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Wrongful Death Lawyer Fairview Heights, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Fairview Heights, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has provided exceptional legal support for victims and their families. A wrongful death case can have far-reaching emotional and financial effects on survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois law firm attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve while preventing future tragedies that could lead to wrongful deaths. Call our Fairview Heights, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online if you’ve lost a family member or loved one.
Our wrongful death lawyers and legal team are ready to assist. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
Common Wrongful Death Claims in Fairview Heights, IL
Negligence is often the main factor in wrongful death cases in Illinois. When a wrongful act results in death, the surviving family members face crucial questions. In some cases, third-party participants can also be held responsible for the damages linked to personal injury or wrongful death. Proving your wrongful death claim is where we can help.
Below are several of the most frequently encountered types of wrongful death cases in Illinois:
- Vehicle-Related Deaths: Fatalities caused by car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle crashes resulting from another driver’s negligence. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Fatalities caused by mistakes made by healthcare professionals, such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or incorrect medications. One example of serious negligence is wrong-site surgeries, which can lead to death.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatalities that occur due to hazardous conditions, machinery issues, or inadequate safety standards in the workplace. Illinois experiences approximately 150 fatal workplace accidents annually.
- Product Liability: Fatalities caused by defective products, such as faulty car brakes, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer goods, or hazardous chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Fatal accidents on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall injuries, insufficient security, and neglectfully maintained premises.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Fatalities resulting from boating accidents due to equipment malfunctions or operator mistakes. Illinois reports around 15-20 boating-related fatalities each year.
Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Fairview Heights, IL?
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate usually files the wrongful death claim in Illinois. This individual is often a family member or someone designated by the court. Certain relatives may also pursue compensation for their damages.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The personal representative is responsible for filing the claim for both the estate and the surviving family members.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can pursue compensation for emotional pain, loss of companionship, and the loss of financial support.
- Children: In the absence of a surviving spouse, children can file a wrongful death claim or pursue damages for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: If the deceased has neither a surviving spouse nor children, parents may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.
Comprehending who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim is essential to ensure that the proper individuals can seek justice and compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Fairview Heights, IL?
In Illinois, the eligibility to file a wrongful death claim is not extended to everyone. Close family members are typically prioritized, although individuals with strong financial connections to the deceased may also qualify.
- Friends: Friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- Siblings: In most cases, siblings cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had a notably close relationship, which must be backed by evidence.
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility to file a wrongful death claim, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Reach out to us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert assistance.
What Do Fairview Heights, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers Provide?
Our wrongful death lawyers help families seek justice and compensation when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. Here’s what we typically do:
- Case Evaluation: We review the case to determine if there is a valid claim, examining medical records, accident reports, and other key evidence.
- Investigation: We collaborate with experts to investigate the cause of death and identify the responsible party.
- Filing the Lawsuit: If warranted, we file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family or estate.
- Negotiating Settlements: We negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance and legal team to secure a fair settlement.
- Court Representation: If a settlement isn’t reached, we represent the family in court and present the case for justice.
We’re here to guide you through this difficult time and help secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Special and General Damages for Wrongful Death Cases in Illinois
At Hassakis & Hassakis, we work tirelessly to help families obtain compensation to ease their burden. Below are some common general and special damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages, also referred to as special damages, are the measurable financial losses that occur due to the death of a loved one. These damages are generally easier to calculate because they have an identifiable monetary value. Examples include:
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Compensation for the income the deceased would have continued to earn, including salary, bonuses, and projected future earnings, providing financial relief to surviving family members.
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for emergency medical care, hospital bills, surgeries, and other treatment costs incurred before the victim’s passing.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Payment for funeral services, burial or cremation fees, headstones, and other necessary expenses, ensuring that families are not burdened with these costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, aim to address the emotional and psychological effects of losing a loved one. While they are more subjective, they can have a deep impact on the surviving family members. Some examples include:
- Loss of Consortium: Payment for the loss of love, companionship, emotional connection, and intimacy that family members suffer after the death of a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional and psychological distress, including mental anguish and grief, faced by family members after the passing of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: Granted in cases of severe negligence or misconduct, punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
In wrongful death cases, courts may consider the personal circumstances of the survivor, including factors like age, lifestyle, education, and other relevant details.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Fairview Heights, IL, will help clarify the types of damages you could be entitled to in your case.
Effective Fairview Heights, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Learn more about other services below:
If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one because of negligence, act now. Get in touch with us online or call 618-244-5335. We’ve recovered millions for victims and offer customized support. Trust our Fairview Heights, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are passionate about obtaining justice for your family.
