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Wrongful Death Lawyer Belleville, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Belleville, 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 Belleville, 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.
Common Wrongful Death Claims in Belleville, IL
Negligence is often a key factor in wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a wrongful act leads to the death of an individual, the surviving family members are left with important questions. In some situations, additional parties may be held responsible for the damages related to the fatal accident. Proving the wrongful death claim is where our expertise comes into play.
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: 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 in the workplace, often from unsafe conditions, machinery failures, or inadequate safety measures. Illinois reports approximately 150 workplace-related deaths annually.
- Product Liability: Deaths due to defective products, including issues like faulty brakes, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer products, 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 resulting from boating accidents due to equipment defects or operator error. In Illinois, there are typically 15-20 boating fatalities every year.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Belleville, IL?
In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is typically the one who files the wrongful death claim. This person is often a close relative or someone assigned by the court. However, other family members may also be eligible to seek compensation for their losses.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: This person files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and any surviving family members.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
- Children: Children may seek compensation for the loss of a parent or file a claim if no surviving spouse exists.
- 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 Belleville, 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: Siblings typically cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an exceptionally close relationship, 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 Belleville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers 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, 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 wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, such as salary, bonuses, and potential future earnings, easing the financial impact on 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: 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: Compensation for the emotional loss of companionship, love, support, and intimacy experienced by family members after the passing of a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and sorrow experienced by surviving family members following the death of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in instances of extreme negligence or wrongful actions, punitive damages aim to penalize the responsible party and prevent future similar conduct.
In wrongful death cases, courts may consider the personal circumstances of the survivor, including factors like age, lifestyle, education, and other relevant details.
Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Belleville, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
Experienced Belleville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, it’s time to act. Reach out to us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we provide tailored support and compassionate care. Trust our Belleville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.
