Average Wrongful Death Settlement in Illinois

Losing a loved one is devastating, and while financial compensation cannot replace that loss, it can provide security for the family left behind. When families research the average wrongful death settlement, they quickly learn that settlement amounts are not uniform or predictable. There is no actual “average” wrongful death settlement, since outcomes vary widely depending on case-specific circumstances like the age, earning potential, and contributions of the deceased, along with funeral costs, medical bills, lost wages, and intangible losses endured. 

Families searching for an Edwardsville wrongful death lawyer often want to know what compensation might look like. At Walton Telken, we have guided families through these claims with results that reflect the full value of their loss.

How Wrongful Death Settlements Work

A wrongful death settlement is intended to provide financial relief to surviving family members who have lost the emotional, financial, and practical support of a loved one. In Illinois, these settlements cover economic damages, such as lost income and expenses, and non-economic damages, such as grief and companionship. 

The process often begins with filing a wrongful death claim against the party or parties responsible, whether due to negligence, misconduct, or another wrongful act. Settlements can be negotiated out of court or decided by a jury if litigation becomes necessary. Each case is considered on its own facts, meaning results are unique to the family’s losses.

Factors That Impact Your Wrongful Death Settlement

Several elements determine the value of a wrongful death settlement in Illinois. Courts and insurers consider many variables, including:

• The age, health, and life expectancy of the deceased at the time of death
• The earning capacity and income level of the deceased
• The medical costs and funeral expenses related to the death
• The degree of financial and emotional dependency of surviving family members
• Non-economic damages such as grief, sorrow, and loss of companionship

For example, cases involving younger individuals with decades of earning potential often result in higher settlements than cases involving retirees. Similarly, families relying heavily on the deceased for financial support recover more. This is why settlements can range widely, from smaller amounts to multi-million-dollar recoveries, depending on these critical factors. Courts often weigh economic losses, like future earnings and expenses, alongside non-economic damages such as the sorrow and anguish endured by the family. 

In many cases, testimony from financial professionals and mental health experts is introduced to demonstrate how both measurable and intangible losses affect surviving relatives.

Who May Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/2 (from Ch. 70, par. 2), the deceased’s personal representative must bring wrongful death claims. The statute specifies that the recovery is for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin. It also provides that juries may award damages for financial losses, grief, sorrow, and mental suffering.

This means that while the estate formally brings the claim, the compensation goes directly to the surviving family members. In practice, this ensures that those most affected by the loss, including children, spouses, or dependent relatives, benefit from the recovery.

How to Maximize Your Wrongful Death Settlement

Maximizing compensation requires building a strong case supported by clear evidence. That can include detailed records of financial losses, expert insights about future earning potential, and genuine accounts of the emotional toll the loss has taken on the family. Showing the death’s profound impact on survivors’ lives helps ensure that any settlement accounts for tangible and intangible losses. 

Families often benefit from legal guidance from attorneys who understand the local courts, have substantial experience in wrongful death claims, and can negotiate effectively against powerful defendants. With careful preparation and persuasive presentation, it is possible to reach outcomes that recognize both the financial and human dimensions of such a loss, while offering families a sense of accountability and closure that supports them as they rebuild their lives after tragedy.

How Can Walton Telken Help in Edwardsville?

Pursuing a wrongful death claim is about more than money; it is about accountability and security for the future. At Walton Telken, we provide the guidance and advocacy needed to navigate these challenging cases in Edwardsville. We understand the laws, the courts, and the process, and fight to ensure families are treated fairly and compensated fully.

If you are searching for answers about wrongful death settlements in Illinois, let us put our experience to work for you. Call 844-307-7349 today to discuss your case and learn how we can support your family’s path forward.