December 19, 2024
Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Illinois
Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Illinois. For more than 50 years, Hassakis & Hassaki …
Wrongful Death Lawyer Metropolis, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Metropolis, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been offering exceptional legal support to victims and their families. A wrongful death lawsuit can have a significant emotional and financial impact on survivors, employers, insurance companies, and more. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are here to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve while working to prevent future tragedies. If you’ve lost a family member or loved one, call our Metropolis, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (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.
Common Wrongful Death Claims in Metropolis, 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.
Some of the most prevalent wrongful death cases in Illinois include the following:
- Fatalities from Vehicle Accidents: Deaths caused by car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents due to the negligence of another driver. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Deaths caused by healthcare professionals’ errors, such as surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or medication errors. Wrong-site surgeries can be fatal and represent gross negligence by healthcare 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: Deaths due to defective products, including issues like faulty brakes, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer products, and dangerous chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Deaths from accidents occurring on another person’s property, such as slip-and-fall accidents, poor security, and lack of maintenance.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Fatalities resulting from boating accidents due to equipment malfunctions or operator mistakes. Illinois reports around 15-20 boating-related fatalities each year.
Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Metropolis, 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 can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
- Children: Children may seek compensation for the loss of a parent or file a claim if no surviving spouse exists.
- 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 Metropolis, 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: Friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, unless they can prove 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’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 Metropolis, IL, Wrongful Death Attorneys Do?
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 earned, including salary, bonuses, and potential future earnings, which can help ease financial hardship for surviving family members.
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for the costs of emergency medical care, hospital bills, surgeries, and other treatments incurred prior to the victim’s death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reimbursement for funeral services, burial or cremation costs, headstone expenses, and other related costs, ensuring that families do not face this financial hardship.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, or general damages, compensate for the emotional and psychological toll caused by a loved one’s death. Although more subjective, they can significantly affect the surviving family members. Examples include:
- Loss of Consortium: Payment for the loss of love, companionship, emotional connection, and intimacy that family members suffer after 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: Awarded in cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages aim to punish the responsible party and prevent similar behavior in the future.
When deciding wrongful death cases, courts may evaluate the survivor’s personal circumstances, including age, lifestyle, education, and other important aspects of their life.
Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Metropolis, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
Experienced Metropolis, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, don’t delay. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we provide personalized care and steadfast support. Rely on our Metropolis, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are dedicated to securing your family’s justice.
