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Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death Lawyer in Sycamore

A Local Office in Sycamore, Serving DeKalb County Families Since 1981

When a family loses someone to another party’s negligence, the legal process that follows shouldn’t add to the burden. Turner Law Group is a personal injury firm with a physical office in Sycamore, where attorneys Rick Turner and Margie Komes Putzler work directly with families navigating wrongful death claims. We serve clients throughout DeKalb, Kane, and Kendall Counties, and our wrongful death practice sits alongside our work in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice.

Having a local office matters when you’re dealing with a loss. You can meet with our attorneys in person, ask questions without going through a distant intake team, and work directly with the people handling your case.

If your family has lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, call Turner Law Group at (800) 653-0198 to schedule a free consultation with a Sycamore wrongful death attorney.

Four Decades Representing Northern Illinois Families

Rick Turner and Margie Komes Putzler have led Turner Law Group’s wrongful death practice since the firm opened in 1981. That longevity means firsthand familiarity with the insurance companies, adjusters, and litigation dynamics that shape DeKalb County wrongful death claims. We prioritize individual attention and thorough case preparation because no two families’ circumstances are the same, and shortcuts in preparation show up at the negotiating table.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims in DeKalb County

Wrongful death claims arise from a range of circumstances. Our practice covers cases involving:

  • Fatal car and motorcycle accidents: Route 23, IL-64, and US-30 carry heavy truck traffic through DeKalb County, and crashes involving commercial vehicles often raise complex liability questions.
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect: Deaths resulting from inadequate care, medication errors, or failure to prevent falls in long-term care facilities.
  • Dangerous drugs and medical devices: Fatalities linked to defective products or medications that caused unreasonable harm.
  • Medical malpractice: Deaths caused by a provider’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care.
  • Negligent security: Fatalities that occurred because a property owner failed to maintain reasonable security measures.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim Under Illinois Law

Illinois wrongful death claims are governed by the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180). Under that statute, the lawsuit must be filed by a personal representative of the deceased’s estate, and any recovery goes to the surviving spouse and next of kin. In most cases, the filing deadline is two years from the date of death. If the death resulted from violent or intentional conduct, Molly’s Law (Public Act 99-0587, enacted in 2016) extends that deadline to five years.

A related claim worth understanding is the Survival Act (755 ILCS 5/27-6), which allows the estate to pursue damages the deceased could have sought had they survived, including pain and suffering experienced before death, medical expenses, and lost wages. Many wrongful death matters involve both claims filed together.

Damages Available to DeKalb County Families

Our attorneys identify and document every category of loss before entering settlement negotiations. Illinois wrongful death damages can include:

  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Loss of income and future earnings or benefits
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages in cases of egregious or intentional misconduct (unavailable in medical malpractice claims or against government entities)

Illinois law recognizes both economic damages (financial losses like income and expenses) and non-economic damages (losses like companionship and emotional suffering). Understanding both categories is central to how we build and negotiate claims against insurance companies.

One factor that can affect recovery is contributory fault. Under Illinois law, a beneficiary found more than 50% responsible for contributing to the death can’t recover damages. We address this question early in case preparation so families understand where they stand before negotiations begin.

Where Wrongful Death Cases Are Filed in DeKalb County

Wrongful death lawsuits arising in DeKalb County are filed in the DeKalb County Circuit Court, located in Sycamore, the county seat. Our office is here, which means we’re already working in the same courthouse where your case would be litigated. We use a dedicated intake process to gather case details and family information early so nothing gets overlooked before we begin building your claim. If an insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, we can file suit and pursue the case through litigation.

Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney in Sycamore at No Upfront Cost

We offer a free consultation for wrongful death cases and don’t charge a fee unless we recover compensation for your family. Our legal services are available in English and Spanish.

Call Turner Law Group at (800) 653-0198 to speak with Rick Turner or Margie Komes Putzler about your family’s situation.

Real People, Real Results

Over Millions Recovered for Those Injured
  • $1.1 Million Auto Accident
  • $1.125 Million Auto Accident
  • $647,500 Auto Accident
  • $450,000 Auto Accident
  • $1.3 Million Auto Accident
  • $625,000 Auto Accident

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FAQs

Common Answers To Your Questions
  • What qualifies as a personal injury?

    A personal injury generally refers to any bodily injury sustained in an accident, from minor bruises to severe brain trauma. The most common personal injury claims arise from harm sustained from traffic wrecks, slip and fall accidents, defective products, dangerous property conditions, and medical malpractice.

  • What is the personal injury statute of limitations in Illinois?

    Under state law, the statute of limitations (or deadline) for most personal injury claims in Illinois is two years from the date of the accident. However, for claims against governmental agencies, there are special limitation periods that may be as short as a year. You should always consult with an attorney on what particular limitations period might apply to your claim. You should seek legal help immediately, as a delay may be fatal to your claim. Unless you have a special exception, your claim will be thrown out if you attempt to file after the limitations period has passed.


    Because every personal injury claim is different, it is difficult to determine an average settlement. A victim who lost a limb will likely need to receive more in medical expenses than someone who broke an arm, for instance. Although personal injury claims tend to average anywhere between $3000 to $75,000—an extremely broad range—there may be significant economic and noneconomic factors in your individual case that may indicate that your particular claim would be valued at a significantly higher figure at trial in front of a jury. An attorney can help you estimate your unique losses based on the facts of your case. The knowledge of an attorney experienced in jury verdict value is extremely important. You should be entitled to make up for your specific losses at the very least.
     

  • What evidence is needed for a personal injury claim?

    Necessary evidence can vary case by case depending on the specifics of your situation. However, one of the most helpful pieces of evidence is your medical records. If you can prove that you sought medical attention for a serious injury after an accident, you are more likely to receive compensation to cover the expenses associated with said injury. Other helpful evidence includes any photographs of the accident scene, accident reports, witness statements, insurance forms, receipts, and any other physical evidence related to the injury.

  • What is the average settlement for a personal injury?

    Because every personal injury claim is different, it is difficult to determine an average settlement. A victim who lost a limb will likely need to receive more in medical expenses than someone who broke an arm, for instance. This means that personal injury claims tend to average anywhere between $3000 to $75,000—an extremely broad range. An attorney can help you estimate your unique losses based on the facts of your case. You should be entitled to make up for your specific losses at the very least.