Albion, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Albion, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Albion, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been committed to offering exceptional legal guidance to victims and their families. Wrongful death cases can have profound emotional and financial consequences for survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve and preventing future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Albion, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or get in touch with us online.

Our wrongful death lawyers and legal team are ready to assist. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.

Albion, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers | Free Consultation | Injury Attorneys

Common Wrongful Death Claims in Albion, IL

In Illinois, negligence is frequently the primary cause in wrongful death claims. When a fatal incident occurs due to a wrongful act, the surviving family members are faced with many important decisions. Often, second or third parties may be held liable for damages related to wrongful death or personal injury. We are here to help you prove a wrongful death claim.

Here are a few of the most common categories 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: 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 in the workplace often result from unsafe conditions, failures in machinery, or lack of proper safety measures. Illinois reports roughly 150 deaths due to workplace accidents each year.
  • Product Liability: Deaths caused by defective products like faulty brakes on a car, broken machinery, 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: Fatal accidents caused by boating incidents, including equipment malfunctions and operator mistakes. Illinois averages about 15-20 fatal boating accidents per year.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Albion, IL?

In Illinois, the wrongful death claim is generally filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who is typically a close family member or someone appointed by the court. However, some family members may also be entitled to seek compensation for their losses.

  1. 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.
  2. Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can pursue compensation for emotional pain, loss of companionship, and the loss of financial support.
  3. Children: If there is no surviving spouse, children can file a claim or seek damages for the emotional and financial loss of a parent.
  4. Parents: When the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, parents may qualify to file the claim for wrongful death.

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 Albion, 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: Friends are usually not eligible to file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were the main financial dependent of the deceased.
  • 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’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 Albion, IL, Wrongful Death Attorneys Do?

Our wrongful death attorneys 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, represent the tangible financial losses caused by a loved one’s death. These damages are typically easier to quantify because they have a clear monetary value. Some 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 arrangements, burial or cremation expenses, headstones, and other associated costs, helping to ease the financial strain on grieving families.

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: Compensation for the emotional and relational loss, including love, companionship, support, and intimacy, that family members experience after the death of a loved one.
  • Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional pain, distress, and grief experienced by family members as a result of losing 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.

When deciding wrongful death cases, courts may evaluate the survivor’s personal circumstances, including age, lifestyle, education, and other important aspects of their life.

Get in touch with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Albion, IL, to better understand the potential damages you may be able to claim in your case.

Albion, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers

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If negligence has caused you to lose a loved one, don’t hesitate. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we offer personalized and dedicated support. Trust our Albion, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.

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