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Wrongful Death Lawyer Highland, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Highland, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been committed to offering exceptional legal guidance to victims and their families. Wrongful death cases can have profound emotional and financial consequences for survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois law firm attorneys are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve and preventing future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Highland, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or get in touch with us 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 Highland, 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.
The following are some of the most common types 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 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: Fatalities resulting from unsafe working environments, machinery malfunctions, or lack of proper safety precautions. Each year, Illinois reports nearly 150 workplace fatalities.
- Product Liability: Fatalities caused by defective products, such as faulty car brakes, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer goods, or hazardous 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: Fatal accidents caused by boating incidents, including equipment malfunctions and operator mistakes. Illinois averages about 15-20 fatal boating accidents per year.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Highland, 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.
- 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 claim compensation for emotional trauma, the loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
- Children: Children may file a claim if there is no surviving spouse or seek damages for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: When the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, parents may qualify to file the claim for wrongful death.
Identifying who can file a wrongful death claim is vital to guarantee that the right people are able to pursue justice and receive compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Highland, IL?
Not all individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Close family members usually take precedence, but in some instances, individuals with significant financial ties to the deceased may also be able to file.
- Friends: In most cases, friends cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were financially dependent on the deceased as their primary supporter.
- 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 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 Highland, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers 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 referred to as special damages, are the measurable financial losses that occur due to the death of a loved one. These damages are generally easier to calculate because they have an identifiable monetary value. Examples include:
- 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: Reimbursement for funeral services, burial or cremation fees, headstones, and other related costs, providing financial relief to families during a difficult time.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also referred to as general damages, address the emotional and psychological impact of a loved one’s passing. Though more subjective in nature, they can have a significant effect on 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: Reimbursement for the emotional pain, distress, and grief experienced by family members as a result of losing 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 cases, courts may factor in the survivor’s personal details, such as age, lifestyle, education, and additional circumstances that may impact the case.
Get in touch with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Highland, IL, to better understand the potential damages you may be able to claim in your case.
Top Highland, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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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 Highland, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to secure justice for your family.
