There is no set amount of money that it will take to file and pursue a successful wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois. Every attorney who handles wrongful death claims will set their own rates and fees. Often, you will find that an Illinois wrongful death lawyer will take these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that the family members of the deceased will not have to pay any upfront or out-of-pocket costs related to their case. The attorney will only collect legal fees after they successfully recover the compensation that the family members are entitled to.