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 Pope County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Pope 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 Pope 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 Pope County, IL
In Illinois, negligence is frequently the primary cause in wrongful death claims. When a fatal incident occurs due to a wrongful act, the surviving family members are faced with many important decisions. Often, second or third parties may be held liable for damages related to wrongful death or personal injury. We are here to help you prove a wrongful death claim.
In Illinois, the following are some of the most typical wrongful death case types:
- Vehicle-Related Deaths: Fatalities caused by car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle crashes resulting from another driver’s negligence. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Fatalities that occur as a result of healthcare professionals’ errors, such as surgical blunders, misdiagnosis, or mistakes in prescribing medications. Wrong-site surgeries are a prime example of extreme negligence in the medical field.
- 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: Deaths resulting from dangerous or defective products, including faulty brakes in vehicles, broken machinery, unsafe consumer items, and toxic 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: Fatalities from boating accidents caused by equipment malfunction or operator error. In Illinois, there are about 15-20 boating fatalities annually
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pope County, 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 representative files the claim on behalf of both the estate and the family members left behind.
- Surviving Spouse: A surviving spouse has the right to seek damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and 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: In the absence of a surviving spouse or children, parents may have the right to file the 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 Pope County, IL?
In Illinois, the eligibility to file a wrongful death claim is not extended to everyone. Close family members are typically prioritized, although individuals with strong financial connections to the deceased may also qualify.
- Friends: Friends are usually not eligible to file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were the main financial dependent of the deceased.
- 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 proven 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 Pope County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers 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, 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: Payment for the income the deceased would have generated, including their salary, bonuses, and expected future earnings, which can help reduce the financial burden on 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: Coverage for funeral arrangements, burial or cremation expenses, headstones, and other associated costs, helping to ease the financial strain on grieving families.
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: Compensation for the emotional loss of companionship, love, support, and intimacy experienced by family members after the passing of a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and grief endured by surviving family members after the loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: Granted in cases of severe negligence or misconduct, punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
In wrongful death claims, courts may take into account the survivor’s personal situation, such as their age, lifestyle, education, and other significant factors.
Consulting with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Pope County, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.
Top Pope County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, it’s time to act. Reach out to us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we provide tailored support and compassionate care. Trust our Pope County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.
