If your family member was killed in a preventable accident in Birmingham, Alabama, you may be able to pursue justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. Alabama Truck Crash Lawyers, P.C. is here to help you evaluate your legal options and maximize the amount of compensation you recover.
Our Birmingham wrongful death lawyers have decades of combined experience and have recovered substantial financial awards for our clients since our founding. We know that you may be going through an incredibly difficult time at the moment, and we want to be there to help as much as we can.
Let our team of car, bus, and truck accident lawyers in Birmingham handle the legal process while you focus on your family. Call our law offices today for a free consultation to learn about your rights under Alabama law.
How Alabama Truck Crash Lawyers, P.C. Can Help With Your Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in Birmingham
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s actions is one of the most traumatic experiences imaginable. While no amount of money could ever make up for what happened, a successful wrongful death claim can help you with a sense of accountability as well as with financial stability going forward.
Alabama Truck Crash Lawyers, P.C. is a well-respected personal injury law firm in the area that will prioritize your case from the moment you hire us. We’ll get to work and:
- Conduct a full investigation into the cause of the fatal accident
- Identify every liable party and their insurance coverage
- Work with experts to calculate the full value of your claim
- Handle all of the paperwork, communication, and settlement negotiations
- Protect you from unfair blame and lowball settlement offers
- Take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to settle
Contact our compassionate wrongful death lawyers in Birmingham, AL, today for a free consultation. We can provide you with some initial legal advice at that time.
What Is Considered Wrongful Death in Alabama?
Per Alabama Code § 6-5-410, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by another party’s “wrongful act, omission, or negligence.” These claims are civil actions meant to hold the at-fault party financially responsible.
In Alabama, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The claim is brought for the benefit of the deceased’s heirs, such as a surviving spouse and children.
Unlike many other states, Alabama’s wrongful death law only allows for punitive damages, not compensatory damages. This means the purpose of the lawsuit is to punish the wrongdoer rather than to compensate the family for specific financial losses. However, in some cases, you may be able to file a related survival action to recover additional money damages.
Note that while the at-fault party may be facing criminal charges, a wrongful death claim is filed in civil court. Since the burden of proof is lower in a civil case, you can still win your claim regardless of whether the defendant is found guilty in their criminal case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in Birmingham?
Liability for a wrongful death claim in Alabama can fall on any person, business, or other entity whose actions contributed to the fatal incident. Depending on the facts and circumstances, responsible parties might include:
- Negligent drivers
- Trucking companies
- Employers who fail to provide a safe workplace
- Manufacturers of defective products and equipment
- Property owners who failed to correct dangerous hazards
- Insurance companies for these parties
Our wrongful death lawyers will investigate every detail of your case to determine who should be held legally responsible.
How Much Is My Birmingham Wrongful Death Case Worth?
No amount of money can truly make up for the loss of someone you love. Still, a wrongful death claim can help your family find justice and hold the responsible party accountable. The value of your case will depend on the circumstances of the fatal accident and the defendant’s conduct.
The amount you recover will depend on factors such as:
- How severe the defendant’s actions were
- The strength of the evidence proving negligence
- Whether your case goes to trial or ends in a settlement
- The conduct of the at-fault party after the accident
- Whether you can file both wrongful death and survival action claims
- Insurance policy terms and limits
Our wrongful death attorneys in Alabama will fight to recover the highest possible award we can on your behalf. During your free consultation, we can also provide you with more personalized information regarding your case’s potential value.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Birmingham, AL?
You don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees when you hire Alabama Truck Crash Lawyers, P.C. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing in terms of attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your case.
If we win money damages for your family, we’ll receive an agreed-upon percentage of that financial award as our fee. This structure allows everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, to access top-rated legal representation. It also means we will be incentivized to increase the value of your claim as much as we can.
How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Alabama?
The statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims in Alabama is two years from the date of death. If you fail to file your lawsuit within that time frame, you may lose your right to seek legal recourse in court.
Certain exceptions may apply that can change the time limit, but these are rare. It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and ensure that critical evidence is not lost over time.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Birmingham Wrongful Death Lawyers
If your loved one was killed in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Alabama Truck Crash Lawyers, P.C. is here to help you take legal action. Our Birmingham wrongful death attorneys have decades of combined experience and a proven track record of obtaining meaningful results for families throughout the State of Alabama.
Call (205) 791-7890 today or reach out online to schedule a free consultation and get started with your case.