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Wrongful Death Lawyer Fairfield, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Fairfield, 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 law firm 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, 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 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: Deaths caused by accidents on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security measures, and unsafe premises.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Fatalities resulting from boating accidents due to equipment defects or operator error. In Illinois, there are typically 15-20 boating fatalities every year.
Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Fairfield, 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 personal representative is responsible for filing the claim for both the estate and the surviving family members.
- Surviving Spouse: A surviving spouse has the right to seek damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of 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 Fairfield, IL?
In Illinois, not everyone is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Typically, close family members are given priority, though those with substantial financial connections to the deceased may also be eligible.
- 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: Siblings generally do not have the right to file unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an exceptionally close relationship, which must be supported by 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 Fairfield, IL, Wrongful Death Attorneys 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 income the deceased would have earned, including salary, bonuses, and future earning potential, helping to alleviate financial difficulties for surviving family members.
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for the expenses related to emergency medical care, hospital services, surgeries, and other treatment costs that were suffer 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: 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, 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 endure by surviving family members after 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.
In wrongful death cases, courts may factor in the survivor’s personal details, such as age, lifestyle, education, and additional circumstances that may impact the case.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Fairfield, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitle to in your case.
Experienced Fairfield, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, it’s time to act. Reach out to us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we provide tailored support and compassionate care. Trust our Fairfield, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.
