Birmingham Wrongful Death Lawyers | Loss and Compensation

Losing a loved one is devastating. When it involves someone else’s negligence, the impact can be extremely hard to take. But you can take action when you have a wrongful death lawyer on your side. When you have someone there to help you understand your legal rights, it can help you through the challenges that lie ahead. Wrongful death lawyers can help you understand what lies ahead and any compensation you may be entitled to due to the incident. At Morris Haynes, our Birmingham wrongful death lawyers are here and ready to help you in the most difficult times. We have earned a reputation for helping countless people in Birmingham during the most difficult times.

What Types of Incidents Are Included in a Birmingham Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

When we’re talking about a wrongful death, we’re referring to a death that results from the negligence or wrongful activity of someone else. In Alabama, a wrongful death is referred to as the death of a person that comes from “the wrongful act, omission, or negligence”,of another person.

If a person were to survive the accident or incident and were able to file a lawsuit, their death would be considered a wrongful death.

Wrongful death lawsuits can be the result of incidents such as:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents 
• Motorcycle crashes
• Foster case abuse
• Daycare negligence

If a loved one has been involved in one of the above situations, you may be able to file a lawsuit on their behalf.

Who Can File a Birmingham Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If the person who died was an adult, the executor of the person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. If there is no appointee, the court will choose one.

In cases where the deceased was a minor, the minor’s parents have six months from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. After six months, the personal representative can file a lawsuit. 

Birmingham wrongful death lawyers, like the ones at Morris Haynes, help clients navigate these delicate areas so that they can get the compensation they may be entitled to under Alabama law.

Types of Damages That Can Be Recovered in Birmingham Wrongful Death Lawsuit 

There are generally two types of damages that you can file for in a wrongful death lawsuit: compensatory or punitive. Compensatory damages are meant for surviving loved ones to deal with the economic and non-economic losses a family has experienced.

While you can typically file for compensatory damages in most cases, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant. In Alabama, you can only recover punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. This is different than in many other states. This is very important to understand if you are filing a lawsuit in a loved one’s death, so that you are aware of the damages that are available in Alabama. Relatives and loved ones cannot recover financial compensation for losses related to a loved one’s death, such as medical expenses, that would be awarded under compensatory damages.

Why You Want a Wrongful Death Lawyer On Your Side

It’s extremely important to have Birmingham wrongful death lawyers on your side because they can help navigate the process for you. A lawyer will explain all of the steps that you need to take so that you can properly file your lawsuit. 

They will ensure that all paperwork is filed appropriately and on time. You can also count on a wrongful death lawyer to gather all the evidence that is necessary in the case. Wrongful death lawyers, like those at Morris Haynes, will handle your case with the sensitivity it deserves, while fighting for compensation you may be entitled to.

Questions to Ask Birmingham Wrongful Death Lawyers

When you are going through situations where you need the help of a wrongful death lawyer, you want to have someone on your side who you can trust and who is experienced in this type of law. 

Here are some helpful questions to ask as you narrow your search:

What is your experience with wrongful death lawsuits?

Ask about compensation received in cases that are similar to yours. Be sure to find out how long they have been practicing and if they are specifically experienced in wrongful death lawsuits.

What types of experts do you work with?

Many Birmingham wrongful death lawyers will work with accident reconstruction teams and other experts who can help in their cases. Knowing what type of team you will have behind you will be helpful.

How long will my lawsuit take to resolve?

While your lawyer will not be able to give you a definite timetable, they can give you an idea of how long your case may take. They understand that these cases are extremely hard for families, and may want the cases wrapped up as soon as possible.

How often do you update clients on their cases?

You always want to be in the loop about what is going on in your case. Your attorney should always have a way to get in touch with you about your case, should a question or issue arise. 

What will be the total cost of my case?

Your attorney should be able to provide you with an idea of how much their services will cost you. While certain factors can impact the case, you should have an idea upfront of the charges. 

Contact Us for More Information on Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you are looking for wrongful death lawyers in Birmingham, the team at Morris Haynes is here for you. We have more than 250 years of combined experience that we want to share with you. We have case results we can share with you, including a $4.5 million wrongful death lawsuit that we helped to settle. Let us show you what our experience can do for you during your most difficult times. Call us today at 205-324-4008 for more information, or reach out to us online.