Elgin Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is the most painful experience a family can endure. It is even harder when that loss was preventable. At Shea Law Group, we investigate the truth behind fatal accidents and force negligent parties to answer for the devastation they have caused. If you are looking for an Elgin wrongful death lawyer, we are here to protect your family’s future.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit filed against a person or company whose negligence caused someone else to die. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180), the law recognizes that when a life is cut short, the surviving family members suffer a tangible financial and emotional loss. The lawsuit is the legal mechanism used to shift that financial burden from the grieving family back to the person who caused the accident.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Claim?

You do not need to know the statutes to know if something is wrong. Generally, if the deceased person could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they lived, you likely have a valid wrongful death claim.

We look for four key elements to build your case:

• Duty: 

Did the other party have a responsibility to act safely? (e.g., A truck driver on US-20 has a duty to follow speed limits).

• Breach: 

Did they fail that duty? (e.g., The driver was texting or speeding).

• Causation: 

Did that specific failure cause the accident?

• Damages: 

Is the family suffering financial or emotional loss?

Unsure if you qualify? Do not rule yourself out. Even if the police report is unclear, contact us. We often find evidence of negligence that initial investigations missed.

How Can Shea Law Group Help?

We investigate to see if your case qualifies for two separate types of compensation: 

• The Wrongful Death Claim (For the Family): 

This pays for your loss. It compensates the spouse and children for the loss of companionship, grief, sorrow, and the lost wages the deceased would have earned over their lifetime.

• The Survival Action (For the Victim): 

This pays for the victim’s suffering. If your loved one survived for even a short time after the accident, the estate can sue for the pain and suffering they endured from the moment of injury until death.

No matter the exact circumstances of the wrongful death, we know exactly which local experts to consult and where to get records. This deep local knowledge will help us maximize your claim. 

What Can I Expect After Reaching Out?

We believe in a process that removes the burden from your shoulders immediately. While you focus on your family, we take the following steps:

1. Investigation: 

After your free consultation, we go to work immediately, often before we even file a lawsuit. We secure police reports, preserve surveillance footage, and interview witnesses while their memories are fresh.

1. Letter of Representation: 

We notify all parties that we represent you. From that moment on, no insurance adjuster is allowed to contact you. They must go through us. We stop the harassment so you can grieve in peace.

1. Calculating Your Claim’s Value: 

We work with economists and life-care planners to calculate exactly what this loss has cost your family (not just today, but for decades to come). We account for lost pension benefits, future earnings, and the monetary value of the guidance and care the deceased provided.

1. Settlement or Trial: 

We present a demand to the insurance company. If they agree to a fair number, the case ends. If they refuse, we are fully prepared to file suit and let a jury decide.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Elgin Wrongful Death Attorney

You have lost enough already. You should not have to lose your financial security, too. Contact Shea Law Group today. We offer compassionate counsel to grieving families and aggressive representation against those responsible. There is no fee unless we win your case. Call us today or reach out online for more information or to schedule a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney in Elgin.