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 Clinton County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Clinton County, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has provided exceptional legal support for victims and their families. A wrongful death case can have far-reaching emotional and financial effects on survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve while preventing future tragedies that could lead to wrongful deaths. Call our Clinton County, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online if you’ve lost a family member or loved one.
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 Clinton County, IL
In Illinois, negligence is frequently the primary cause in wrongful death claims. When a fatal incident occurs due to a wrongful act, the surviving family members are faced with many important decisions. Often, second or third parties may be held liable for damages related to wrongful death or personal injury. We are here to help you prove a wrongful death claim.
Some of the most prevalent wrongful death cases in Illinois include the following:
- 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 from accidents occurring on another person’s property, such as slip-and-fall accidents, poor security, and lack of maintenance.
- 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 Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Clinton County, IL?
In Illinois, the wrongful death claim is generally filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who is typically a close family member or someone appointed by the court. However, some family members may also be entitled to 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 may claim compensation for emotional trauma, the loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
- Children: If there is no surviving spouse, children may file a claim or seek damages for the loss of their parent.
- 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 Clinton County, IL?
In Illinois, eligibility to file a wrongful death claim is not granted to everyone. Close family members are generally first in line, but individuals with significant financial ties to the deceased may also be able to pursue a claim.
- Friends: While friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, they may be able to if they can show they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- 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 Clinton County, 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 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: Reimbursement for emergency medical care, hospital bills, surgeries, and other treatment costs incurred before the victim’s passing.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Compensation for funeral services, burial or cremation costs, headstones, and other related expenses, relieving families of this financial burden.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, address the emotional and psychological impact of a loved one’s death. While more subjective in nature, they can still have a profound effect on 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: Compensation for the emotional and psychological distress, including mental anguish and grief, faced by family members after the passing of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of severe misconduct or negligence, punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and serve as a deterrent to others from engaging in similar behavior.
In wrongful death cases, courts may also take into account a survivor’s personal circumstances, such as age, lifestyle, education, and more.
Get in touch with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Clinton County, IL, to better understand the potential damages you may be able to claim in your case.
The Best Clinton County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
If you’ve lost a loved one because of negligence, don’t wait to take action. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions in settlements for victims, we offer compassionate support and focused attention. Trust our Clinton County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to secure justice for your family.
