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Wrongful Death Lawyer White County, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer White County, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has provided exceptional legal support for victims and their families. A wrongful death case can have far-reaching emotional and financial effects on survivors, employers, insurance companies, and others involved. Our Southern Illinois lawyers are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve while preventing future tragedies that could lead to wrongful deaths. Call our White County, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online if you’ve lost a family member or 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 White County, IL
Negligence is often the primary cause of wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a fatality occurs as a result of wrongful actions, the surviving family members face important legal challenges. In many cases, other parties may be found responsible for damages tied to personal injury or wrongful death. We can assist in proving your wrongful death claim.
In Illinois, the following are some of the most typical wrongful death case types:
- Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents: Deaths from car accidents, truck crashes, or motorcycle accidents due to another driver’s carelessness. In 2024, around 1,200 vehicle-related fatalities occurred in Illinois.
- Medical Malpractice: Deaths due to errors by healthcare providers, such as surgery mistakes, incorrect diagnoses, or medication mix-ups. Wrong-site surgeries are a form of gross negligence and can be fatal.
- 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: Deaths due to defective products, including issues like faulty brakes, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer products, and dangerous 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 from boating accidents caused by equipment malfunction or operator error. In Illinois, there are about 15-20 boating fatalities annually
Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in White County, IL?
The personal representative of the deceased’s estate usually files the wrongful death claim in Illinois. This individual is often a family member or someone designated by the court. Certain relatives may also pursue compensation for their damages.
- Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: The representative files the claim on behalf of the estate and 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, the parents may be eligible to file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.
Identifying who can file a wrongful death claim is vital to guarantee that the right people are able to pursue justice and receive compensation.
Who Cannot File a Wrongful Death Claim in White 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: While friends typically cannot file a wrongful death claim, they may be able to if they can show they were the deceased’s primary financial dependent.
- 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 uncertain about your ability to file a wrongful death claim, it’s essential to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Get in touch with us or call (618)-244-5335 for trusted legal counsel.
What Do White 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, 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 future earning potential, helping to alleviate financial difficulties for 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: 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: 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 intend 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 White County, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitle to pursue in your case.
Experienced White 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 White County, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers who are dedicated to securing your family’s justice.
