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Wrongful Death Lawyer Godfrey, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Godfrey, IL. For over seven decades, Hassakis & Hassakis lawyers has been providing dedicated legal services to victims and their families. A wrongful death claim can have lasting emotional and financial impacts on surviving loved ones, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve and prevent future tragedies. If you’ve lost a family member, call our Godfrey, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or reach out 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 Godfrey, IL
Negligence is often a key factor in wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a wrongful act leads to the death of an individual, the surviving family members are left with important questions. In some situations, additional parties may be held responsible for the damages related to the fatal accident. Proving the wrongful death claim is where our expertise comes into play.
Here are some of the most common types 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: Fatalities caused by mistakes made by healthcare professionals, such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or incorrect medications. One example of serious negligence is wrong-site surgeries, which can lead to death.
- 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: 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: Deaths caused by boating accidents, often due to equipment failure or operator error. In Illinois, there are approximately 15-20 boating fatalities annually.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Godfrey, 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 spouse who survives the deceased can seek compensation for emotional suffering, 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: If the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, parents may be eligible to file the claim.
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 Godfrey, 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: In most cases, siblings cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had a notably close relationship, which must be backed by evidence.
If you have doubts about whether you can file a wrongful death claim, consulting with a skilled wrongful death lawyer is important. Contact us now or call (618)-244-5335 for professional guidance.
What Do Godfrey, 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, 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 income the deceased would have earned, including salary, bonuses, and future earning potential, helping to alleviate financial difficulties for 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, or general damages, focus on the emotional and psychological consequences of a loved one’s death. Though subjective, they can profoundly affect the family members left behind. 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: Reimbursement for the emotional pain, distress, and grief experienced by family members as a result of losing 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 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 Godfrey, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
Top Godfrey, 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 Godfrey, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to secure justice for your family.
