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Wrongful Death Lawyer Hamilton County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Hamilton County, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis 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 Hamilton County, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online if you’ve lost a loved one.
Our wrongful death attorneys and legal team are ready to assist. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
Common Wrongful Death Claims in Hamilton County, IL
Negligence is often the primary cause of wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a fatality occurs as a result of wrongful actions, the surviving family members face important legal challenges. In many cases, other parties may be found responsible for damages tied to personal injury or wrongful death. We can assist in proving your wrongful death claim.
Some of the most prevalent wrongful death cases in Illinois include the following:
- Motor Vehicle Fatalities: Deaths resulting from car crashes, truck collisions, or motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Deaths resulting from errors made by healthcare professionals, including surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or medication errors. Wrong-site surgeries are particularly dangerous and can be fatal, representing severe negligence by medical 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: Fatal accidents occurring on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security, and poorly maintained 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 Hamilton County, IL?
In Illinois, the wrongful death claim is generally filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who is typically a close family member or someone appointed by the court. However, some family members may also be entitled 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: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
- Children: Children may file a claim if there is no surviving spouse or seek damages for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: If there is no surviving spouse or children, parents may be eligible to file the claim.
Comprehending who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim is essential to ensure that the proper individuals can seek justice and compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Hamilton County, 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 usually cannot file unless they can demonstrate financial dependency on the deceased or show an exceptionally close relationship, supported by evidence.
If you’re uncertain about your ability to file a wrongful death claim, it’s essential to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Get in touch with us or call (618)-244-5335 for trusted legal counsel.
What Do Hamilton County, 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 continued to earn, including salary, bonuses, and projected future earnings, providing financial relief to 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, 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: Reimbursement for the loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members face after losing a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and sorrow experienced by surviving family members following the death of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of gross negligence or wrongdoing, punitive damages serve to penalize the responsible party and discourage future misconduct.
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 Hamilton County, IL, will help clarify the types of damages you could be entitle to in your case.
Effective Hamilton County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
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 Hamilton County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.
