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Wrongful Death Lawyer Wabash County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Wabash County, 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 lawyers are here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve while also working to prevent future tragedies. Call our Wabash County, 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 Wabash 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.
The following are some of the most common 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 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: 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 due to defective products, including issues like faulty brakes, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer products, and dangerous chemicals.
- Premises Liability: Deaths from accidents occurring on another person’s property, such as slip-and-fall accidents, poor security, and lack of maintenance.
- Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Fatal accidents caused by boating incidents, including equipment malfunctions and operator mistakes. Illinois averages about 15-20 fatal boating accidents per year.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wabash County, IL?
The wrongful death claim in Illinois is typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who is usually a family member or an individual designated by the court. However, some surviving relatives may also pursue compensation for their emotional and financial losses.
- 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.
- Surviving Spouse: A surviving spouse has the right to seek damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of 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, parents may be eligible to file the claim.
Understanding the individuals who can file a wrongful death claim is key to ensuring that those who are entitled can seek justice and compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wabash 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: In most cases, friends cannot file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were financially dependent on the deceased as their primary supporter.
- Siblings: Siblings usually cannot file unless they can demonstrate financial dependency on the deceased or show an exceptionally close relationship, supported by evidence.
If you have doubts about whether you can file a wrongful death claim, consulting with a skilled wrongful death lawyer is important. Contact us now or call (618)-244-5335 for professional guidance.
What Do Wabash 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 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: 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 medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital fees, surgeries, and other treatment costs, that were experience before the victim’s death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Payment for funeral services, burial or cremation fees, headstones, and other necessary expenses, ensuring that families are not burden with these costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, address the emotional and psychological impact of a loved one’s death. While more subjective in nature, they can still have a profound effect on 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 endure by surviving family members after the loss of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: Granted in cases of severe negligence or misconduct, punitive damages are design to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
In wrongful death cases, courts may factor in the survivor’s personal details, such as age, lifestyle, education, and additional circumstances that may impact the case.
By reaching out to one of our wrongful death attorneys in Wabash County, IL, you’ll receive expert guidance on the damages you may be eligible for in your case.
Effective Wabash County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
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If negligence has caused you to lose a loved one, don’t hesitate. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we offer personalized and dedicated support. Trust our Wabash County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to fight for your family’s justice.
