Cahokia, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Cahokia, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Cahokia, 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 Cahokia, 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 Cahokia, IL

Negligence is often the main factor in wrongful death cases in Illinois. When a wrongful act results in death, the surviving family members face crucial questions. In some cases, third-party participants can also be held responsible for the damages linked to personal injury or wrongful death. Proving your wrongful death claim is where we can help.

Here are a few of the most common categories of wrongful death cases in Illinois:

• Fatalities from Vehicle Accidents: Deaths caused by car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents due to the negligence of another driver. 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 resulting from unsafe working environments, machinery malfunctions, or lack of proper safety precautions. Each year, Illinois reports nearly 150 workplace fatalities.
• Product Liability: Fatal accidents caused by defective products such as malfunctioning car brakes, broken equipment, unsafe consumer goods, and harmful chemicals.
• Premises Liability: Fatal accidents on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall injuries, insufficient security, and neglectfully 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 Cahokia, 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 representative files the claim for the estate and the family members who survived the deceased.
2. Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and 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 the individuals who can file a wrongful death claim is key to ensuring that those who are entitled can seek justice and compensation.

Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Cahokia, 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 usually do not have the right to file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial supporter.
• 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’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 Cahokia, IL, Wrongful Death Attorneys 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 income the deceased would have continued to earn, including salary, bonuses, and projected future earnings, providing financial relief to surviving family members.
• Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for the medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital fees, surgeries, and other treatment costs, that were incurred 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 distress, mental anguish, and grief endured by surviving family members after the loss 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 claims, courts may take into account the survivor’s personal situation, such as their age, lifestyle, education, and other significant factors.

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

Effective Cahokia, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers

Learn more about other services below:

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