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Wrongful Death Lawyer Evansville, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Evansville, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis lawyers has been dedicated to providing top-notch legal support for victims and their families. A wrongful death case can deeply affect not just the survivors, but employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve while also working to prevent future tragedies. Call our Evansville, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online if you’ve lost a 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 Evansville, 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.
Here are a few of the most common categories of wrongful death cases in Illinois:
- Vehicle-Related Deaths: Fatalities resulting from car accidents, truck collisions, or motorcycle crashes caused by 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: Fatal accidents caused by defective products such as malfunctioning car brakes, broken equipment, unsafe consumer goods, and harmful chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Fatal accidents occurring on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security, and poorly maintained premises.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Deaths caused by boating accidents, often due to equipment failure or operator error. In Illinois, there are approximately 15-20 boating fatalities annually.
Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Evansville, 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 can file a claim or seek damages for the emotional and financial loss of a parent.
- Parents: When the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, parents may qualify to file the claim for wrongful death.
It’s important to understand who has the right to file a wrongful death claim to make sure that the correct parties can seek justice and compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Evansville, 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: Siblings typically cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an exceptionally close relationship, supported 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 Evansville, 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, often called special damages, refer to the concrete financial losses resulting from the death of a loved one. These damages are usually simpler to determine because of their specific monetary value. Some examples are:
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Payment for the income the deceased would have generated, including their salary, bonuses, and expected future earnings, which can help reduce the financial burden on surviving family members.
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for the medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital fees, surgeries, and other treatment costs, that were incurred before the victim’s death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Payment for funeral services, burial or cremation fees, headstones, and other necessary expenses, ensuring that families are not burdened with these costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, aim to address the emotional and psychological effects of losing a loved one. While they are more subjective, they can have a deep impact on the surviving family members. Some examples include:
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members experience after a loved one’s passing.
- Pain and Suffering: Payment for the emotional hardship, mental anguish, and sorrow endured by surviving family members following the loss of 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.
When deciding wrongful death cases, courts may evaluate the survivor’s personal circumstances, including age, lifestyle, education, and other important aspects of their life.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Evansville, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.
Experienced Evansville, 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 Evansville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.
