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Wrongful Death Lawyer Wayne County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Wayne 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 law firm attorneys are here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve while also working to prevent future tragedies. Call our Wayne 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 Wayne 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: 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 resulting from unsafe working environments, machinery malfunctions, or lack of proper safety precautions. Each year, Illinois reports nearly 150 workplace fatalities.
- 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: Fatalities resulting from boating accidents due to equipment malfunctions or operator mistakes. Illinois reports around 15-20 boating-related fatalities each year.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Wayne 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 personal representative is responsible for filing the claim for both the estate and the surviving family members.
- Surviving Spouse: The spouse who survives the deceased can seek compensation for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and 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 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 Wayne 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 usually do not have the right to file a wrongful death claim unless they can prove they were the deceased’s primary financial 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’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 Wayne County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers 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, 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: 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 the medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital fees, surgeries, and other treatment costs, that were incurred before 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: Compensation for the loss of affection, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members endure following 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 instances of extreme negligence or wrongful actions, punitive damages aim to penalize the responsible party and prevent future similar conduct.
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 Wayne County, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
Experienced Wayne County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, don’t delay. Contact us online or call 618-244-5335. With millions recovered for victims, we provide personalized care and steadfast support. Rely on our Wayne County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are dedicated to securing your family’s justice.
