A fatal accident can be overwhelming for surviving family members. An unexpected death can be both emotionally traumatic and financially devastating. You may be left with unpaid medical bills and a reduced household income, as well as loss of consortium.
You may qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit to cover expenses related to your loved one’s death. A Birmingham fatal accident attorney from the Morris Bart law firm can help you during this difficult time. Consult with our team for free legal advice.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Alabama
Under Alabama Code § 6-5-410, qualifying surviving family members may seek damages after a fatal accident. Wrongful death depends on your ability to prove negligence took place. Another person’s careless actions must be responsible for the fatal mishap that caused your loved one’s injuries.
If you lost a loved one due to illegal actions, the responsible party may face criminal charges. While this may help your case, it does not matter if the charges lead to a conviction. Your wrongful death claim is a civil matter, separate from legal consequences.
For a free legal consultation with a Fatal Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call (205) 380-4158
Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim?
You must be a legal relative to file a wrongful death claim. It doesn’t matter whether you are related through blood, adoption, or marriage. You may file if you are a:
- Spouse
- Parent
- Sibling
- Child
An estate representative may also pursue a wrongful death claim. Other family members may join the suit after it’s initiated. If you’re unsure about qualifying for a claim, speak to a fatal car accident lawyer.
Seek Damages After Your Fatal Accident Case
While a lawsuit cannot undo the tragedy of a family member’s preventable death, it may protect your family from accumulating debt. Only 41% of Americans can handle a $1,000 emergency. This is widely problematic, considering the average funeral costs between $7,000 and $12,000.
The damages you may be able to recover include:
- Your loved one’s medical treatment related to the accident
- Care expenses prior to death
- Property damage caused by the accident
- Funeral, cremation, or burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Future wages
- Lost benefits
In addition to monetary losses, you may be entitled to non-economic damages like mental anguish. The Birmingham fatal accident attorneys at Morris Bart understand how difficult it can be to navigate the claims process while you mourn. We can handle legal proceedings while you focus on personal matters.
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Birmingham Fatal Car Accident FAQ
Knowing what to do after a loved one dies in a tragic auto wreck isn’t always apparent. Get the answers to some frequently asked questions from a Birmingham fatal accident lawyer.
Can You Afford to Hire a Birmingham Fatal Accident Attorney?
When Should You File Your Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit in Birmingham?
Can You Afford to Hire a Fatal Accident Attorney?
Our legal team strives to help families overcome injustices caused by someone else’s negligence. We know that you may have lost half or all your household income with your loved one’s sudden passing. The last thing we want is to add to your financial stress.
A fatal car accident attorney doesn’t let up-front fees or hourly charges stand in your way of seeking legal assistance. Our clients pay nothing out of pocket for our expertise. We work on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid when we win your case.
When Should You File Your Fatal Car Accident Lawsuit in Birmingham?
The statute for wrongful death in Alabama is two years. You must start your claim within two years of your loved one’s fatal accident or risk losing your chance to receive compensation. An Alabama fatal accident lawyer can stay on top of important deadlines and handle your case with care.
Consult With a Member of Our Birmingham Fatal Accident Team
The premature death of a family member can be a painful experience. This unfortunate event is made worse by the fact that it may have been avoided. While no amount of money can make up for your loss, seeking justice for your loved one may bring you some peace of mind.
Call us now to speak with a compassionate fatal accident lawyer in Birmingham from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. We’re standing by to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Learn more about wrongful death and how we may help your family during this tough period.
Questions?Call (205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
