongful death law. Founded by renowned attorney John G. Phillips, we have built our reputation on multimillion-dollar verdicts, top credentials, and client-focused advocacy.
- 75+ Years of Experience: Our attorneys are seasoned litigators with deep knowledge of Illinois wrongful death statutes, procedures, and case strategies.
- Millions Recovered: From fatal car accidents to workplace and medical negligence, we have delivered life-changing results for grieving families.
- 4.9/5.0 Google Rating from 95+ clients, reflecting our consistent care and results.
- 10.0 Avvo Rating – Top Ranked for wrongful death and injury law.
- National and State Recognition:
- Nation’s Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The National Trial Lawyers
- America’s Top 100 – Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
- Leading Lawyers, AV Preeminent® Rating (Martindale-Hubbell)
Our lawyers also contribute to organizations including:
- American Association for Justice (AAJ)
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)
- Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
These honors reflect our enduring dedication to justice, family, and client service during difficult times.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Under Illinois law, families have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit for financial and emotional losses caused by wrongful death, such as:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice (surgical errors, misdiagnosis, hospital negligence)
- Workplace or construction site fatalities
- Dangerous property or premises liability
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
Defective products or equipment
We Investigate Every Angle for Your Family
At Phillips Law Offices, our wrongful death lawyers know that every story is unique. We dedicate ourselves to a rapid and meticulous investigation—securing evidence, consulting with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and financial professionals. We will:
Collect police and medical examiner reports: We get all the official reports about the accident and the cause of death. These papers help us understand exactly what happened and why it happened.
Interview witnesses and preserve digital/physical evidence: We talk to people who saw the accident or know important details. We also gather photos, videos, or anything else that can prove what caused the death.
Analyze insurance policies and corporate safety records: We check the insurance coverage of the people or companies involved and review their safety records to find out if they were responsible or negligent.
Identify all individuals and entities liable for your loved one’s death: We make sure to find every person or business who might be responsible, so that everyone who should be held accountable is included in the case.
With years of courtroom experience, we are prepared to take your case to trial if a just settlement cannot be reached.
Comprehensive Help During the Toughest Moments
Illinois wrongful death claims are often complex, involving both legal hurdles and intense emotional challenges. Our team supports you by:
- Handling all communication and negotiation with insurers, hospitals, and defense lawyers so you don’t have to
We take care of talking with insurance companies, hospitals, and the lawyers for the other side. This means you don’t have to worry about dealing with them when you are already going through a hard time. - Offering guidance on your legal rights and what to expect
We explain your rights in clear terms and tell you what will happen in the legal process. This helps you feel more confident and prepared for each step. - Connecting you with grief counseling and support resources as needed
If you or your family need help coping with the loss and the emotions involved, we can link you to counselors and support groups that provide comfort and care. - Managing legal deadlines and paperwork, so you can focus on healing
We keep track of all the important dates and paperwork required for your case. This way you can concentrate on taking care of yourself and your family without extra stress.
Types of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle
We represent families after all types of wrongful death incidents in Illinois, including:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
This includes deaths caused by car, truck, motorcycle, public transit, or rideshare crashes. Often, these happen because someone was careless, speeding, or driving under the influence, leading to tragic loss.
Medical Malpractice
These are deaths caused by mistakes or negligence in medical care, like surgical errors, wrong medications, or misdiagnosis. When doctors or hospitals fail to provide proper care, it can sadly result in wrongful death.
Workplace & Construction Accidents
Sometimes people die on the job because of unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or ignored safety rules. This includes accidents at construction sites or factories where companies might not have followed safety regulations.
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
Elderly people in nursing homes can suffer fatal injuries if they are not properly cared for, or if they face abuse or neglect. Families can seek justice if a loved one dies because the facility failed in their duties.
Defective Products
Some deaths happen because of dangerous or faulty products like machines, tools, or consumer goods. If a product is unsafe and causes someone’s death, the makers or sellers can be held responsible.
Dangerous Premises
These cases involve deaths caused by unsafe conditions on someone’s property, such as falls, electrocution, drowning, or harm caused by criminal acts when the property owner didn’t keep the place safe.
Common Causes and Patterns in Illinois Wrongful Deaths
Wrongful death cases often share similar features:
- Negligent driving, distracted drivers, or impaired operation
- Medical errors or failure to diagnose
- Unsafe workplaces, construction hazards, or lack of protective equipment
- Nursing home neglect or failure to monitor vulnerable residents
- Defective or recalled consumer products
Recent Illinois Department of Public Health and state crash data show that hundreds of families lose loved ones in preventable incidents in the Illinois area each year. We stay on top of legal trends and safety data to build the strongest case for every family.
What Compensation Can You Recover for Wrongful Death?
Our firm fights for the maximum compensation your family is due, which may include:
Medical and final expenses related to the fatal injury/illness
You can get money to cover all the medical bills that happened because of your loved one’s injury or illness before they passed away. This includes any hospital care, treatments, or doctor visits related to the accident or cause of death.
Funeral and burial costs
This compensation helps pay for the expenses of the funeral, burial, or cremation. These can be very costly, so the law allows families to recover those necessary expenses.
Lost income, financial support, and benefits the deceased would have provided
If your loved one was working or helping the family financially, you can claim the wages and benefits they would have earned in the future. This is important because losing a main supporter impacts the family’s financial stability.
Loss of companionship, care, guidance, and emotional support
This covers the emotional pain and suffering the family experiences because they lost a loved one who gave them love, guidance, and support. It recognizes the deep personal loss beyond just money.
Loss of inheritance and future earnings
If your loved one would have left an inheritance or other assets over time, you may be compensated for that lost potential. This also includes any future earnings they might have accumulated.
Pain and suffering of surviving family members
Families can also seek compensation for the mental and emotional distress caused by the death. This includes grief, trauma, and the ongoing emotional impact the loss has on those left behind.
Every tragic loss is unique. We collaborate with accountants, economists, and grief experts to ensure your financial claim accounts for both immediate needs and lasting future impact.
Illinois Wrongful Death FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Illinois?
Generally, two years from the date of death. Shorter deadlines may apply for government-related cases; prompt action is crucial.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
Typically, the decedent’s spouse, children, parents, or appointed estate representative. If unsure, contact us for a full eligibility assessment.
What does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
No upfront fees. We only get paid if we secure compensation for your family (contingency fee basis).
Do wrongful death cases go to trial?
Many resolve in settlement, but we are always trial-ready and will not hesitate to go to court for the justice your loved one deserves.
Can we still pursue a claim if the deceased was partially at fault?
Illinois’ comparative fault rules may allow recovery if the deceased was less than 50% responsible, but total compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Why Families Choose Phillips Law Offices For Wrongful Death Case
We measure our success not just in results, but in the trust, security, and peace of mind we deliver to grieving families. Our firm’s compassion, communication, and relentless pursuit of justice sets us apart.
- “The team at Phillips Law Offices took care of every legal detail so I could focus on my children after losing my husband in a truck accident. Their dedication and guidance brought us closure, accountability, and hope for the future.”
- “Thank you, Phillips Law, for standing by us—for your knowledge, honesty, and care in the worst moment of our lives. We are forever grateful for your help.”
Many law firms handle wrongful death cases, but we stand out because of our experience, dedication, and results. We’ve helped countless families in Illinois get justice, and we’ll treat your case with the care it deserves.
Our attorneys know how insurance companies and opposing lawyers operate, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. We’ll fight aggressively to get you the best possible outcome. When you work with us, you’re not just another case—you’re family. We’ll keep you informed at every step and make sure your voice is heard.
Client Reviews & Notable Case Results
$15 Million Wrongful Death Settlement
Phillips Law Offices is proud to announce that its managing partner, Stephen D. Phillips and Michael J. Phillips secured a $15 million settlement for the wrongful death of a 48 year-old man who died during an outpatient elective hernia surgery.
$10 Million Wrongful Death Settlement
Phillips Law Offices is incredibly pleased to report that attorneys Stephen D. Phillips and Stephen J. Phillips recently secured a $10,000,000 settlement for the wrongful death of a 48 year old man who was killed by the driver of a box truck in September of 2018.
$5 Million Wrongful Death Settlement
Phillips Law Offices Announce it Has Obtained a 5-Million-Dollar Wrongful Death Settlement on Behalf of the Family of a Beloved and Devoted Husband and Father.
Our Process: How We Support You
Free, Private Consultation
We start by talking with you in a private meeting where you can share your story. We listen carefully and give you honest advice about your case without any cost or obligation.In-Depth Investigation
Once you decide to work with us, we gather all the important evidence. This includes police reports, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong case for you.Determining Liability
We find out exactly who is responsible for your loved one’s death. This means looking at every person, company, or party that may be at fault to make sure no one is left out.Claim Filing and Settlement Negotiation
We prepare all the legal documents needed to start your claim and handle all talks with insurance companies or opposing lawyers. Our goal is to get you a fair settlement that covers your losses.Trial-Ready Representation
If the other side won’t offer a fair solution, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation your family deserves.Consistent Communication
Throughout the whole process, we keep you informed and answer your questions. You will always know what’s happening with your case and feel supported every step of the way.
Meet Our Team of Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is the managing partner at Phillips Law Offices in Illinois. He has over 40 years of experience helping families who have lost loved ones due to wrongful death and serious injuries. Stephen is known for his strong courtroom skills and has won record verdicts and settlements for his clients. He was the past President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and is recognized nationally for his legal ability and ethics. He also teaches law at Loyola University and has written many articles on personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn is a partner at Phillips Law Offices who has been fighting for victims of wrongful death and serious injury since 2001. Known for his expertise in complex accident cases, Terry has achieved multiple million-dollar settlements for families in Illinois and Indiana. He is respected for his thorough preparation and strong trial advocacy. Terry also serves on the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Board of Managers and is active in legal communities dedicated to justice for injury victims.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips is a partner at Phillips Law Offices in IL and a third-generation trial lawyer. He specializes in wrongful death and serious injury cases, securing multi-million-dollar settlements for his clients. Recognized as one of the Top 40 under 40 Trial Lawyers in the U.S., Stephen is known for his dedication to helping families get justice and fair compensation against large companies and negligent parties.
Speak to a Leading Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you lost a loved one to negligence or misconduct, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Let the experienced team at Phillips Law Offices honor your family’s story and help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (312) 598-0917 or use our online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We promptly answer all inquiries and can meet you in person, by phone, or via video.
We represent wrongful death clients in:
Cook County
Naperville
Joliet
Schaumburg
Oak Lawn
Rockford, and throughout Illinois.