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 Randolph County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Randolph County, IL. For decades, Hassakis & Hassakis has been providing outstanding legal assistance to victims and their families. Wrongful death cases can lead to significant emotional and financial challenges for survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to securing compensation for you and helping prevent similar tragedies in the future. If you’ve lost a loved one, reach out to our Randolph County, IL, wrongful death lawyers by calling (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 Randolph County, IL
Negligence is often the central factor in wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a fatal incident occurs due to wrongful actions, it raises significant questions for the surviving family and loved ones. In many situations, second or third parties may be held accountable for damages resulting from personal injury or wrongful death. Proving a wrongful death claim is where we can assist you.
Some of the most prevalent wrongful death cases in Illinois include the following:
- 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 caused by errors made by medical professionals, such as surgical mishaps, diagnostic mistakes, or medication errors. Wrong-site surgeries are particularly severe, representing a clear case of negligence that can lead to fatal consequences.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatalities in the workplace, often from unsafe conditions, machinery failures, or inadequate safety measures. Illinois reports approximately 150 workplace-related deaths annually.
- Product Liability: Fatal accidents caused by defective products such as malfunctioning car brakes, broken equipment, unsafe consumer goods, and harmful chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Fatal accidents that happen on another person’s property, such as slip-and-fall incidents, insufficient security, and poorly maintained properties.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Deaths caused by accidents on the water, often due to faulty equipment or errors by the operator. Illinois experiences about 15-20 boating fatalities each year.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Randolph 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 representative files the claim on behalf of the estate and surviving family members.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
- Children: Children may file a claim if there is no surviving spouse or seek damages for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: If there is no surviving spouse or children, the parents may be eligible to file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.
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 Randolph County, 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 are usually not eligible to file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were the main financial dependent of the deceased.
- 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’re not sure whether you’re eligible to file a wrongful death claim, consulting with an experienced lawyer is key. Contact us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert legal advice.
What Do Randolph County, IL, Wrongful Death Attorneys 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 known as special damages, are the tangible financial losses resulting from a loved one’s death. These damages are often easier to calculate due to their clear monetary value. Examples include:
- 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: 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 fees, headstones, and other related costs, providing financial relief to families during a difficult time.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, or general damages, focus on the emotional and psychological consequences of a loved one’s death. Though subjective, they can profoundly affect the family members left behind. 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: 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: Awarded in cases of gross negligence or wrongdoing, punitive damages serve to penalize the responsible party and discourage future misconduct.
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 Randolph County, IL, will help you understand the potential damages you may be entitled to in your case.
The Best Randolph County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Learn more about other services below:
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 Randolph County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.
