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Wrongful Death Lawyer Marion County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Marion County, 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 Marion County, 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 Marion 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.
In Illinois, the following are some of the most typical wrongful death case types:
- Vehicle-Related Deaths: Fatalities resulting from car accidents, truck collisions, or motorcycle crashes caused by another driver’s negligence. 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: Fatalities caused by defective products, such as faulty vehicle brakes, broken machinery, hazardous consumer goods, and dangerous 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: Deaths caused by boating accidents, often due to equipment failure or operator error. In Illinois, there are approximately 15-20 boating fatalities annually.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Marion 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 pursue compensation for emotional pain, loss of companionship, and the loss of financial support.
- Children: If there is no surviving spouse, children can file a claim or seek damages for the emotional and financial 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.
Understanding who can file a wrongful death claim is essential for ensuring that the right individuals are able to seek justice and compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Marion County, IL?
Not everyone can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Close relatives usually have priority, but those with significant financial relationships to the deceased may also be eligible to file.
- Friends: Generally, friends cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they can demonstrate that 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 Marion County, 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, 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 wages and benefits the deceased would have received, such as salary, bonuses, and anticipated future earnings, to support the financial well-being of the surviving family members.
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for the medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital fees, surgeries, and other treatment costs, that were incurred before the victim’s death.
- 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, also known as general damages, aim to address the emotional and psychological effects of losing a loved one. While they are more subjective, they can have a deep impact on the surviving family members. Some examples include:
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members experience after a loved one’s passing.
- Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional pain, mental suffering, and grief endured by surviving family members after losing a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and act as a deterrent for future similar behavior.
In wrongful death lawsuits, courts may look at a survivor’s personal factors, including their age, lifestyle, education, and any other relevant circumstances.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Marion County, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.
Top Marion County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
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 Marion County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to secure justice for your family.
