A "wrongful death" cause of action in Alabama is one in which a person dies due to the negligence and/or willful misconduct of another. Alabama's wrongful death statue is unique in that it only permits recovery for punitive damages and denies any recovery for compensatory damages. Thus, Alabama's wrongful death statute is setup to punish the wrongdoer, not to compensate the family for economic losses.
Wrongful death cases can arise in a variety of circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, defective products (products liability), as well as other situations where individual an dies as a result of someone else's negligent and/or willful misconduct.
Whatever the cause, Belt Law Firm’s wrongful death lawyers are highly skilled in helping clients prove that the four critical components of negligence exist in their claim:
- the defendant had a duty to the deceased,
- the defendant failed in that duty (breach of duty),
- that the fatality was caused by the defendant’s breach of duty, and
- that the survivors are entitled to damages as a result of the loss of their loved one.
Some states authorize surviving family members to be compensated for both economic and non-economic losses, including loss of financial support, love, care, comfort, supervision, guidance, household assistance and general society. Some states also allow surviving family members to be compensated for their personal grief and suffering. Who is entitled to sue and the damages that can be sought vary from state to state and are controlled by written statutes.
Have you or your family suffered the tragic and senseless death of another because of someone else’s negligence? A prompt investigation will help preserve evidence, which may in turn determine how and why the incident occurred, and identify the persons legally responsible for the incident. Belt Law Firm will pursue a wrongful death action, and fight for your right to have increased financial security for you and your children for years to come.
The legal term “wrongful death” includes the claims of husbands, wives, children, parents, brothers, sisters and financially dependent children [whether or not formally adopted] when negligence, reckless or intentional misconduct has caused the death of a family member. Wrongful death claims include every type of accidental death, no matter the specific cause.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death in the state of Alabama is generally two years from the date of the decedent’s death.
The wrongful death attorneys of Belt Law Firm have the experience and understanding to handle these sensitive issues and can assist families in getting the just compensation they deserve for the loss of their family member.
If you would like to work with an experienced and dedicated Alabama wrongful death attorney who is passionate about working on your case, please contact Belt Law Firm for a free wrongful death consultation. Your consultation with our firm about whether you have a valid legal claim is completely free.
Our Alabama personal injury attorneys are ready to provide the one on one attention you need and deserve. For your free wrongful death consultation fill out our contact form or call us at 888-933-1514 (toll free).
