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Wrongful Death Lawyer Bridgeport, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Bridgeport, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been helping victims and their families navigate wrongful death cases with expert legal support. A wrongful death claim in 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 Bridgeport, 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 Bridgeport, IL
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 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 that occur as a result of healthcare professionals’ errors, such as surgical blunders, misdiagnosis, or mistakes in prescribing medications. Wrong-site surgeries are a prime example of extreme negligence in the medical field.
- Workplace Accidents: Deaths in the workplace caused by unsafe conditions, equipment failures, or insufficient safety protocols. Illinois sees around 150 fatal work-related incidents every year.
- 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 Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Bridgeport, IL?
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.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The representative files the claim on behalf of both the estate and the family members left behind.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can pursue compensation for emotional pain, loss of companionship, and the loss of financial support.
- Children: If there is no surviving spouse, children can file a claim or seek damages for the emotional and financial loss of a parent.
- Parents: If the deceased has neither a surviving spouse nor children, parents may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.
It’s important to understand who has the right to file a wrongful death claim to make sure that the correct parties can seek justice and compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Bridgeport, 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: 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 not sure whether you’re eligible to file a wrongful death claim, consulting with an experienced lawyer is key. Contact us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert legal advice.
What Do Bridgeport, 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, also known as special damages, encompass the tangible financial losses that stem from the death of a loved one. They are often easier to calculate due to their specific monetary nature. Examples of economic damages 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: 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, provide compensation for the emotional and psychological pain resulting from the death of a loved one. Although subjective, they can profoundly affect the surviving family members. 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: Payment for the emotional hardship, mental anguish, and sorrow endured by surviving family members following the loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages are intend to punish the wrongdoer and act as a deterrent for future similar behavior.
In wrongful death lawsuits, courts may look at a survivor’s personal factors, including their age, lifestyle, education, and any other relevant circumstances.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Bridgeport, IL, will help clarify the types of damages you could be entitled to in your case.
Effective Bridgeport, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
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 Bridgeport, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.
