Tuscaloosa Wrongful Death Lawyer
Support and representation for families coping with the tragic loss of a loved one
Losing a loved one is always tragic. If that loss occurs unnecessarily because of someone else’s negligence, it can be even more devastating. The law allows families to seek compensation from the at-fault party when this happens. Although no claim can bring back what you lost, it provides a pathway for holding the person who caused the death accountable for their actions while also helping reduce some of the related financial burdens. At Prince Glover Hayes, our experienced attorneys offer families compassionate, dedicated representation for wrongful death claims. Call us today for a free consultation.
How can we help
- Why choose Prince Glover Hayes?
- Understanding wrongful death laws in Alabama
- Types of wrongful death cases handled by Prince Glover Hayes
- Potential compensation in Alabama wrongful death cases
- What to do after the loss of a loved one
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about wrongful death claims in Alabama
- Do you have a lawyer near me in Tuscaloosa who can handle my wrongful death claim?
Why choose Prince Glover Hayes?
When it comes to complicated cases, you want an attorney with extensive experience. Since 1979, Prince Glover Hayes’ team of dedicated lawyers has been representing families facing tragic losses in Tuscaloosa. We know what it takes to try these cases – including expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists. In our four decades of handling cases in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, we’ve earned a reputation as formidable advocates for injury and wrongful death victims. Contact us to learn more about our practice and how we can help you through this difficult time.
Understanding wrongful death laws in Alabama
Wrongful deaths occur when a person dies because of negligence or a wrongful act of another person. Under Alabama law, families can file a civil lawsuit against the party at fault for that death and pursue punitive damages.
Types of wrongful death cases handled by Prince Glover Hayes
Prince Glover Hayes represents families who lost their loved ones in the following types of accidents:
Motor vehicle accidents
Vehicle collisions are one of the most common causes of wrongful deaths in Alabama. In 2022, 986 people in Alabama lost their lives in traffic accidents. We handle motor vehicle-related wrongful death claims, including:
- Car crashes
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
Defective products
Unsafe products, such as vehicle parts, home appliances, and industrial equipment, can pose serious risks for consumers and, unfortunately, sometimes prove deadly.
Workplace accidents and third-party liability
Workplaces can be hazardous – especially if they involve heavy machinery. We handle claims against subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or other negligent parties at worksites.
If you believe your loved one died as the result of someone else’s negligence, call us to discuss your case and to determine how we can help you.
Potential compensation in Alabama wrongful death cases
In Alabama, wrongful death claims focus on punitive damages to penalize the responsible party for their action or to deter similar future conduct. Unlike personal injury claims, which focus in part on the true amount that a person lost because of their injuries, wrongful death claims aim to penalize the defendant for causing harm or to deter similar conduct from happening in the future.
Although Alabama places a cap on punitive damages in personal injury claims, that cap does not apply to wrongful death claims. Instead, the jury can set the amount based on their interpretation of the defendant’s conduct and wrongful actions.
What to do after the loss of a loved one
Following a wrongful death, it’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies may reach out and want to speak with families about settling a claim. However, they are likely to make far lower offers than they should be paying. An attorney can help negotiate with the insurer and push back against any of their tactics that seek to minimize their payments. Getting advice from a Tuscaloosa wrongful death lawyer quickly is also important because it allows the attorney to speak to witnesses when their memories are fresh. Waiting to secure legal representation can negatively impact your claim.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about wrongful death claims in Alabama
You likely have questions about how we can help, your rights, and whether you have a strong claim. You can schedule a free consultation with us to discuss your specific concerns, but in the meantime, here are some common questions we hear from potential clients:
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
Alabama law differs from most other states, where specific family members can file wrongful death claims. The only person who may file in Alabama is the personal representative or “executor” of the deceased person’s estate. There is a limited exception in the case of minor decedents, in which case parents can file the claim within six months of the death, and after that window, the personal representative must file.
Who can recover money in a wrongful death claim in Tuscaloosa?
The money recovered in a wrongful death claim in Alabama will go to family members based on the laws of intestate succession – the laws regarding how a person’s property would be divided if they did not have a valid will or trust. The intestate succession laws apply even if the person has an estate plan. The likely individuals to recover would be the spouse and children, although depending on circumstances, the parents or siblings may recover.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
The statute allows for two years to file a wrongful death claim. Failing to file within that window will prevent your case from moving forward, and some circumstances would mean even smaller windows of time, so it is extremely important to speak to an attorney right away.
Can I file a claim against a government agency?
Government agencies have some protections against lawsuits, but you might still have a claim. There are shorter time limits for notifying or filing and certain other limitations, so it’s important to contact an experienced Tuscaloosa wrongful death lawyer right away.
Do you have a lawyer near me in Tuscaloosa who can handle my wrongful death claim?
Prince Glover Hayes has an office at 2311 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. We can also meet you in another location or discuss your case over the phone or via video conference call.
Contact Prince Glover Hayes today for a free consultation
If you lost your loved one due to someone else’s negligence, Prince Glover Hayes can provide your family with compassionate, experienced representation. Call us today or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.