Wrongful Death Lawyer Carmi, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Carmi, 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 Carmi, 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 Carmi, 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.
Below are several of the most frequently encountered 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: 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: Fatal accidents caused by defective products such as malfunctioning car brakes, broken equipment, unsafe consumer goods, and harmful chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Deaths caused by accidents on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security measures, and unsafe premises.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Fatal accidents caused by boating incidents, including equipment malfunctions and operator mistakes. Illinois averages about 15-20 fatal boating accidents per year.
Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Carmi, 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 on behalf of the estate and 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: In the absence of a surviving spouse or children, parents may have the right to file the wrongful death claim.
Identifying who can file a wrongful death claim is vital to guarantee that the right people are able to pursue justice and receive compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Carmi, IL?
Not everyone can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Close relatives usually have priority, but those with significant financial relationships to the deceased may also be eligible to file.
- Friends: Friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- Siblings: In most cases, siblings cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had a notably close relationship, which must be backed by evidence.
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility to file a wrongful death claim, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Reach out to us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert assistance.
What Do Carmi, 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 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 received, such as salary, bonuses, and anticipated future earnings, to support the financial well-being of the 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: Coverage for funeral arrangements, burial or cremation expenses, headstones, and other associated costs, helping to ease the financial strain on grieving families.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also referred to as general damages, address the emotional and psychological impact of a loved one’s passing. Though more subjective in nature, they can have a significant effect on the surviving family members. 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: 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.
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 Carmi, IL, will help clarify the types of damages you could be entitled to in your case.
Experienced Carmi, 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 Carmi, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.