How to Choose the Best Wrongful Death Attorney in Illinois

Choosing the best wrongful death attorney in Illinois can feel overwhelming, especially when you are still processing what happened. The most important thing is to find someone who understands both the legal process and the emotional weight of your loss. 

A wrongful death attorney should offer legal knowledge. They should also bring compassion and communicate clearly throughout your case. Here is what matters most when deciding who to trust with something this important.

What Qualifies a Wrongful Death Lawyer to Handle Your Case

Not every lawyer is prepared to take on a wrongful death case. These claims come with emotional pressure and legal challenges that require a deeper understanding of what families go through. 

The person you hire should listen closely and explain things in a way that makes sense. You should feel like they are in it with you from the start. If you are unsure what to look for, here are a few ways to tell whether an attorney is equipped to handle your case.

Track Record With Similar Case Types

Some wrongful death cases involve hospitals. Others involve trucking companies or defective products. Some also involve careless security. Each one comes with different challenges, and not every lawyer is used to handling those details. Someone who has worked on these cases before will know what to look for and how to keep things from slipping through the cracks.

Looking at past outcomes can give you a sense of how an attorney handles tough situations. If they have helped other families get real results in cases like yours, that shows they know what it takes to build a strong case. It also shows they understand how much is riding on the outcome.

Communication Style and Responsiveness

When you are grieving, it helps to work with someone who communicates clearly and consistently. You should never feel ignored or out of the loop. A strong attorney will check in regularly and answer your questions without rushing. They will also make sure you always know where things stand.

Being responsive is more than just returning phone calls. It means showing up when your family needs honest answers. It also means making space for your questions and taking the time to explain what comes next, especially when the process gets hard to follow.

Professional Reputation in the Legal Community

An attorney’s reputation can tell you a lot about how they approach serious cases. Lawyers who are respected in the legal community tend to be prepared and reliable. They are also committed to doing things the right way. If other attorneys or past clients recommend them, that is usually a sign that they are someone you can count on.

While awards are not everything, they can show that an attorney has been recognized for doing strong, ethical work. The same goes for referrals or word-of-mouth recommendations from people you trust. A strong reputation can help reinforce the credibility of your case if it goes to trial or settlement negotiations.

Qualities That Help Build a Strong Working Relationship

When you are dealing with grief, legal skills alone are not enough. You also need to feel comfortable with the person representing your family. A good working relationship makes the process feel less intimidating and helps you feel supported through every stage of the case. Here are a few qualities that can make a real difference:

• Listens carefully without interrupting or rushing you
• Is open and honest about expectations, risks, and possible outcomes
• Answers questions clearly and makes time for updates
• Has a strong reputation in the community for professionalism and care
• Pays attention to how this process is affecting you emotionally
• Comes prepared and organized for every meeting
• Stays calm and confident in high-stakes settings like court or mediation
• Makes you feel like you matter, not just your case
  

When emotions are running high, these qualities influence how you experience the process from start to finish. Under 740 ILCS 180/2, families have the right to bring a wrongful death claim, which is a type of personal injury case, but how that claim is handled can affect far more than the outcome. Legal results matter, but so does the way you are treated along the way.

What to Ask During Your Initial Consultation With a Lawyer

That first meeting goes both ways. It is a chance for the lawyer to learn about your case and for you to get a feel for how they work. You should leave the consultation with a clearer understanding of what to expect and whether you feel comfortable moving forward. The right questions can help you find someone who is not only qualified but also a good fit for your needs.

Questions About Fee Structure and Case Costs

Before signing anything, make sure you understand how the lawyer gets paid. Most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee, which means they only collect a percentage of your recovery if the case is successful. You should feel comfortable asking how that percentage works and whether it changes depending on when the case resolves.

It is also important to ask about case expenses. Filing fees may come up early in the process. Expert witnesses and medical records can also add to the overall cost. You will want to know who covers these expenses upfront and whether they will be reimbursed later. A good attorney will walk you through all of this without making you feel rushed or uncomfortable.

Questions About Timelines and Communication Expectations

It is fair to ask how long a wrongful death case typically takes. Some settle in a matter of months, while others can take a year or longer, depending on the facts and the people involved. Your attorney should be upfront about what affects the timeline and give you a general idea of what to expect along the way.

You should also ask how communication will work once your case begins. Will you get regular updates? Who will be your main point of contact? These questions help you understand whether the firm keeps clients informed or leaves them guessing. The right attorney will make you feel comfortable speaking up and asking questions when you need to.

Questions About Similar Case Experience and Outcomes

It is okay to ask whether the attorney has handled cases like yours before. In fact, it is one of the best ways to understand how they approach complex issues and what kinds of results they have achieved. If your claim involves work injuries or a fatal accident on a job site, make sure to ask whether they have taken on similar claims in the past.

You can also ask how long you have to file. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-209, wrongful death lawsuits in Illinois must be filed within a certain period of time, and missing that deadline can end your case before it ever begins. A qualified attorney will not only answer your questions but help you feel more confident about the next steps.

Contact a compassionate Chicago wrongful death lawyer at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman to schedule a free consultation today.