Losing a loved one is one of life’s greatest tragedies. When their death is caused by a defective product, the pain is compounded by anger and unanswered questions. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, our team of compassionate and experienced wrongful death lawyers is dedicated to helping grieving families in Chicago seek justice.
If your loved one’s life was cut short by a dangerous or defective product, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Why Choose Our Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyer for Your Case?
Handling a wrongful death lawsuit involving a defective product is tricky. It requires an attorney with expertise in Illinois product liability law, compassion for grieving families, and a commitment to achieving justice.
At Chicago Injury Lawyer, our lawyers for defective products provide:
- Comprehensive Legal Knowledge
Our attorneys team understands the nuances of Illinois laws governing wrongful death and product liability, ensuring no detail is overlooked. - Compassionate Support
We recognize this process’s emotional impacts and work to ease your burden. - Proven Track Record
We’ve successfully recovered millions for families in Chicago, delivering results while holding negligent parties accountable. - Local Expertise
As Chicago-based attorneys, we are familiar with local courts, regulations, and experts, providing an edge in handling your case.
Laws in Illinois Concerning Wrongful Death from a Defective Products
In Illinois, two laws primarily govern defective product and wrongful death cases:
- Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/)
This law allows surviving family members, such as spouses or children, to seek compensation for:- Loss of financial support.
- Emotional companionship and guidance.
- Grief and emotional suffering.
- Illinois Product Liability Law (735 ILCS 5/2-621)
This statute establishes that manufacturers, distributors, or retailers are liable for injuries caused by unsafe products, regardless of whether they acted negligently. Illinois follows strict liability, meaning you only need to prove that the product was defective and caused the death.
By pursuing legal action, families seek justice and prevent future tragedies caused by negligent manufacturers.
Typical Defective Products in Wrongful Death Cases
Defective products can take many forms and often have devastating consequences. Here are the most common types involved in wrongful death cases:
1. Automotive Defects
Automotive defects can turn a routine drive into a fatal accident. Airbags that fail to deploy or explode with too much force can cause severe injuries or death. Brake malfunctions might lead to deadly collisions, especially at high speeds. Tires prone to blowouts can make drivers lose control, often resulting in catastrophic crashes. These issues put lives at risk even when vehicles are properly maintained.
2. Household and Industrial Appliances
Household appliances and industrial tools should make life easier. But defects can make them dangerous. Space heaters with faulty wiring can spark deadly fires. Pressure cookers can explode if poorly designed or manufactured, leading to fatal burns. Tools with defective safety features can cause fatal accidents, especially in workplaces where employees rely on their equipment to function correctly.
3. Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
Medical devices save lives, but defective ones can take them away. Pacemakers or insulin pumps that malfunction unexpectedly can lead to fatal health issues. Surgical implants with flaws may fail over time, causing severe complications. Medications with undisclosed side effects or contamination can result in fatal reactions. When these products fail, the consequences can be heartbreaking.
4. Children’s Products
Children’s products should meet the highest safety standards, but some fall dangerously short. Cribs with design flaws can collapse, leading to suffocation. Car seats that fail in a crash can cause preventable fatalities. Toys with small parts or toxic materials can pose choking or poisoning hazards. Parents trust manufacturers to keep their children safe, and the results can be tragic when that trust is broken.
Each of these products highlights the risks defective items can pose. Our wrongful death lawyers in Chicago are committed to helping families hold manufacturers accountable for these preventable losses.
How We Handle Defective Product Wrongful Death Cases
We follow a meticulous approach to build a strong case:
1. Investigating the Product
We collaborate with industry experts to determine whether the defect was in the design, manufacturing, or marketing phase.
2. Identifying Liability
We trace the product’s lifecycle from manufacturers to retailers to hold the responsible parties accountable.
3. Calculating Damages
We document all economic and non-economic losses, including medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
4. Pursuing Justice
Whether through settlement negotiations or litigation, we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
In Illinois, lawsuits for wrongful death are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Acting promptly ensures that critical evidence is preserved and deadlines are met. Delaying action could weaken your case or result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
Alarming Statistics on Defective Products
Defective products pose serious risks, and the data is a stark reminder of their dangers:
- In 2021, 400 fatalities in the U.S. were directly linked to consumer product defects.
- A 33% rise in product recalls over the past decade shows an alarming trend.
- Product liability cases accounted for over 10% of civil claims in Illinois courts in recent years.
These statistics highlight the importance of holding manufacturers accountable to save lives.
Why Justice Matters
While no lawsuit can undo the loss, seeking justice offers critical benefits:
- Accountability: Holding companies responsible encourages better safety practices.
- Awareness: Highlighting dangerous products protects others from similar harm.
- Financial Relief: Compensation helps cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and other losses.
We’re committed to ensuring your loved one’s life is honored, and their death is not in vain.
Take the First Step Toward Justice!
When a defective product causes a wrongful death, families deserve answers, accountability, and financial security. Our attorneys will help you navigate this complicated process with care, compassion, and unmatched legal expertise.
Call Chicago Injury Lawyer today or complete our online contact form for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for the justice your family deserves!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, the surviving spouse, children, or next of kin can typically file a wrongful death lawsuit.
What compensation can I recover in a defective product wrongful death case?
You may recover damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship.
How is fault determined in a defective product case?
Illinois follows strict liability for defective products, meaning you only need to prove the defect and its role in the death, not negligence.
