A Hoover wrongful death attorney from the Morris Bart law firm represents families who lost a loved one in Jefferson County or Shelby County. We may be able to help you seek justice and recover compensation if your family member died from their accident injuries.
Our personal injury law firm provides complimentary case reviews to families whose loved ones died because of another person’s negligence. We are here for you during this difficult time. We will explain your rights, options, and how these cases work under Alabama law.
Recovering Damages for Your Loved One’s Wrongful Death in Hoover
Under Alabama’s wrongful death law, Ala. Code § 6-5-410, the personal representative of an accident victim can pursue damages for the surviving heirs. In general, the family can seek damages with this action if the victim would have had a viable personal injury case had they survived.
However, unlike in a personal injury case, Alabama allows only punitive damages in a wrongful death action. There are no compensable damages available. This means our wrongful death lawyer must develop a strong case based on the degree of the liable party’s negligence. The more reckless unreasonable their behavior was, the more compensation we may be able to recover for our client.
For a free legal consultation with a Wrongful Death lawyer serving Hoover, call 205) 380-4158
Morris Bart & Associates, LLC, Represents Families Who Lost Loved Ones
For more than four decades, the Morris Bart law firm has helped our clients pursue damages and get justice after another party’s negligence took the life of their loved one. We know how these complex cases work and what it takes to secure compensation for our clients, including:
- Protecting your family’s rights and your loved one’s memory
- Gathering evidence to support your negligence claim
- Representing your best interests to the extent that Alabama law allows
- Managing all communications with the insurance company, liable party, and others
- Answering your questions and giving you updates regularly
- Preparing all paperwork as needed
- Meeting all case deadlines
- Handling discovery, pretrial motions, and other court processes
- Representing your family’s case to the judge and jury
We represent families of Hoover accident victims from our Birmingham office:
Morris Bart & Associates, LLC
420 20th Street N. #2750
Birmingham, AL 35203
This is one of 15 Morris Bart law firm locations and one of our four offices in Alabama. The others are in Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery.
We Can Work on Your Case Without an Upfront Payment
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our attorneys do not collect fees unless we win a payout for the client. We will never ask your family for a retainer or other upfront payment before we get to work. We also believe our case results speak for themselves. In 2019, we received verdicts or settlements on behalf of clients in more than 6,500 claims and lawsuits. You could be next.
Understanding Wrongful Death Actions in Alabama
Any type of personal injury incident could support a wrongful death action if:
- The victim suffered injuries because of another party’s negligence.
- The victim died from their accident injuries.
The Morris Bart law firm represents clients in a wide range of wrongful death cases, including:
- Car crashes
- Truck collisions
- Boating accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Alabama
Alabama law limits who can file a wrongful death action. Not just any family member can bring these allegations and begin a case. Instead, a recognized “personal representative” must begin this process. This could be:
- The executor of their will
- The administrator of their estate
- A recognized heir, such as their surviving spouse
If none of these people are available or do not take action, others may have an opportunity. The courts may allow others to file the paperwork and represent the estate. This could include:
- A next of kin who is an heir of the estate, such as a sibling
- The largest creditor of the estate, who must live in Alabama
- Another party the probate judge appoints
Recoverable damages in an Alabama wrongful death case are punitive and do not cover accident-related expenses, injuries, or death. This means they do not necessarily go only to immediate family members. Instead, they go to the estate and are distributed according to the will, estate plan, or probate court.
All heirs of the victim might receive a portion of this compensation.However, this generally still ensures that surviving family members, such as a spouse and children, receive money from the case’s proceeds.
Punitive damages penalize the liable party. They could exceed the compensable damages of a case under some circumstances. Our team will work to develop strong support for your family’s claim and seek the compensation you need to cover your costs and losses.
Click to contact our Hoover Personal Injury Attorneys today
How Long do I Have to Sue the At-Fault Party?
Under Ala. Code § 6-2-38, Alabama generally gives injury accident victims up to two years to begin a lawsuit. This deadline also applies to personal representatives filing wrongful death suits. However, in a wrongful death, the clock starts on the person’s death date instead of the date of the injury.
Be aware that exceptions exist. Under certain circumstances, you may have a longer or shorter period to decide if a lawsuit is necessary. If we represent you, we will review your case with you regularly to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines and know when it may be time to file your paperwork to begin a lawsuit.
Let Morris Bart & Associates, LLC, Review Your Hoover Wrongful Death Case
Our Morris Bart law firm attorneys offer free consultations for families who lost a loved one in a Hoover negligence accident. We want to discuss your legal options with you based on the circumstances of your family member’s injuries and death.
Let one of our Hoover wrongful death attorneys review your case to see how we can help. Call (205) 380-4158 now to reach an attorney in our Birmingham office.
Questions?Call 205) 380-4158
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
