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Losing someone you love is devastating, especially when their death could have been prevented. You’re likely overwhelmed, grieving, and unsure where to turn next. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loss, but justice can bring accountability and help secure your family’s future. For more than 20 years, The Goldwater Law Firm has connected families with trusted wrongful death lawyers in Illinois who fight for answers, closure, and the compensation you may qualify to recover.
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Experience The Gold Standard of Injury Law
Since our founding, The Goldwater Law Firm has stood for compassion, strength, and results. Families across the country trust us because we combine national reach with personal care. We understand that behind every case is a family devastated by loss. Our mission is simple: to connect grieving families with experienced wrongful death attorneys who will fight tirelessly on their behalf.
We’ve built strategic partnerships with many of the nation’s most respected law firms, giving our clients access to powerful legal resources, expert witnesses, and the support of a team that refuses to back down. We believe negligent individuals, corporations, and insurers should never profit from tragedy, and we work to hold them fully accountable.
When you turn to The Goldwater Law Firm, you’re not just another case; you’re a family in need of care, respect, and guidance. We’ll help you understand your options, connect you with trusted legal representation, and stand beside you as you seek justice. Our commitment to justice and compassion is what makes us The Gold Standard of Injury Law.
Need a Wrongful Death Attorney in Illinois?
Our Co-Counsels Can Help With All Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Our law firm partners represent families across the country in wrongful death cases caused by negligence and recklessness. When someone’s careless actions take a loved one’s life, it leaves behind grief, confusion, and financial uncertainty. Our co-counsels step in to help families hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation they may qualify for.
Our law firm partners handle wrongful death cases involving:
Car Accidents
Fatal car crashes often occur because a driver was distracted, speeding, impaired, or otherwise reckless. When this happens, our law firm partners investigate the collision, identify liable parties, and work to recover damages for surviving family members.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents can lead to devastating outcomes. The size and weight of tractor-trailers often cause catastrophic damage, and multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or cargo loader, could share fault. Our co-counsels know how to navigate these complex claims to protect families’ rights.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road. When a driver fails to see a rider or respect their right to the road, the results can be deadly. Our law firm partners advocate for families affected by motorcycle crashes and pursue justice on behalf of riders who lost their lives.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians have no protection against a moving vehicle. When someone passes away in a pedestrian accident, their family deserves justice. Our law firm partners work to uncover what happened and pursue full accountability for the loss.
Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists share the road with larger vehicles, often at significant risk to themselves. If a motorist fails to yield or drives carelessly, a fatal bicycle accident can occur. Our co-counsels help grieving families file claims to recover compensation for the emotional and financial impact of losing their loved one.
Across every case, our goal is to provide compassionate guidance and connect you with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Illinois who can fight for justice. The Goldwater Law Firm has been assisting families for over 20 years, forming strategic partnerships with many of the nation’s leading personal injury firms. Together, we stand up for those left behind after tragedy strikes.
Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence? Find Out Your Legal Options.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You and Your Family After Losing a Loved One in Illinois
After a fatal accident, your family is left facing unimaginable grief, emotional pain, and financial stress. Working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer from one of our Illinois law firm partners can help you focus on healing while they manage every legal detail on your behalf.
An attorney can:
- Investigate the cause of your loved one’s death to identify all responsible parties and determine how negligence led to the tragedy
- Collect and preserve vital evidence, such as the accident report from the Illinois State Police or a local department, eyewitness statements, accident scene photos, and expert testimony
- Handle all communication with insurance companies and defense lawyers so your family doesn’t have to face them directly
- Calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship and support
- File a wrongful death claim or lawsuit within Illinois’ statute of limitations to preserve your right to compensation
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary to hold the at-fault party accountable
- Provide compassionate guidancethroughout the process, ensuring your family feels supported and informed every step of the way
Our Illinois law firm partners handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front. The attorney only receives a fee if they recover compensation for you. This allows your family to pursue justice without worrying about legal costs during an already difficult time.
Is There a Time Limit on Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Yes. Under 740 ILCS 180/2, the personal representative generally has two years from the date of the person’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois.
If you fail to file your lawsuit before time expires, you risk recovering less than you need—or nothing at all. You can negotiate with the insurer for a fair settlement, but you won’t have any leverage to get the compensation you may qualify for.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is no average settlement for wrongful death in Illinois, as loss affects every family differently. However, you may qualify for the following damages:
- Lost support and services
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of education, instruction, and “moral training”
- Loss of consortium
- Mental suffering
- Sorrow and grief
Only the decedent’s personal representative can file a wrongful death case. The personal representative is typically named in the person’s will. If there is no will, the court can assign someone as the personal representative. If the case is successful, the court will divide the award between the surviving spouse and next of kin.
Your Illinois wrongful death lawyer can help you determine whether you may be able to file a lawsuit or benefit from one.
To hold a driver or other party liable for your loved one’s passing, you and your lawyer must be able to prove the following:
- The defendant owed your loved one a duty of care. For example, drivers owe all other road users a duty to drive safely and take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents.
- The defendant breached that duty through carelessness or recklessness. Examples of breaches include speeding, driving while intoxicated or fatigued, texting while driving, failing to adapt driving to inclement weather, failing to yield the right of way, or failing to check blind spots before changing lanes.
- The breach caused your loved one’s fatal accident, e.g., a truck driver does not take their federally required break and crashes into your loved one’s vehicle.
- You suffered damages, such as funeral and burial costs, lost support and services, and mental anguish.
Losing someone unexpectedly in an accident brings shock, sorrow, and serious questions. While nothing can replace your loved one, taking some key actions can help protect your family’s rights and ease the burden ahead.
- Call the appropriate authorities: If the accident hasn’t already been reported, ensure the police and emergency services are on the scene. An official report helps document what happened.
- Preserve evidence: If possible, ask that photos, video footage, witness information, and any medical or police reports be secured. Early preservation supports accountability.
- Notify the personal representative: The person legally responsible for the deceased’s estate needs to begin gathering documents.
- Reach out for legal guidance: A qualified wrongful death attorney in Illinois can explain your family’s options under the law, including when and how you may act.
- Keep track of financial impacts: Document funeral and burial costs, lost income or support your loved one provided, and emotional or familial losses your family is already feeling.
- Be aware of deadlines: In Illinois, timing matters. While you focus on healing, remember that there are time limits you and your lawyer must abide by.
During this painful time, you don’t have to face what comes next alone. Our law firm partners bring both compassion and experience, helping grieving families navigate the legal process with care and determination.
Talk to Our Team About Your Illinois Wrongful Death Case
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating. The grief, anger, and uncertainty can feel unbearable, but you don’t have to face it alone. For more than 20 years, we have helped families find justice through our trusted Illinois law firm partners. The Goldwater Law Firm can connect you with a wrongful death attorney who can guide you, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation your family may qualify for. Contact us today for a free consultation.