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 Glen Carbon, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Glen Carbon, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been committed to offering exceptional legal guidance to victims and their families. Wrongful death cases can have profound emotional and financial consequences for survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve and preventing future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Glen Carbon, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or get in touch with 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 Glen Carbon, IL
Negligence is often the central factor in wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a fatal incident occurs due to wrongful actions, it raises significant questions for the surviving family and loved ones. In many situations, second or third parties may be held accountable for damages resulting from personal injury or wrongful death. Proving a wrongful death claim is where we can assist you.
Some of the most prevalent wrongful death cases in Illinois include the following:
- 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: Fatalities that occur as a result of healthcare professionals’ errors, such as surgical blunders, misdiagnosis, or mistakes in prescribing medications. Wrong-site surgeries are a prime example of extreme negligence in the medical field.
- 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: Deaths caused by defective products like faulty brakes on a car, broken machinery, 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: Fatalities resulting from boating accidents due to equipment malfunctions or operator mistakes. Illinois reports around 15-20 boating-related fatalities each year.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Glen Carbon, IL?
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate usually files the wrongful death claim in Illinois. This individual is often a family member or someone designated by the court. Certain relatives may also pursue compensation for their damages.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: This person files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and any surviving family members.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse may claim compensation for emotional trauma, the loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
- Children: Children can file a claim if there is no surviving spouse or seek compensation for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: In the absence of a surviving spouse or children, parents may have the right to file the wrongful death 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 Glen Carbon, 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: In most cases, friends cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were financially dependent on the deceased as their primary supporter.
- 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 Glen Carbon, 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, or special damages, represent the tangible financial losses caused by a loved one’s death. These damages are typically easier to quantify because they have a 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: Compensation for the expenses related to emergency medical care, hospital services, surgeries, and other treatment costs that were incurred 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: Coverage for funeral arrangements, burial or cremation expenses, headstones, and other associated costs, helping to ease the financial strain on grieving families.
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: Compensation for the emotional and relational loss, including love, companionship, support, and intimacy, that family members experience after the death of a loved one.
- 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: 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 consider the personal circumstances of the survivor, including factors like age, lifestyle, education, and other relevant details.
Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Glen Carbon, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
The Best Glen Carbon, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, don’t wait. Contact us online or call us at 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we offer personalized attention and dedicated support. Trust our Glen Carbon, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are committed to your family’s justice.
