Richland County, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Richland County, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Richland County, IL. For over seven decades, Hassakis & Hassakis has been providing dedicated legal services to victims and their families. A wrongful death claim can have lasting emotional and financial impacts on surviving loved ones, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve and prevent future tragedies. If you’ve lost a family member, call our Richland County, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or reach out 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 Richland County, 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.

Below are several of the most frequently encountered types of wrongful death cases in Illinois:

• 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: 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: Deaths caused by defective products like faulty brakes on a car, broken machinery, consumer goods, and dangerous chemicals.
• Premises Liability: Fatal accidents on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall injuries, insufficient security, and neglectfully maintained 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 Richland County, IL?

In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is typically the one who files the wrongful death claim. This person is often a close relative or someone assigned by the court. However, other family members may also be eligible to seek compensation for their losses.

1. 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.
2. Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
3. Children: In the absence of a surviving spouse, children can file a wrongful death claim or pursue damages for the loss of a parent.
4. 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 Richland County, IL?

Not all individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Close family members usually take precedence, but in some instances, individuals with significant financial ties to the deceased may also be able 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 generally do not have the right to file unless they were financially dependent on the deceased or had an exceptionally close relationship, which must be supported 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 Richland 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, also referred to as special damages, are the measurable financial losses that occur due to the death of a loved one. These damages are generally easier to calculate because they have an identifiable monetary value. Examples 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: Coverage for funeral services, burial or cremation costs, headstones, and related expenses, ensuring families are not left with this financial burden.

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: 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: Payment for the emotional hardship, mental anguish, and sorrow endured by surviving family members following 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 cases, courts may consider the personal circumstances of the survivor, including factors like age, lifestyle, education, and other relevant details.

Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Richland County, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.

The Best Richland County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers

Here are a few of our other services:

• Truck Accident Lawyer
• Car Accident Lawyer
• Personal Injury Lawyers

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 Richland County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.