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Wrongful Death Lawyer Wood River, IL
Wrongful Death Lawyer Wood River, 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 attorneys are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve and preventing future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Wood River, 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 Wood River, IL
Negligence is often the primary factor in wrongful death claims in Illinois. When a wrongful act leads to a fatality, it raises important questions for the surviving family members and loved ones. In many cases, second- or third-party participants may be liable for damages related to personal injury or wrongful death. Proving a wrongful death claim is where we come in.
Some of the most prevalent wrongful death cases in Illinois include the following:
- 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: Fatalities in the workplace often result from unsafe conditions, failures in machinery, or lack of proper safety measures. Illinois reports roughly 150 deaths due to workplace accidents each 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: 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 Wood River, 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 representative files the claim on behalf of both the estate and the family members left behind.
- Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse can seek compensation for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and financial support.
- Children: In the absence of a surviving spouse, children can file a wrongful death claim or pursue damages for the loss of a parent.
- Parents: In the absence of a surviving spouse or children, parents may have the right to file the wrongful death 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 Wood River, IL?
Not everyone can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Close relatives usually have priority, but those with significant financial relationships to the deceased may also be eligible to file.
- 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’re unsure about your qualifications to file a wrongful death claim, seeking advice from an experienced wrongful death lawyer is essential. Get in touch with us today or call (618)-244-5335 for expert advice.
What Do Wood River, 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, encompass the tangible financial losses that stem from the death of a loved one. They are often easier to calculate due to their specific monetary nature. Examples of economic damages include:
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Compensation for the wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, such as salary, bonuses, and potential future earnings, easing the financial impact on 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, focus on the emotional and psychological consequences of a loved one’s death. Though subjective, they can profoundly affect the family members left behind. Examples include:
- Loss of Consortium: Reimbursement for the loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members face after losing a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering: Reimbursement for the emotional pain, mental suffering, and grief endured by surviving family members after losing 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 factor in the survivor’s personal details, such as age, lifestyle, education, and additional circumstances that may impact the case.
Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Wood River, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.
Effective Wood River, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers
Here are a few of our other services:
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 Wood River, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.
