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Wrongful Death Lawyer Pickneyville, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Pickneyville, 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 Pickneyville, 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.
Common Wrongful Death Claims in Pickneyville, 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.
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 due to errors by healthcare providers, such as surgery mistakes, incorrect diagnoses, or medication mix-ups. Wrong-site surgeries are a form of gross negligence and can be fatal.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatalities that occur in the workplace, often due to unsafe working conditions, equipment failures, or insufficient safety measures. Illinois reports about 150 fatal workplace injuries annually.
- Product Liability: Deaths caused by defective products like faulty brakes on a car, broken machinery, consumer goods, and dangerous chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Fatalities resulting from accidents on another’s property, such as slip-and-fall incidents, lack of proper security, and poorly maintained properties.
- 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 Pickneyville, IL?
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the wrongful death claim in Illinois. This individual is usually a close family member or someone appointed by the court. However, certain family members may also seek compensation for their losses.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The representative files the claim on behalf of both the estate and the family members left behind.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and 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 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 Pickneyville, 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 deceased may also be eligible.
- Friends: Friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- 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 Pickneyville, 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, or special damages, involve the direct financial losses caused by the death of a loved one. These damages are generally easier to assess because of their clear monetary value. Some examples include:
- 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: 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, 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 loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members experience after a loved one’s passing.
- 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: 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.
When deciding wrongful death cases, courts may evaluate the survivor’s personal circumstances, including age, lifestyle, education, and other important aspects of their life.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Pickneyville, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.
Effective Pickneyville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Learn more about other services below:
If negligence has led to the loss of your loved one, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions in recoveries for victims, we offer personalized attention and unwavering support. Trust our Pickneyville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are committed to your family’s justice.
