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Wrongful Death Lawyer Columbia, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Columbia, IL. For decades, Hassakis & Hassakis has been providing outstanding legal assistance to victims and their families. Wrongful death cases can lead to significant emotional and financial challenges for survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to securing compensation for you and helping prevent similar tragedies in the future. If you’ve lost a loved one, reach out to our Columbia, IL, wrongful death lawyers by calling (618)-244-5335 or contact 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 Columbia, IL
Negligence is often the primary cause of wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a fatality occurs as a result of wrongful actions, the surviving family members face important legal challenges. In many cases, other parties may be found responsible for damages tied to personal injury or wrongful death. We can assist in proving your wrongful death claim.
Here are a few of the most common categories of wrongful death cases in Illinois:
- Vehicle-Related Deaths: Fatalities caused by car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle crashes resulting from another driver’s negligence. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Deaths due to errors by healthcare providers, such as surgery mistakes, incorrect diagnoses, or medication mix-ups. Wrong-site surgeries are a form of gross negligence and can be fatal.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatalities that occur due to hazardous conditions, machinery issues, or inadequate safety standards in the workplace. Illinois experiences approximately 150 fatal workplace accidents annually.
- Product Liability: Fatalities caused by defective products, such as faulty vehicle brakes, broken machinery, hazardous consumer goods, and dangerous 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: 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 Columbia, 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.
- 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 may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and 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 there is no surviving spouse or children, parents may be eligible to file the 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 Columbia, 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: 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 ability to file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an exceptionally close bond, which must be demonstrated through 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 Columbia, 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, 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 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 emergency medical services, hospital charges, surgeries, and other treatment-related costs incurred before the victim passed away.
- 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, compensate for the emotional and psychological toll caused by a loved one’s death. Although more subjective, they can significantly affect the 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: 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 cases of gross negligence or wrongdoing, punitive damages serve to penalize the responsible party and discourage future misconduct.
In wrongful death cases, courts may also take into account a survivor’s personal circumstances, such as age, lifestyle, education, and more.
Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Columbia, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
The Best Columbia, 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 Columbia, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.
