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Wrongful Death Lawyer Granite City, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Granite City, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been helping victims and their families navigate wrongful death cases with expert legal support. A wrongful death claim can significantly affect not only the survivors but also employers, insurance companies, and other parties. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve while working to prevent future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Granite City, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or get in touch 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 Granite City, IL
Negligence is often the main factor in wrongful death cases in Illinois. When a wrongful act results in death, the surviving family members face crucial questions. In some cases, third-party participants can also be held responsible for the damages linked to personal injury or wrongful death. Proving your wrongful death claim is where we can help.
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: Deaths caused by healthcare professionals’ errors, such as surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or medication errors. Wrong-site surgeries can be fatal and represent gross negligence by healthcare providers.
- Workplace Accidents: Deaths in the workplace caused by unsafe conditions, equipment failures, or insufficient safety protocols. Illinois sees around 150 fatal work-related incidents every year.
- Product Liability: Fatal accidents caused by defective products such as malfunctioning car brakes, broken equipment, unsafe consumer goods, and harmful 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 from boating accidents caused by equipment malfunction or operator error. In Illinois, there are about 15-20 boating fatalities annually
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Granite City, IL?
In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the wrongful death claim. This individual is usually a close family member or someone appointed by the court. However, certain family members may also 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: The surviving spouse may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and 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 neither a surviving spouse nor children, parents may be entitled to file a wrongful death 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 Granite City, 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: Friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- 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 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 Granite City, IL, Wrongful Death Attorneys Provide?
Our wrongful death attorneys 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: Compensation for the income the deceased would have earned, including salary, bonuses, and potential future earnings, which can help ease financial hardship for surviving family members.
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for the medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital fees, surgeries, and other treatment costs, that were suffer before the victim’s death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reimbursement for funeral services, burial or cremation costs, headstone expenses, and other related costs, ensuring that families do not face this financial hardship.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, or general damages, provide compensation for the emotional and psychological pain resulting from the death of a loved one. Although subjective, they can profoundly affect the surviving family members. Examples include:
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of affection, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members endure following the death of a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional and psychological distress, including mental anguish and grief, face by family members after the passing 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 claims, courts may take into account the survivor’s personal situation, such as their age, lifestyle, education, and other significant factors.
By reaching out to one of our wrongful death attorneys in Granite City, IL, you’ll receive expert guidance on the damages you may be eligible for in your case.
Experienced Granite City, 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 Granite City, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are loyal to your family’s justice.
