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Wrongful Death Lawyer Waltonville, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Waltonville, 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 attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve while preventing future tragedies that could lead to wrongful deaths. Call our Waltonville, 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 Waltonville, 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 Fatalities: Deaths resulting from car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents due to another driver’s negligence. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Deaths caused by errors made by medical professionals, such as surgical mishaps, diagnostic mistakes, or medication errors. Wrong-site surgeries are particularly severe, representing a clear case of negligence that can lead to fatal consequences.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatalities resulting from unsafe working environments, machinery malfunctions, or lack of proper safety precautions. Each year, Illinois reports nearly 150 workplace fatalities.
- Product Liability: Fatalities caused by defective products, such as faulty vehicle brakes, broken machinery, hazardous consumer goods, and dangerous chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Deaths from accidents occurring on another person’s property, such as slip-and-fall accidents, poor security, and lack of maintenance.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Fatalities from boating accidents caused by equipment malfunction or operator error. In Illinois, there are about 15-20 boating fatalities annually
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Waltonville, IL?
In Illinois, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate, often a close relative or a court-appointed individual, usually files the wrongful death claim. Nonetheless, certain family members may also have the right to seek compensation for their grief and financial losses.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The representative files the claim for the estate and the family members who survived the deceased.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and 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 there is no surviving spouse or children, the parents may be eligible to file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.
Identifying who can file a wrongful death claim is vital to guarantee that the right people are able to pursue justice and receive compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Waltonville, IL?
Not everyone is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Generally, close family members have priority. In some cases, individuals with significant financial ties to the deceased may also qualify.
- Friends: While friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, they may be able to if they can show they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- Siblings: Siblings generally do not have the ability to file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an exceptionally close bond, which must be demonstrated through evidence.
If you’re uncertain about your ability to file a wrongful death claim, it’s essential to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Get in touch with us or call (618)-244-5335 for trusted legal counsel.
What Do Waltonville, IL, Wrongful Death Attorneys 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, or special damages, involve the direct financial losses caused by the death of a loved one. These damages are generally easier to assess because of their clear monetary value. Some 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: Compensation for the expenses related to emergency medical care, hospital services, surgeries, and other treatment costs that were incurred before the victim’s passing.
- Medical Expenses: Payment for the costs associated with emergency medical treatment, hospital bills, surgeries, and other medical care provided before the victim’s death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reimbursement for funeral services, burial or cremation fees, headstones, and other related costs, providing financial relief to families during a difficult time.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, or general damages, compensate for the emotional and psychological toll cause by a loved one’s death. Although more subjective, they can significantly affect the surviving family members. Examples include:
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of affection, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members endure following 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 design to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
In wrongful death cases, courts may factor in the survivor’s personal details, such as age, lifestyle, education, and additional circumstances that may impact the case.
By reaching out to one of our wrongful death attorneys in Waltonville, IL, you’ll receive expert guidance on the damages you may be eligible for in your case.
The Best Waltonville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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If negligence has led to the loss of your loved one, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions in recoveries for victims, we offer personalized attention and unwavering support. Trust our Waltonville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are committed to your family’s justice.
