Springfield, IL Wrongful Death Attorneys
Seeking Justice for Grieving Families in Sangamon County
Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking experience. When the death of a beloved friend or family member is caused by preventable harm, the pain can feel insurmountable. At Haxel Law, we understand the unique hardships faced by grieving families. If you lost a loved one due to negligence in Springfield, our wrongful death attorneys can fight to hold liable parties responsible while guiding your legal steps with compassion and care.
With decades of experience and a proven track record of results, our firm is committed to easing your pain and stress by aggressively pursuing justice on your behalf. Our time-tested trial lawyers never shy away from litigation if necessary to recover the fair compensation you deserve. We can fight tirelessly to honor your loved one’s life by protecting your rights from start to finish, freeing you and your loved ones to focus on healing and remembrance during this difficult time.
If your family is grieving the wrongful death of a loved one in Springfield, our attorneys can aggressively pursue justice. Call (217) 215-4166 to schedule a free consultation.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in Illinois?
In Illinois, a “wrongful death” occurs when a person dies due to the negligence or intentional misconduct of another individual, entity, or a combination of both. These fatalities can stem from a variety of causes, such as reckless driving or defective products.
When a family suffers the loss of a loved one due to preventable harm, they have the right to seek justice and compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. However, proving negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit can be complex and challenging, especially if any liability disputes arise during the proceedings.
This is where a skilled wrongful death lawyer can make all the difference. Our firm can help you navigate the legal intricacies of the claims process by providing compassionate counsel and pursuing the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death lawsuit can arise for all types of reasons. Some common causes of wrongful death claims include:
- Workplace accidents: Common examples include construction injuries and toxic exposure to harmful chemicals or substances.
- Defective products: Some examples include faulty medical devices, defective brakes, and dangerous drugs.
- Motor vehicle accidents: These include collisions involving cars, trucks, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, medication errors, failure to diagnose or treat underlying health complications, and other negligence by healthcare providers can result in wrongful deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 217-215-4166 today!
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, only certain individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. These include:
- Spouses and children of the deceased
- Parents and siblings, if there is no surviving spouse or child
- Next of kin, including grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins
In some cases, stepchildren may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if they can prove their dependency on the deceased for financial support.
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Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death CasesThe purpose of a wrongful death claim is to provide compensation (“damages”) to the deceased person’s family members or dependents for their losses. Common recoverable damages in wrongful death claims include financial support for funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of income and future earnings, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and medical bills incurred prior to the death.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?In Illinois, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Taking prompt legal action is critical to exercising your right to compensation.
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Are There Any Local Support Groups for Families Affected by Wrongful Death in Springfield?Yes, Springfield has several local support groups and resources for families dealing with loss. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) offers mental health resources to help families navigate this difficult time. Local churches and community centers may also offer support groups. When you partner with our compassionate advocates, we can focus on recovering compensation while your family focuses on healing and honoring your loved one’s legacy.
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How Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim in Springfield?
Losing a loved one to negligence can be overwhelming, angering, and devastating. Filing a wrongful death claim is paramount to seeking justice after your unimaginable loss. Here are some important steps to take:
- Preserve evidence: Gather and preserve any evidence related to the incident, such as photos, videos, police reports, and witness statements. This information can be critical in proving negligence and building your case.
- Contact a wrongful death lawyer: Consult a wrongful death lawyer with experience handling similar cases. Your attorney can help you seek justice by identifying negligent parties and working to recover a fair settlement.
- Keep detailed records: Maintain a comprehensive record of expenses incurred and the emotional impacts. This can include funeral and medical expenses, as well as documentation of lost income and personal testimonies on how the loss has affected your family’s well-being.
- Prioritize your health: While pursuing legal action is important, it’s equally vital to prioritize your emotional and physical well-being. Engage in activities that bring you peace and healing, and consider seeking counseling or joining a local support group to help process your grief.
At Haxel Law, our lawyers are familiar with local judges, court clerks, and legal processes in our community to help you navigate the claims process efficiently.
What Sets Us Apart
While no amount of compensation could possibly make up for the wrongful death of a loved one, pursuing justice in a wrongful death claim can offer grieving families a sense of relief and closure. At Haxel Law, we understand how painful and tedious it can be to navigate a wrongful death lawsuit, especially while mourning your loved one’s life and legacy. That’s why our attorneys are committed to representing your best interests in Sangamon County. When you partner with us, you’ll put decades of experience in your corner while benefitting from empathetic, client-centric counsel and compassionate representation tailored to your unique legal needs.
If you lost a loved one due to negligence in Springfield, contact us online to discuss your case. Our firm offers complimentary case evaluations for your convenience.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.
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"Thanks For All You Have Done!"Marty Haxel provided exceptional help with a complex work men's comp case, made our part seem small. Would refer him to anyone that needs help fighting the big guys!- David E.