Wrongful Death Lawyers in Galena, IL

Get a Free Consultation Or call (314) 500-HURT

When we fight, we fight to win.

Wrongful Death Lawyers in Galena, IL

Wrongful death lawyers in Galena, IL. The heartbreak and devastation of losing a loved one because of the reckless, negligent acts of another individual or business in Galena, IL should not happen. At Burger Law, we realize the pain and shock that you and your family are experiencing in Galena, IL, and we are here to do our utmost to provide some measure of comfort. While no monetary sum can make up for losing your loved one, our Galena, IL wrongful death lawyers can help your family address the financial hardships you may be experiencing, as well as provide some justice. Give us a call immediately at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a no-cost, confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Table of Contents

We know firsthand that wrongful death claims in Galena, IL are never easy. In a perfect world, negligent acts would never happen. But they unfortunately do, and Burger Law is here to help fight to ensure the business or individual responsible for your loved one’s death is held responsible to the fullest extent of the law. We will never settle for anything less than the best possible recovery in Galena, IL for you and your family, and neither should you.

The Burger Law legal team fights for your rights and demands the best recovery possible in your Galena, IL wrongful death lawsuit. Our experienced and tenacious attorneys have successfully recovered $200 million in settlement and trial results for our clients, including a multi-year legal battle ending in a trial verdict of $113 million. Unless we win your family’s wrongful death claim in Galena, IL, we do not charge you any fees.


Burger Law’s Successful Illinois Wrongful Death Claims

Burger Law’s Successful Illinois Wrongful Death Claims

We believe that results matter to our clients at Burger Law. We understand that no dollar amount is going to replace the death of your loved in Galena, IL. However, we are giving our all on behalf of your loved one. You deserve to know that the compensation we secure can help lessen the stress of paying for medical bills and funeral costs. Here are some of the wrongful death cases we have successfully taken on:

  • Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim – In this claim, we held the company liable for the actions of their truck driver and were able to win a great settlement for our clients, along with handle the family's probate matters in order to protect their recovery.
  • Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Claim – In this case, we showed that the doctor/provider did not take our client's symptoms seriously and that they also neglected to perform tests necessary to the symptoms displayed.
  • Nursing Home Negligence Wrongful Death Claim – Sometimes a person will pass away years after an accident. A complication may come about after the accident that would not have happened had the accident not occurred. Here, we made sure that the nursing home was held fully responsible for the injuries they caused to our client, and the sickness that led to her death.
  • Wrongful Death due to Fentanyl – This drug, in large amounts, can be fatal. The company neglected to disclose to users that fentanyl patches could introduce possibly fatal levels of the drug into the bloodstream. We were able to settle the claim for a substantial, confidential amount, proving that the company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, acted negligently.
  • Car Accident Wrongful Death Claim – In this suit, we fought hard for a mother and her three boys to make sure they were given the care and compensation that they deserved and needed following the loss of their father when a first responder vehicle collided with their car.

Our firm has also been involved in several opioid overdose wrongful death claims. The opioid epidemic has been ravaging the United States for years. Doctors frequently receive financial kickbacks for prescribing opioids, and thus prescribe the dangerous drugs more often. These companies need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for their actions. Here is a short video on the misrepresentation of opioids:


How Does Illinois Law Define Wrongful Death in Galena, IL?

How Does Illinois Law Define Wrongful Death in Galena, IL?

According to 740 Illinois Compiled Statute 180/1, a wrongful death happens when an individual dies as a result of another party’s “wrongful act, neglect or default.” A Galena, IL wrongful death claim can be brought in any situation where the individual could have brought a personal injury lawsuit had he or she lived.

Under 740 ILCS 180/2, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the individual’s death. Yet, if the individual died as a result of “violent intentional conduct,” referenced in Molly’s Law, the suit must be brought within five years of the date of the death.

A wrongful death claim may be brought one year after a criminal suit is completed if the individual who caused the wrongful death was charged with any of the following crimes in relation to the death:

  • First- or second-degree murder
  • Intentional homicide or voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child
  • Involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide
  • Involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide of an unborn child
  • Drug-induced homicide
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Galena, IL?

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Galena, IL?

A wrongful death claim can only be filed by a personal representative of the deceased, according to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act in Galena, IL. If the deceased has a valid will that singles out an executor, then the executor is thought of as the personal representative. If the decedent does not have a will or their will is considered non-binding, then the court selects an administrator that is typically nominated by an interested party. Illinois Probate Act governs the procedure of appointing this administrator. While a court may accept any individual as administrator, the Probate Act gives preference to family members and others in this order:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Legatees
  • Children
  • Grandchildren
  • Parents
  • Brothers and sisters
  • Nearest kin
What Are My First Steps in a Wrongful Death Claim in Galena, IL?

What Are My First Steps in a Wrongful Death Claim in Galena, IL?

The initial thing you should do is, at the very least, have a conversation about the specifics of your claim with an experienced Galena, IL wrongful death lawyer. You can do that for free right now at (314) 500-HURT or contacting us online for a no-obligation, confidential case review.

The Burger Law wrongful death lawyers in Galena, IL recognize that the main goal of any family that loses a loved one is to seek justice. We get it. Yet, it is just as important to pursue damages for your substantial losses – financial or otherwise – right now, as you have only one chance to make the individual or business who ended your loved one’s life pay for what they have done. Our talented and aggressive attorneys stand in your corner, working with you throughout the following parts of your Galena, IL wrongful death claim:

Investigation to make your case. This is the exact reason you hirA skilled and tenacious wrongful death attorney in Galena, IL and throughout Illinois is ready to go to any lengths to ensure you get what you and your family deserve. We have a network of qualified, experienced evidence experts that enable us to reconstruct events and gather evidence and documents relevant to your case.

Take things off of your plate. {In order for you to concentrate on the things that matter to you and your family, allow your Burger Law wrongful death lawyer in Galena, IL to deal with all the administrative and other aspects of your suit. We have a fully staffed firm of legal professionals who can deal with filing the proper paperwork, communicating with the defense and other parties involved and other clerical tasks.

Understand the entire value of your claim. As a knowledgeable attorney who has been handling cases like yours for more than two decades, your Burger Law wrongful death lawyer in Galena, IL knows how to properly figure the value of your claim. Without this knowledge, it is almost impossible to fully know the financial value of damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of consortium. Your skilled wrongful death lawyer will ensure that each and every dollar is accounted for and that you and your family are pursuing what your case is truly worth in Galena, IL, even when it comes to economic damages such as medical bills and loss of income and benefits. We realize that this is an incredibly difficult time. You have lost a loved one suddenly and tragically, and now you have to go through the legal procedure of your wrongful death suit. The Galena, IL wrongful death attorneys of Burger Law take our responsibility of representing and counseling mourning families very seriously and we understand that occasionally what you need most from us is not much more than encouragement, a kind word or a hand to hold. We are here to make things as easy as possible for you.

What Are Some Examples of a Wrongful Death Case in Galena, IL?

What Are Some Examples of a Wrongful Death Case in Galena, IL?

Burger Law’s wrongful death lawyers have over 20 years of proven experience in wrongful death cases and have helped many family members in Galena, IL and throughout Illinois get the compensation they deserve to lessen the pressure and uncertainty they face following their substantial loss. Our Galena, IL wrongful death attorneys have successfully taken on all types of suits, including:

  • Car accidents in Galena, IL are one of the most common causes of death, and can result from either road issues or driver negligence.
  • Medical malpractice cases near Galena, IL frequently involve the failure to properly diagnose an issue or misdiagnosis, yet can also involve errors in surgery and other problems.
  • Construction site and workplace accident claims near Galena, IL involve deaths that occur at high-risk jobs, especially if safety precautions were not properly observed and followed.
  • Product defects that result in the death of a loved one frequently warrant a Galena, IL wrongful death suit, and can deal with anything from dangerous toys to toxic foods.
  • Truck accidents in Galena, IL are distinct from auto accidents in that trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, as much as 20 to 30 times more than a standard vehicle, and cause death with more frequency.
  • Pedestrian accident suits near Galena, IL can involve driver negligence, but also sometimes involve problems with roads which are maintained by Galena, IL or the nearby county.

These are only common examples of wrongful death cases near Galena, IL. Give Burger Law a call as soon as possible at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form if you have any questions regarding the substance of your claim. It costs nothing to speak with our top-ranked Galena, IL wrongful death lawyers for a consultation. There will be no fee unless we win your suit.

How Will a Wrongful Death Lawyer Prove My Claim in Galena, IL?

How Will a Wrongful Death Lawyer Prove My Claim in Galena, IL?

You must demonstrate that the defendant owed your loved one a duty of care, as the plaintiff in a wrongful death case, as well as proving that their negligence in that duty caused your loved one's death in Galena, IL. In order to ensure that you and your family have a legitimate claim, and for the best chances of being successful in a wrongful death suit and recovering damages in your case, you should speak with a knowledgeable Galena, IL wrongful death lawyer at Burger Law based in Chicago In a medical situation near Galena, IL, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are supposed to treat their patients as effectively as possible. Consumer product manufacturers are supposed to build and release consumer goods and products that have minimal risk to users, and any hazards in using the product should be adequately stated throughout the Galena, IL area.

  • There was a breach of this duty of care.

    The next aspect you must demonstrate is that the defendant did something that violated that responsibility in Galena, IL, a breach of duty. This is where negligence is found. This takes place when an intoxicated person decides to operate a motor vehicle or when a doctor or other medical professional fails during an operation.

  • This breach caused the death of your loved one.

    At this point, you must prove fault and causation. Basically demonstrating that, if the defendant had not done what they did in Galena, IL, the decedent would almost certainly still be living. Your Galena, IL wrongful death lawyer will likely consult and get testimony from a network of experts like professionals in the medical field or coroners who can ascertain the cause of the death and how certain situations and injuries impact an individual's ability to survive.

  • The defendant's negligence caused damages.

    Lastly, to be successful in your Galena, IL wrongful death case, you must demonstrate how the defendant's behavior has affected you. A skilled wrongful death attorney in Galena, IL will calculate the complete value of your damages and negotiate proper financial compensation on your behalf. Burger Law's wrongful death attorneys have experience in wrongful death cases like yours in Galena, IL, and know how to calculate your damages and negotiate an excellent recovery.

  • Give Burger Law a call right away at (314) 500-HURT or reach out to us online.

    Learn more about the other kinds of cases we win for our Galena, IL clients by clicking below.

    [wdac-similar-links]

    What Damages Can My Galena, IL Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Recover?

    What Damages Can My Galena, IL Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Recover?

    Surviving family members can struggle to stay afloat financially, after the death of a loved one near Galena, IL. Funeral costs and medical bills may be overwhelming and families can struggle to make ends meet in Galena, IL. If you and your family fail to file a wrongful death suit in Galena, IL, you will be responsible for covering the expenses with your own money, which might not be enough. Advantageously, a solid wrongful death suit headed by a seasoned Galena, IL wrongful death attorney from Burger Law will have a strong chance of recovering some of these costs as damages. Under Illinois law, your family can recover a variety of damages, and there are no caps. Damages are classified in Galena, IL as:

    • Economic: expenses such as medical bills, treatment costs, funeral expenses and loss of income and benefits which are measurable dollar amounts
    • Non-economic: other damages that are not quantified, like mental anguish, loss of guidance and loss of companionship
    • Survival: damages sustained from the accident but prior to their death, such as pain and suffering due to their fatal injuries

    In order to collect the full damages you and your family deserve, you must find an experienced and skilled Galena, IL wrongful death attorney from a firm you can trust. The Galena, IL wrongful death attorneys of Burger Law are dedicated to fighting for you and your family and demanding the best recovery possible on the heels of your unspeakable loss. We will not stop until we have assisted in recovering any applicable damages in Galena, IL, including:

    • Loss of income
    • Reduced capacity for future income
    • Loss of benefits
    • Loss of companionship
    • Loss of instruction to children
    • Guidance
    • Counseling
    • Funeral Expenses
    • Burial costs
    • Medical expenses
    • Treatment costs
    • Pain and suffering
    • Mental anguish

    We know that your loved one's death is hard. We want to help get you and your family the best possible recovery under Illinois law. Your family deserves to have their needs and concerns met. When you are ready to talk, we can help. Call (314) 500-HURT or contact our Galena, IL wrongful death lawyers based in Chicago.


    Reach Out To a Burger Law Wrongful Death Lawyer in Galena, IL

    Receive a Free, Confidential Case Review Today

    Reach Out To a Burger Law Wrongful Death Lawyer in Galena, IL

    Burger Law understands how heartbreaking the sudden loss, and we recognize the fear and unknowns associated with your loss. We stand by your side and fight to preserve the memory of your loved and the future of your family when you hire a Burger Law Galena, IL wrongful death lawyer. We refuse to settle for anything less than the best possible recovery, and so should you. We will help you and your family get the justice, compensation, and recovery you are entitled to in Galena, IL.

    Call a Burger Law Galena, IL wrongful death lawyer right away at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free, confidential case review. We do not charge any fees unless we win your family’s claim.

    Geo Sidebar

    Other Locations


    Schema