Hardin County, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Hardin County, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Hardin County, 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 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 Hardin County, 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.

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Common Wrongful Death Claims in Hardin County, IL

Negligence is often the primary factor in wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a wrongful act leads to a fatality, it raises important questions for the surviving family members and loved ones. In many cases, second- or third-party participants may be liable for damages related to personal injury or wrongful death. Proving a wrongful death claim is where we come in.

In Illinois, the following are some of the most typical wrongful death case types:

  • 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 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 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: Fatal accidents on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall injuries, insufficient security, and neglectfully maintained 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 Hardin County, IL?

In Illinois, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate, often a close relative or a court-appointed individual, usually files the wrongful death claim. Nonetheless, certain family members may also have the right to seek compensation for their grief and financial losses.

  1. Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: This person files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and any surviving family members.
  2. Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can pursue compensation for emotional pain, loss of companionship, and the loss of financial support.
  3. Children: In the absence of a surviving spouse, children can file a wrongful death claim or pursue damages for the loss of a parent.
  4. Parents: If there is 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 Hardin County, IL?

Not everyone is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Generally, close family members have priority. In some cases, individuals with significant financial ties to the deceased may also qualify.

  • Friends: Friends usually do not have the right to file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial supporter.
  • Siblings: Generally, siblings do not have the right to file a wrongful death claim unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an unusually close relationship, which must be proven with 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 Hardin 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, 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: 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 services, burial or cremation costs, headstones, and related expenses, ensuring families are not left with this financial burden.

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 emotional loss of companionship, love, support, and intimacy experienced by family members after the passing of a loved one.
  • Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional pain, mental suffering, and grief endured by surviving family members after losing a loved one.
  • Punitive Damages: Granted in cases of severe negligence or misconduct, punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.

In wrongful death cases, courts may consider the personal circumstances of the survivor, including factors like age, lifestyle, education, and other relevant details.

Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Hardin County, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.

Hardin County, 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 Hardin County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.

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