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Wrongful Death Lawyer Russellville, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Russellville, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been committed to offering exceptional legal guidance to victims and their families. Wrongful death cases can have profound emotional and financial consequences for survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois law firm attorneys are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve and preventing future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Russellville, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or get in touch with 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 Russellville, 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.
Here are some of the most common types of wrongful death cases in Illinois:
- Motor Vehicle Fatalities: Deaths resulting from car crashes, truck collisions, or motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Fatalities caused by mistakes made by healthcare professionals, such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or incorrect medications. One example of serious negligence is wrong-site surgeries, which can lead to death.
- 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: 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 Russellville, 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: This person files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and any surviving family members.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can pursue compensation for emotional pain, loss of companionship, and the loss of financial support.
- Children: Children can file a claim if there is no surviving spouse or seek compensation for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: If the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, parents may be eligible to file the claim.
Comprehending who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim is essential to ensure that the proper individuals can seek justice and compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Russellville, IL?
In Illinois, eligibility to file a wrongful death claim is not granted to everyone. Close family members are generally first in line, but individuals with significant financial ties to the deceased may also be able to pursue a claim.
- Friends: Generally, friends cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they can demonstrate that 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 eligibility to file a wrongful death claim, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Reach out to us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert assistance.
What Do Russellville, 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: 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 emergency medical care, hospital bills, surgeries, and other treatment costs incurred before the victim’s passing.
- 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, also referred to as general damages, address the emotional and psychological impact of a loved one’s passing. Though more subjective in nature, they can have a significant effect on 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: Payment for the emotional hardship, mental anguish, and sorrow endured by surviving family members following the loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and act as a deterrent for future 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.
Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Russellville, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
Effective Russellville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
If you’ve lost a loved one because of negligence, don’t wait to take action. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions in settlements for victims, we offer compassionate support and focused attention. Trust our Russellville, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to secure justice for your family.
