Chicago Wrongful Death Attorney
When negligence takes a life, the family left behind deserves justice. We fight for grieving families throughout Chicago and Illinois — holding the responsible parties fully accountable.
Wrongful Death Attorneys
We Stand With Families When They Need It Most
Losing a loved one is devastating under any circumstances. When that loss is caused by someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, the grief is compounded by a profound sense of injustice. No legal action can undo what has happened — but holding the responsible party accountable can provide your family with financial security and a measure of justice.
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members have the right to pursue compensation from the party whose negligence caused their loved one's death. These cases are complex, emotionally demanding, and fiercely contested by insurance companies and defense attorneys. You need an experienced advocate who will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your family.
At the Law Office of Ivan Rueda and Associates, we have represented grieving families throughout Chicago and Cook County for decades. We approach every wrongful death case with the compassion it deserves and the tenacity it requires — and we do not collect a fee unless we win.
Illinois Has a 2-Year Deadline to File — Do Not Wait
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, a lawsuit must generally be filed within 2 years of the date of death. In cases involving government entities — such as a city vehicle or public transit — the deadline may be shorter and a formal notice of claim may be required within months.
Evidence disappears quickly after a fatal accident. The sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your family's case will be. We encourage you to contact us as soon as you are ready — there is no pressure and no cost.
Call Now — 773-252-9800Types of Cases
Common Causes of Wrongful Death We Handle
Who Has the Right to File
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, a wrongful death claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased's estate — typically a surviving family member — on behalf of the next of kin. The right to file generally follows this order of priority:
Surviving Spouse
A husband or wife has the primary right to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased and the family.
Children of the Deceased
Children — including adult children — may bring a claim if there is no surviving spouse, or may share in the recovery.
Parents
If the deceased had no spouse or children, parents may bring a wrongful death claim and recover for their loss.
Next of Kin
If none of the above survive, the next closest relatives — siblings, grandparents — may have standing to file a claim.
What You May Recover
Types of Compensation Available to Your Family
Funeral & Burial Expenses
All reasonable costs associated with the funeral, burial or cremation, and related memorial services.
Lost Financial Support
The income, benefits, and financial contributions your loved one would have provided to the family over their expected lifetime.
Loss of Services
The value of household services, childcare, and other contributions your loved one provided that the family must now replace.
Loss of Companionship
Compensation for the loss of society, guidance, love, and companionship that surviving family members will never be able to replace.
Pre-Death Pain & Suffering
If your loved one survived for a period before passing, the estate may recover for the pain, suffering, and medical expenses they endured.
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct — such as drunk driving or deliberate violence — additional punitive damages may be available.
Why Choose Us
Why Families Trust Ivan Rueda for Wrongful Death Cases
How It Works
Our Wrongful Death Claim Process
Free Consultation
We sit down with your family, listen carefully, and explain your legal rights under Illinois wrongful death law — at no cost and with no obligation to proceed.
Immediate Investigation
We act quickly to preserve evidence — accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements — before it can be lost, altered, or destroyed.
Build the Case
We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to document the full scope of your family's loss and establish the defendant's liability.
Fight for Your Family
We negotiate aggressively with the responsible party's insurer. If they refuse a fair settlement, we take your case to trial and fight for every dollar your family deserves.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
"My experience with Ivan Rueda was tremendously successful. He discharged my case from felony to no case at all. He made the whole process easy and painless. The Rueda's team handled it professionally and expeditiously."
Leonor Buenavides
Chicago, IL · Google Reviews
"Thank you for your service and appreciate the hard work on my case. Excellent results. Also the amazing work of his assistant — she was available immediately and responded rapidly. I recommend this office 100%."
Joseluis Cabrero
Chicago, IL · Google Reviews
"Thank you for an amazing experience! Thank you for helping us and explaining step by step the process. The outcome was exactly what Mr. Rueda said it would be and I am so grateful."
Cassandra Flores
Chicago, IL · Google Reviews
Get in Touch
Contact Us
We understand this is an incredibly difficult time. Contact us whenever you are ready for a free, compassionate, no-obligation consultation. We are available in English and Spanish.
Free Consultation
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Practice Areas
Call Today! 773-252-9800
If you have any legal problem in your life, we are here to help you!
Contact UsServing Illinois cities such as:
Chicago, Bellwood, Berkley, Berwyn, Bridgeview, Broadview, Bolingbrook, Brookfield, Buffalo Grove, Calumet City, Cicero, Countryside, Elk Grove Village, Elmwood Park, Evergreen Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Hanover Park, Hillside, Hodgkins, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lyons, Markham, Maywood, McCook, Melrose Park, North Riverside, Northlake, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Skokie, Evanston, Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Waukegan, Joliet, Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Downers Grove, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Stickney, Stone Park, Summit, Westchester, Willow, La Villita, Lawndale, Brighton Park, Pilsen, Midway, Avondale, Garfield Park, Logan Square, Schiller Park, Bensenville, Addison, Rolling Meadows, Cook County and at the 26th and California Courthouse, Maywood Courthouse, Bridgeview Courthouse, Daley Center Courthouse and Markham Courthouse. Also serving DuPage County, Cook County, Lake County, Kane County, and Will County.