Xenia, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Xenia, IL

Wrongful Death Lawyer Xenia, IL. Since 1950, Hassakis & Hassakis has been helping victims and their families navigate wrongful death cases with expert legal support. A wrongful death claim can significantly affect not only the survivors but also employers, insurance companies, and other parties. Our Southern Illinois attorneys are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve while working to prevent future wrongful deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one, contact our Xenia, IL, wrongful death lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or get in touch 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 Xenia, 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.

Here are a few of the most common categories of wrongful death cases in Illinois:

• Fatalities from Vehicle Accidents: Deaths caused by car accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents due to the negligence of another driver. 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: Fatalities that occur due to hazardous conditions, machinery issues, or inadequate safety standards in the workplace. Illinois experiences approximately 150 fatal workplace accidents annually.
• Product Liability: Fatalities caused by defective products, such as faulty car brakes, malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer goods, or hazardous chemicals.
• Premises Liability: Deaths caused by accidents on someone else’s property, including slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security measures, and unsafe premises.
• Boating and Watercraft Accidents: Deaths caused by boating accidents, often due to equipment failure or operator error. In Illinois, there are approximately 15-20 boating fatalities annually.

Who Is Able To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Xenia, 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.

1. Personal Representative of the Deceased’s Estate: This person files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and any surviving family members.
2. Surviving Spouse: A surviving spouse has the right to seek damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
3. Children: If there is no surviving spouse, children can file a claim or seek damages for the emotional and financial loss of a parent.
4. 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 Xenia, 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: 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 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 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 Xenia, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers Do?

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 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 arrangements, burial or cremation expenses, headstones, and other associated costs, helping to ease the financial strain on grieving families.

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: Reimbursement for the loss of love, companionship, emotional support, and intimacy that family members face after losing a loved one.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress, mental anguish, and sorrow experienced by surviving family members following the death of a loved one.
• Punitive Damages: Granted in cases of severe negligence or misconduct, punitive damages are designed 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.

Speaking with one of our wrongful death lawyers in Xenia, IL, will provide you with insights into the damages you may be entitled to pursue in your case.

Effective Xenia, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers

Here are a few of our other services:

• Truck Accident Lawyer
• Car Accident Lawyer
• Personal Injury Lawyers

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 Xenia, IL, Wrongful Death Lawyers to advocate for your family’s justice.