ORLAND PARK WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEYS
When Negligence Takes a Life in Orland Park, We Fight for Your Family’s Justice.
Phillips Law Offices represents Orland Park families who have lost loved ones due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. The I-80 corridor and heavy truck traffic produce fatal crashes, car accidents on LaGrange Road and 159th Street claim lives, and medical errors at area hospitals cause preventable deaths. Our attorneys pursue full accountability under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) so your family can secure the justice and financial stability you deserve.
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Get an honest assessment of your Orland Park wrongful death case. No fees unless we win.
(312) 346-4262
Orland Park’s Trusted Wrongful Death Law Firm
Losing a family member to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Beyond the emotional trauma, families face sudden financial burdens — funeral costs, lost household income, medical bills from the final illness or injury, and an uncertain future. Phillips Law Offices has represented families in wrongful death cases across Illinois since 1945, recovering over $500 million in verdicts and settlements.
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file a lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members. This claim seeks compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, grief, funeral expenses, and other damages the family has suffered. Phillips Law Offices handles every aspect of the case, including helping families navigate the Cook County probate process to appoint a personal representative.
Every consultation is free. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Orland Park
Wrongful death claims arise from many types of fatal incidents. Phillips Law Offices handles every category of wrongful death case.
Fatal Car and Truck Accidents
I-80 carries tens of thousands of vehicles daily including heavy commercial truck traffic. LaGrange Road, 159th Street, and Wolf Road see high-speed collisions that claim lives every year. Fatal truck accidents on the I-80 corridor involve massive force disparities between 80,000-pound trucks and passenger vehicles. Our attorneys pursue wrongful death claims against negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other liable parties. See our Orland Park truck accident page for details on truck collision cases.
Medical Malpractice Deaths
When healthcare providers at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Palos Health, or other area facilities make fatal errors — misdiagnosis of heart attacks or strokes, surgical mistakes, medication errors, failure to diagnose cancer — families lose loved ones to preventable medical negligence. Medical wrongful death claims require an affidavit of merit from a qualified physician confirming the standard of care was breached. See our Orland Park medical malpractice page for more information.
Premises Liability Deaths
Fatal falls at commercial properties, apartment buildings, and construction sites in Orland Park create wrongful death claims against property owners who failed to maintain safe conditions. Inadequate security leading to fatal assaults in parking lots or commercial areas may also support premises liability wrongful death claims. Property owners who knew about dangerous conditions and failed to correct them bear responsibility for resulting fatalities.
Workplace Fatalities
Construction accidents, industrial equipment failures, and work zone vehicle strikes claim workers’ lives throughout Cook County. When a third party’s negligence causes a workplace fatality — a general contractor who failed to provide fall protection, an equipment manufacturer whose defective product caused a fatal injury — surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim in addition to workers’ compensation death benefits.
Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180): What Families Need to Know
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act provides the legal framework for families to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence. Understanding this law is essential for protecting your family’s rights.
WHO CAN FILE
Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois. The claim is brought on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, and parents. If none exist, siblings and financially dependent next of kin may benefit. Phillips Law Offices helps families navigate the Cook County probate process to appoint a personal representative and initiate the claim.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
The statute of limitations for wrongful death in Illinois is two years from the date of death (740 ILCS 180/2). If the death resulted from a violent crime, the deadline extends to five years. Missing the filing deadline permanently bars the claim. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your family’s rights.
AVAILABLE COMPENSATION
Illinois wrongful death claims can recover: lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned, loss of companionship and society, grief and emotional suffering of surviving family members, funeral and burial expenses, and medical expenses from the final injury or illness. Illinois does not cap wrongful death damages. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
SURVIVAL ACTIONS
A separate survival action (755 ILCS 5/27-6) can be filed alongside the wrongful death claim. The survival action compensates the estate for the deceased person’s conscious pain and suffering between the time of injury and death. Both claims can be pursued simultaneously for maximum total recovery. Read our complete guide to personal injury claims in Illinois for additional legal details.
Your Family Deserves Justice and Financial Security
No amount of money replaces a loved one. But a wrongful death claim holds the responsible party accountable and provides the financial stability your family needs to move forward. Phillips Law Offices fights for maximum compensation in every wrongful death case.
(312) 346-4262
Wrongful Death Case Results
Phillips Law Offices has a proven record of obtaining substantial compensation for wrongful death families across Illinois.
$25 Million
Verdict for catastrophic injuries resulting in death from a motor vehicle collision. Expert testimony established the full impact on the surviving family.
$10 Million
Settlement in a fatal trucking accident case involving hours-of-service violations and inadequate driver training by the trucking company.
$4.5 Million
Settlement for a wrongful death caused by dangerous property conditions. Investigation documented the owner’s knowledge of the hazard and failure to correct it.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
Why Orland Park Families Choose Phillips Law Offices
Wrongful death cases require both legal skill and human compassion. Families are grieving while facing complex legal proceedings. We handle the legal fight so families can focus on healing.
— Stephen D. Phillips, Senior Partner
- Over $500 million recovered for injured clients and families since 1945
- Experienced trial attorneys including Stephen D. Phillips (41+ years)
- Experience in Cook County Circuit Court and probate proceedings
- Access to accident reconstruction, medical, and economic experts
- Knowledge of Orland Park’s I-80 corridor, local hospitals, and accident patterns
- Compassionate approach combined with aggressive advocacy
- Contingency fee basis — no fee unless we recover compensation
- Direct attorney access throughout your case
Orland Park Local Resources
Advocate Christ Medical Center (Level I Trauma): 4440 W 95th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 — (708) 684-8000.
Palos Health: 12251 S 80th Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463 — (708) 923-4000.
Orland Park Police Department: 15100 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462 — (708) 349-4111.
Cook County Circuit Court (Bridgeview): 10220 S 76th Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455.
Cook County Medical Examiner: 2121 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612 — (312) 997-4500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Orland Park?
Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file. The claim benefits the surviving spouse, children, and parents. If none exist, siblings and dependent next of kin may benefit.
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Illinois?
Two years from the date of death (740 ILCS 180/2). Five years if the death resulted from a violent crime. Missing the deadline permanently bars the claim.
What compensation is available in an Illinois wrongful death claim?
Lost income and benefits, loss of companionship, grief and emotional suffering, funeral expenses, and pre-death medical expenses. Illinois does not cap wrongful death damages. Punitive damages may be available in egregious cases.
What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim compensates the surviving family for their losses. A survival action compensates the estate for the deceased’s suffering between injury and death. Both can be pursued simultaneously for maximum recovery.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if a criminal case is pending?
Yes. Civil wrongful death lawsuits are separate from criminal proceedings and use a lower standard of proof. You can pursue both simultaneously. A civil claim can succeed even without a criminal conviction.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Phillips Law Offices handles all wrongful death cases on contingency. No upfront costs, no fees unless we recover compensation. We advance all case costs. Your consultation is free.
Do I need to open an estate to file a wrongful death claim?
Yes. Illinois law requires the personal representative of the estate to file the lawsuit. Phillips Law Offices helps families navigate the Cook County probate process to appoint a representative.
How long does a wrongful death case take?
Most wrongful death cases take 12 months to 3 years. The timeline depends on circumstances, number of defendants, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. We never rush a resolution at the expense of fair compensation.
Talk to an Orland Park Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
(312) 346-4262
Related: Wrongful Death Lawyer | Orland Park Personal Injury Lawyer | Orland Park Truck Accident Lawyer | Orland Park Medical Malpractice Lawyer | Stephen D. Phillips | Verdicts and Settlements | Complete Guide to PI Claims
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact Phillips Law Offices for a free consultation.