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Wrongful Death Lawyer Carterville, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Carterville, IL. For over seven decades, Hassakis & Hassakis has been providing dedicated legal services to victims and their families. A wrongful death claim can have lasting emotional and financial impacts on surviving loved ones, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve and prevent future tragedies. If you’ve lost a family member, call our Carterville, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or reach out 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 Carterville, 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:
- 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: 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 in the workplace, often from unsafe conditions, machinery failures, or inadequate safety measures. Illinois reports approximately 150 workplace-related deaths annually.
- Product Liability: Fatal accidents caused by defective products such as malfunctioning car brakes, broken equipment, unsafe consumer goods, and harmful chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Fatalities resulting from accidents on another’s property, such as slip-and-fall incidents, lack of proper 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 Carterville, IL?
The wrongful death claim in Illinois is typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who is usually a family member or an individual designated by the court. However, some surviving relatives may also pursue compensation for their emotional 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: The spouse who survives the deceased can seek compensation for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and financial support.
- Children: In the absence of a surviving spouse, children can file a wrongful death claim or pursue damages for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: If the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, parents may be eligible to file the 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 Carterville, IL?
In Illinois, the eligibility to file a wrongful death claim is not extended to everyone. Close family members are typically prioritized, although individuals with strong financial connections to the deceased may also qualify.
- 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: 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 back by evidence.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim, consulting with an experienced wrongful death lawyer is essential. Contact us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert guidance.
What Do Carterville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers 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, also known as special damages, are the tangible financial losses resulting from a loved one’s death. These damages are often easier to calculate due to their clear 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: Compensation for the expenses related to emergency medical care, hospital services, surgeries, and other treatment costs that were experience before the victim’s passing.
- Medical Expenses: Payment for the costs associated with emergency medical treatment, hospital bills, surgeries, and other medical care provide before 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, also referr 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 loss of affection, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members endure following the death of a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and sorrow experience by surviving family members following the death 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 cases, courts may consider the personal circumstances of the survivor, including factors like age, lifestyle, education, and other relevant details.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Carterville, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitle to in your case.
Top Carterville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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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 Carterville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.
