Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Lawyer Southern Illinois

Wrongful Death Lawyer. 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 us 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 Illinois

Negligence is often the primary factor in wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a wrongful act leads to a fatality, it raises important questions for the surviving family members and loved ones. In many cases, second- or third-party participants may be liable for damages related to personal injury or wrongful death. Proving a wrongful death claim is where we come in.

Here are some of the most common 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 healthcare professionals’ errors, such as surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or medication errors. Wrong-site surgeries can be fatal and represent gross negligence by healthcare providers.
• Workplace Accidents: Fatalities in the workplace, often from unsafe conditions, machinery failures, or inadequate safety measures. Illinois reports approximately 150 workplace-related deaths annually.
• Product Liability: Deaths caused by defective products like faulty brakes on a car, broken machinery, consumer goods, and dangerous chemicals.
• Premises Liability: Fatal accidents occurring on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security, and poorly maintained premises.
• 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 Illinois?

In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the wrongful death claim. This individual is usually a close family member or someone appointed by the court. However, certain family members may also seek compensation for their losses.

1. Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The representative files the claim on behalf of the estate and surviving family members.
2. Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
3. Children: Children may file a claim if there is no surviving spouse or seek damages for the loss of a parent.
4. Parents: If the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, parents may be eligible to file the claim.

Understanding who can file a wrongful death claim is essential for ensuring that the right individuals are able to seek justice and compensation.

Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?

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: Friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
• Siblings: Siblings generally do not have the right to file unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an exceptionally close relationship, which must be supported by evidence.

If you are unsure whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim, consulting with an experienced wrongful death lawyer is essential. Contact us today or call 618-244-5335 for expert guidance.

What Does an Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?

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 known as special damages, are the tangible financial losses resulting from a loved one’s death. These damages are often easier to calculate due to their clear monetary value. Examples include:

• Lost Wages and Benefits: Compensation for the income the deceased would have earned, including salary, bonuses, and potential future earnings, which can help ease financial hardship for 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: Coverage for funeral services, burial or cremation costs, headstones, and related expenses, ensuring families are not left with this financial burden.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, address the emotional and psychological impact of a loved one’s death. While more subjective in nature, they can still have a profound effect on surviving family members. Examples include:

• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members experience after a loved one’s passing.
• Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and grief endured by surviving family members after the loss of a loved one.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and prevent similar behavior in the future.

In wrongful death cases, courts may also take into account a survivor’s personal circumstances, such as age, lifestyle, education, and more.

Consulting with an attorney will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.

Illinois’ Top Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, don’t wait. Contact us online or call us at 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we offer personalized attention and dedicated support. Trust the Illinois Wrongful Death Lawyers who are committed to your family’s justice.