Dedicated and Compassionate Mobile Alabama Wrongful Death Attorneys
The sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one is a tremendous financial and emotional blow to a family. Family members must not only deal with the significant costs and challenges of funeral and burial arrangements during a difficult time, but they will also have to cope with a loss of income, household and family support for a lifetime. Often times there are additional, significant hospital and medical bills from the time shortly before death. Dealing with these issues can be challenging to say the least, not to mention the emotional toll of the permanent loss of companionship, guidance and support of a beloved spouse, parent, or child.
The shock, anger and grief one experiences at the death of a loved one may only be intensified when the death is a needless loss caused by the negligence or misconduct of a reckless or distracted driver, a negligent property owner, or the maker of a dangerous defective product. Alabama law allows family members to pursue justice against those responsible for causing a tragic, preventable death, holding them accountable for their behavior. The Mobile personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at the Carter Law Firm take on these wrongful death cases on behalf of surviving family members, to help them achieve justice and a measure of peace after the wrong which has been done to them and their loved one.
Wrongful Death in Alabama
Each state has its own wrongful death law. In deciding what types of legal damages are recoverable in a wrongful death lawsuit, some states focus on the harm caused to the deceased individual, while others focus on the harm caused to the surviving family members. Unique among the states, Alabama’s wrongful death law focuses not on what it would take to compensate the family, but instead centers on punishing and making an example of the wrongdoer.
Defendants and their insurance companies will try to downplay the serious nature of the defendant’s misconduct. In arguing for a substantial damages award, the attorneys at the Carter Law Firm prepare a strong, thorough case that clearly shows how serious the defendant’s behavior or misconduct truly was.
In Alabama, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may bring a wrongful death lawsuit, and any action must be started within two years of the date of death, or the claim may not be heard by the court. Family members and the estate’s representative have a lot to deal with and process after the death of a loved one, but it is important that critical deadlines like the statute of limitations for wrongful death actions not be missed. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected and also that essential evidence is collected and preserved.
Legal Help is Available for Wrongful Death Actions in Mobile and Baldwin County
In Mobile and throughout Baldwin County, call the Carter Law Firm at 251-433-6500 for a free consultation with a knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated Alabama personal injury and wrongful death attorney. We also maintain an office in Birmingham, where we can be reached at 205-202-4050. Call today for professional legal guidance and assistance through this difficult time.
