Benton, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Benton, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Benton, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been helping victims and their families navigate wrongful death cases with expert legal support. A wrongful death claim can significantly affect not only the survivors but also employers, insurance companies, and other parties. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve while working to prevent future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Benton, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or get in touch 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 Benton, 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:

• Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents: Deaths from car accidents, truck crashes, or motorcycle accidents due to another driver’s carelessness. 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 resulting from unsafe working environments, machinery malfunctions, or lack of proper safety precautions. Each year, Illinois reports nearly 150 workplace fatalities.
• Product Liability: Deaths resulting from dangerous or defective products, including faulty brakes in vehicles, broken machinery, unsafe consumer items, and toxic 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 Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Benton, 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.

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: In the absence of a surviving spouse, children can file a wrongful death claim or pursue damages for the loss of a parent.
4. Parents: If the deceased has neither a surviving spouse nor children, parents may be entitled to file a wrongful death 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 Benton, IL?

In Illinois, not everyone is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Typically, close family members are given priority, though those with substantial financial connections to the deceased may also be eligible.

• 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: Generally, siblings do not have the right to file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an unusually close relationship, which must be proven with evidence.

If you have doubts about whether you can file a wrongful death claim, consulting with a skilled wrongful death lawyer is important. Contact us now or call (618)-244-5335 for professional guidance.

What Do Benton, 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, 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 costs, headstone expenses, and other related costs, ensuring that families do not face this financial hardship.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, or general damages, focus on the emotional and psychological consequences of a loved one’s death. Though subjective, they can profoundly affect the family members left behind. Examples include:

• Loss of Consortium: Reimbursement for the loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members face after losing 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.

Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Benton, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.

Top Benton, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers

Here are a few of our other services:

• Truck Accident Lawyer
• Car Accident Lawyer
• Personal Injury Lawyers

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 Benton, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.