December 19, 2024
Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Illinois
Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Illinois. For more than 50 years, Hassakis & Hassaki …
Wrongful Death Lawyer Carlyle, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Carlyle, 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 Carlyle, 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 Carlyle, 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.
In Illinois, the following are some of the most typical wrongful death case types:
- Motor Vehicle Fatalities: Deaths resulting from car crashes, truck collisions, or motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers. 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 that occur in the workplace, often due to unsafe working conditions, equipment failures, or insufficient safety measures. Illinois reports about 150 fatal workplace injuries annually.
- 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 that happen on another person’s property, such as slip-and-fall incidents, insufficient security, and poorly maintained properties.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Fatalities from boating accidents caused by equipment malfunction or operator error. In Illinois, there are about 15-20 boating fatalities annually
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Carlyle, IL?
In Illinois, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate, often a close relative or a court-appointed individual, usually files the wrongful death claim. Nonetheless, certain family members may also have the right to seek compensation for their grief and financial losses.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The representative files the claim for the estate and the family members who survived the deceased.
- Surviving Spouse: A surviving spouse has the right to seek damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
- Children: Children may file a claim if there is no surviving spouse or seek damages for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: In the absence of a surviving spouse or children, parents may have the right to file the 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 Carlyle, 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: Generally, friends cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they can demonstrate that they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- 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 Carlyle, 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, also referred to as special damages, are the measurable financial losses that occur due to the death of a loved one. These damages are generally easier to calculate because they have an identifiable monetary value. 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 the costs of emergency medical care, hospital bills, surgeries, and other treatments incurred prior to the victim’s death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Coverage for funeral services, burial or cremation costs, headstones, and related expenses, ensuring families are not left with this financial burden.
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: Payment for the loss of love, companionship, emotional connection, and intimacy that family members suffer after the death of a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional pain, mental suffering, and grief endured by surviving family members after losing 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.
Get in touch with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Carlyle, IL, to better understand the potential damages you may be able to claim in your case.
Top Carlyle, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, don’t delay. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we provide personalized care and steadfast support. Rely on our Carlyle, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are dedicated to securing your family’s justice.
