Herrin, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Herrin, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Herrin, 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 Herrin, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online if you’ve lost a loved one.

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 Herrin, 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 a few of the most common categories of wrongful death cases in Illinois:

  • 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 errors made by medical professionals, such as surgical mishaps, diagnostic mistakes, or medication errors. Wrong-site surgeries are particularly severe, representing a clear case of negligence that can lead to fatal consequences.
  • Workplace Accidents: Fatalities resulting from unsafe working environments, machinery malfunctions, or lack of proper safety precautions. Each year, Illinois reports nearly 150 workplace fatalities.
  • Product Liability: Deaths resulting from dangerous or defective products, including faulty brakes in vehicles, broken machinery, unsafe consumer items, and toxic 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 from boating accidents caused by equipment malfunction or operator error. In Illinois, there are about 15-20 boating fatalities annually

Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Herrin, 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.

  1. Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The representative files the claim on behalf of both the estate and the family members left behind.
  2. Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
  3. Children: If there is no surviving spouse, children may file a claim or seek damages for the loss of their parent.
  4. Parents: In the absence of a surviving spouse or children, parents may have the right to file the 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 Herrin, 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 decease may also be eligible.

  • 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 prove with evidence.

If you’re unsure about your qualifications to file a wrongful death claim, seeking advice from an experienced wrongful death lawyer is essential. Get in touch with us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert advice.

What Do Herrin, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers 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 future earning potential, helping to alleviate financial difficulties for surviving family members.
  • Medical Expenses: Compensation for the emergency medical services, hospital charges, surgeries, and other treatment-related costs incurred before the victim passed away.
  • Funeral and Burial Expenses: Compensation for funeral services, burial or cremation costs, headstones, and other related expenses, relieving families of this financial burden.

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 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, faced by family members after the passing of a loved one.
  • Punitive Damages: Awarded in instances of extreme negligence or wrongful actions, punitive damages aim to penalize the responsible party and prevent future similar conduct.

In wrongful death lawsuits, courts may look at a survivor’s personal factors, including their age, lifestyle, education, and any other relevant circumstances.

Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Herrin, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitle to pursue in your case.

Herrin, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers

Experienced Herrin, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers

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If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one because of negligence, act now. Get in touch with us online or call 618-244-5335. We’ve recovered millions for victims and offer customized support. Trust our Herrin, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are passionate about obtaining justice for your family.

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