Joliet Wrongful Death Lawyer

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: May 15, 2025

Joseph Conboy | May 15, 2025

Our Joliet Wrongful Death Lawyer Fights for Justice

When you lose a family member because of negligence, you need strong legal support. Our experienced wrongful death lawyer at Conboy Law Firm has helped many families with wrongful death cases in Joliet and nearby areas of Cook County and DuPage County.

We’ve recovered millions for families after fatal accidents. Our team handles wrongful death claims from car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, and other types of negligence. Every family’s case is different. We take time to learn about the circumstances surrounding your case and build a plan that serves your best interests.

When facing the challenge of a wrongful death claim, families need both legal expertise and emotional support. Our legal team provides both, offering clear guidance through each step of the legal process while showing respect for your grief.

How a Skilled Attorney Can Help After a Fatal Accident

After a fatal accident, our Joliet wrongful death attorney starts by:

  • Investigating what happened
  • Collecting evidence such as witness testimonies and accident documentation
  • Working with experts to establish liability
  • Identifying all parties responsible for your loss

We handle all talks with insurance companies, who often try to pay less than you deserve. Our experienced wrongful death lawyer knows their tactics and fights for maximum compensation instead of quick, unfair settlements.

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your wrongful death claim to court. You can focus on your family while we manage the legal action needed to pursue compensation.

Understanding the Role of a Joliet Wrongful Death Attorney

Understanding the Role of a Joliet Wrongful Death Attorney

A Joliet wrongful death attorney serves as your guide through complex legal matters during a painful time. We take care of the legal details, allowing you to prioritize your family’s emotional well-being after the loss of a loved one.

Your wrongful death lawyer becomes your voice, working to ensure the responsible party provides fair compensation for your loss. The legal steps in wrongful death cases require special knowledge that our personal injury lawyers provide. We navigate these details while being sensitive to your emotional suffering.

How a Skilled Attorney Can Help After a Fatal Accident

Our legal team builds your case by:

  • Collecting and saving key evidence
  • Talking with medical experts
  • Working with accident specialists
  • Creating a strong foundation to recover compensation

We protect you from stressful calls with insurance adjusters. Your Joliet wrongful death attorney handles all negotiations, fighting for appropriate damages that truly reflect your family’s losses. By entrusting your case to our seasoned personal injury attorney, you can focus on honoring your loved one’s memory while we fight tirelessly to secure the justice you deserve.

What You Need to Know About Illinois Wrongful Death Laws

Illinois law protects families who have lost loved ones due to wrongful acts or negligence. These laws help surviving family members seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

In accordance with Illinois law, the personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate is responsible for filing a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death cases involve many technical rules that affect your outcome. Our Joliet personal injury lawyer brings deep knowledge of Illinois wrongful death laws to help you through these challenges.

Key Elements of an Illinois Wrongful Death Claim

In order to win a wrongful death suit, we have to prove:

  • The defendant owed a duty of care
  • They breached this duty through negligence or a criminal act
  • This breach directly caused your loved one’s death
  • You suffered measurable damages as a result

Illinois law allows the personal representative to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation goes to the surviving spouse and next of kin. This usually includes the spouse, children, and, in some cases, parents or siblings.

Time limits are strict. Illinois gives you two years to file wrongful death claims in most cases. Missing this deadline can block your right to compensation, so contact a Joliet wrongful death lawyer quickly.

Steps to Take After Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Accident

Steps to Take After Losing a Loved One in a Fatal Accident

After a fatal accident, take these steps to protect your rights:

  • Save all evidence, including accident reports and medical records
  • Contact a Joliet wrongful death attorney right away
  • Maintain a record of all expenses, including medical bills and burial expenses.
  • Document lost income from your loved one’s death

Early legal help allows for a quick investigation while the evidence is fresh. This strengthens your position when seeking wrongful death compensation.

Taking proper steps after a fatal accident can significantly impact your ability to secure justice. Our attorneys provide the guidance needed during this difficult time, ensuring your legal rights are fully protected.

Economic Damages in Wrongful Death Claims

Economic damages cover the real financial losses your family faces after a loved one’s death. These damages help compensate for the financial support the deceased would have provided.

These typically include:

  • Medical expenses before death
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Missed wages
  • Future income and benefits your loved one would have earned

For families who rely on the deceased’s income, these damages help maintain financial stability. Our Joliet wrongful death lawyer works with financial experts to calculate the full value of these losses.

Determining economic damages requires a careful review of many financial factors. We create a complete picture of your financial losses to seek fair compensation through your personal injury claim.

Non-Economic Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Non-Economic Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Non-economic damages address the emotional impact of losing a loved one. These cover losses like:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of parental guidance
  • Emotional distress

These damages don’t come with receipts or bills. Our Joliet wrongful death attorneys document the relationship between family members and the deceased. We gather evidence about their role in the family and the support they offered.

While no amount of money can replace your loved one, these damages recognize that their value goes beyond financial contributions. Their love and companionship matter, too.

The calculation of non-economic damages requires sensitivity and understanding. Our personal injury attorneys present strong evidence to ensure these aspects of your loss are properly valued.

The Benefits of Local Expertise in Wrongful Death Claims

Working with a local Joliet wrongful death lawyer offers real advantages. Our attorneys know the local courts, judges, and opposing lawyers, which helps your case move more smoothly.

We understand how insurance companies in Illinois handle wrongful death cases. This local knowledge helps us plan effective strategies that fit the local legal system.

Our firm’s deep roots in Joliet mean we truly understand how death affects not just the immediate family but the wider community. This shapes how we approach each case.

The complex nature of wrongful death litigation demands specialized knowledge. Our team’s familiarity with local legal systems provides valuable benefits that help your case succeed.

FAQs

The executor of the deceased’s estate must file the claim. This is usually the executor named in the will, or someone appointed by the court if there was no will. Compensation goes to surviving family members.

In most cases, you have two years from the date of death. Some situations may change this deadline, so talk to a Joliet wrongful death attorney quickly.

You may receive:

  • Economic damages (medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income)
  • Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of companionship)
  • Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence)

At Conboy Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win compensation for your family. Your first consultation is free.

The timeline varies based on the case’s complexity and whether we reach a settlement or go to trial. Some cases settle in months, while others may take a year or longer if litigation is needed.

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence rules. Your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to your loved one. You can still recover damages if they are less than 51% responsible.

Contact a Joliet Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact a Joliet Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, contact Conboy Law Firm for legal guidance. Our Joliet wrongful death attorney will review your case and explain your options during a free consultation. Don’t face this alone. Call us today or fill out our online form to take the first step toward justice. We fight for your family’s rights and help you get the financial support you need after the tragedy.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

Thanks to this amazing law firm, I was able to successfully bring justice and get the help I needed. They really care a lot about their clients, they’re 100 percent fully involved in your case and will do the most to make sure you get the help you need. Thanks for everything!
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I can't say enough about Joseph Conboy. He was a true asset during our personal injury claim and had such an amazing legal approach, which made me feel like his top priority from day one! I'm so grateful we were able to work together for this win/win outcome.
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