Wrongful death cases are heartbreaking for everyone involved. When another party is at fault for the loss of your loved one, they may be held accountable in a court of law. Compared to other types of personal injury cases, wrongful death suits deal with a person who paid the ultimate price for another individual’s negligence.
You shouldn’t have to worry about holding a negligent party accountable while you’re busy grieving. Wrongful death attorneys in Montgomery can help you recover damages so you can move on from your loved one’s death.
A woman holding flowers lays her hand on the coffin of a family member. A wrongful death attorney in Montgomery can tell you more about your options. A wrongful death attorney in Montgomery can tell you more about your options.
Should I Hire an Attorney for Wrongful Death?
If you have any reason to believe that your loved one’s accident was due to someone else’s negligence, it’s worth sitting down for a free initial consultation with a wrongful death attorney. We have been helping our clients seek compensation for years, and we know how to navigate your wrongful death claim.
A Montgomery personal injury lawyer can assess your situation and give you a good idea of what you stand to get in your settlement. We’ll take care of the legal details so you can focus on your family’s recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a Wrongful Death lawyer serving Montgomery, call 800-537-8185
Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death?
According to Alabama Code § 6-5-410, the only person who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit forward is the person named as executor in the deceased’s will. If there is nobody named in the will, then someone will be named by the court.
If you are the designated executor for your loved one’s estate, a personal injury attorney from our firm can help you decide what the next steps are for your wrongful death claim. If you weren’t named to carry out the claim but you want to know your rights, then a lawyer from our law office can inform you what options you have available.
Damages Recovered in Wrongful Death Cases
While every wrongful death case is unique, the types of damages commonly recovered in these cases may include:
- Compensation for mental anguish
- Funeral costs
- Hospital bills
- Costs of ongoing care before the victim passed away
- Loss of wages
- Strain of familial or personal relationships
- Loss of head-of-household income
A Montgomery wrongful death lawyer can take a close look at your case and work to prove negligence on the part of the responsible party.
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Common Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death
Many wrongful death cases originate on our roadways each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 953 people died on Alabama roadways in 2018. While the causes for these accidents vary, many accidents caused by at-fault drivers occur due to:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving, including texting and driving
- Driving too fast for road conditions
- Dangerous road conditions, including construction negligence or roadway neglect
- Vehicle accidents resulting in chemical spills or fires
Accidents at Work
Many more accidents are occupation-specific. Those in the manual labor industry are particularly at risk, as they may be dealing with heavy machinery that has the potential to cause them grievous bodily injury if misused.
When people work on a job site, no matter what the job may be, they are putting full trust in their employer to keep them safe. Unfortunately, many employers cut corners to save money, which can result in the loss of an innocent person’s life. Common causes for wrongful death cases occurring at work that our Montgomery wrongful death attorneys represent may include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Poor structural integrity, leading to collapse
- Heavy machinery malfunction
- Operator inexperience
- Exposure to chemicals (such as asbestos or other toxic agents) that may occur over the span of many years
- Explosions
- Poor safety practices
Wrongful Death from Chemical Exposure
Long-term exposure to harsh chemicals at the workplace has been brought into the public eye. These cases are especially common in elderly individuals who may have been working before safer procedures were put into place. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that some dangerous chemicals continue to pose a health risk to workers.
Chemical exposures are also quite common in law enforcement officials and firefighters, as their call of duty requires them to be put in harm’s way including being exposed to chemicals while fighting fires or rescuing victims from collapsed buildings.
No matter what you believe to be the cause of your case, it is worth having a wrongful death lawyer in Montgomery investigate. The victim’s life and tragic passing will not be ignored. With so much on the line, some companies may even attempt to hide the truth behind these horrific accidents.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Alabama
Alabama’s statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years. That means the executor of your loved one’s estate has to file your claim exactly two years from the date of your family member’s death.
You shouldn’t wait too long to file, though. A personal injury attorney will need time to investigate your case and gather evidence. That can be made harder if you get in touch too long after the accident.
A Montgomery Wrongful Death Lawyer in Your Corner
At Morris Bart, our team will use their legal training and experience to gather all the necessary information to help prove your case. We’ll negotiate with the insurance company while you take your time to pick up the pieces.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and no amount of compensation can reconcile the act of negligence that took them away from you. But finding justice in your case can help give you closure and allow you to continue moving forward with the healing process.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
