How Much is an Illinois Wrongful Death Case Worth?

 Posted on October 05, 2025 in Personal Injury

It is harder to imagine a more difficult situation than when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. On top of their grief, families face financial difficulties, including medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. In Illinois, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Nearly everyone considering this route asks the same question: How much is a wrongful death case worth?

Determining value in a wrongful death case is not simple. Each situation is unique, and the settlement or award depends on multiple factors. Working with a Will County, IL wrongful death attorney who has over 20 years of experience can help families understand what to expect. Our firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

What Factors Influence Wrongful Death Case Value?

Several important factors affect how much a wrongful death case might be worth. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act outlines some of these factors, while others depend on the specific facts of the case.

Economic Damages

These include financial losses resulting from the death that you can count. Examples are medical expenses from before your loved one died, funeral and burial costs, and the deceased’s lost income or potential earnings. The age, job, and earning potential of the deceased play a significant role in calculating these damages.

Non-Economic Damages

These address the emotional impact of the loss. In Illinois, families can recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of guidance, and emotional distress. While these are more subjective than economic damages, they are a critical part of the overall value of a wrongful death claim.

Degree of Negligence or Fault

The circumstances leading to the death also influence its value. A case involving gross negligence can result in higher damages than a situation with minor negligence. Evidence of clear liability makes a claim stronger. 

Insurance and Recovery Potential

The ability of the defendant to pay or the limits of their insurance coverage may affect the practical value of a case. While the legal entitlement to damages may be high, the amount that is realistically recoverable can depend on how much money or insurance coverage the responsible party has.

Impact on Survivors

Courts consider how the deceased’s death affects immediate family members. This includes the loss of guidance, support, and parental care, which can carry significant weight in wrongful death claims.

Talk to a Will County, IL Wrongful Death Lawyer

Determining the value of a wrongful death case requires careful consideration of all factors. Each case is unique, and working with a good attorney can help you understand what your claim is worth.

Call a Joliet, IL personal injury attorney at 815-710-3700 to schedule your free consultation with Carlson Law Group, P.C.. With over 20 years of experience, including time as a judge and prosecutor, we are ready to help your family fight for fair compensation.