After the loss of a loved one, you may be left with unanswered questions, financial strain, and the need to take legal action. Our Selma wrongful death lawyers are here to walk you through Alabama’s wrongful death laws, explain who can sue and receive compensation, and help you gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. There’s no cost to speak with us, and we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. We are here to help.
Experienced Selma Wrongful Death Attorneys
Losing a loved one unexpectedly can change everything. If someone else’s actions caused your loss, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Our Selma legal team is here to help you understand your options and fight for the financial recovery your family may deserve.
Getting Help Is Easy
Getting the legal assistance you need while you are grieving a loved one should be easy. That’s why we are available to take your call or get in touch online 24/7.
You Deserve Financial Relief
Recovering damages in a wrongful death lawsuit cannot bring your loved one back, but it can help make ends meet during a difficult time. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you are legally owed.
No Upfront Fees
Those Thumbs Up Guys® at Floyd Hunter work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay until we recover compensation for your loss. We get paid a percentage of the final settlement, so you don’t have to pay any upfront fees to get started.
Put an Award-Winning Firm on Your Side!
Understanding Wrongful Death in Alabama
You Have a Limited Time To File
Most wrongful death claims in Alabama must be filed within 2 years of the individual’s passing. Missing this deadline could mean losing the chance to recover any compensation, no matter how strong a case is.
In rare circumstances, the court may extend this deadline, so always consult a lawyer as soon as you know your loved one’s accident was caused by someone else.
Only Punitive Damages Are Available
Unlike other states that award compensatory damages for things like medical bills or lost income, Alabama wrongful death claims only allow for punitive damages. This means the focus is on punishing the at-fault party rather than compensating your family for financial losses. These damages are meant to discourage similar behavior in the future.
Contributory Negligence Could Affect Your Case
Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule. If your loved one was even 1% at fault for the accident that caused their death, you may not be able to recover any damages. Insurance companies may try to use this rule to avoid paying your family.
Only Certain People Can File
In Alabama, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, not just any family member. This is usually the person named in a will or appointed by the court.
Examples of Wrongful Death Cases
Losing a loved one is devastating, especially when it happens because of someone else’s actions or negligence. Wrongful death cases arise in many different situations, but they all have one thing in common: the loss was preventable.
Below are some common examples of accidents and incidents that may result in Alabama wrongful death claims.
Car crashes are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the U.S. These can involve standard passenger vehicles, but also include motorcycle wrecks, truck collisions, and pedestrian or bicycle incidents. When another driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, leads to a fatal crash, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation.
Some jobs carry a higher risk of serious injury or illness. Whether it’s a fall on a construction site, exposure to toxic substances, or lack of proper safety equipment, workplace accidents that result in death may qualify as wrongful death, especially when the employer failed to maintain a safe working environment.
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. If someone dies due to hazards like unsecured structures, lack of proper lighting, wet floors, or negligent security, the property owner may be held responsible in a wrongful death claim.
Doctors and other healthcare providers are trusted to uphold a standard of care. When that standard is not met, such as through surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or failure to provide timely treatment, it can lead to fatal outcomes. In these cases, a wrongful death claim may hold the medical professional or facility accountable.
Who Receives the Money in a Successful Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Even though the personal representative of your loved one’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit in Alabama, the money awarded does not go to the estate. Instead, it is distributed directly to the deceased person’s heirs, as defined by Alabama’s laws of intestate succession.
This means:
- The will does not control who receives the money.
- Eligible heirs may include a spouse, children, parents, or other close relatives, depending on the circumstances.
- The compensation is not subject to estate debts, so creditors typically cannot claim it.
Who qualifies as an heir and how the money is divided can be complex, especially when there are multiple family members involved. That’s where our attorneys come in.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Selma can help you understand your rights and help you fight for fair compensation.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Negligence?
To prove negligence in an Alabama wrongful death case, you must show that your loved one’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. That means proving the at-fault party had a duty to act safely, failed in that duty, and caused your loved one’s death as a result.
Helpful evidence in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Accident reports from law enforcement or government agencies
- Medical records documenting injuries and the cause of death
- Photos or video footage from the scene of the incident
- Eyewitness statements from people who saw what happened
- Expert testimony to reconstruct events or explain technical details
- Cell phone records, toxicology reports, or employment logs, depending on the case
The stronger your evidence, the harder it is for the other side to deny responsibility. An attorney in Selma, AL can help you gather, protect, and present the right documentation to support your claim.
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I would recommend the Floyd Hunter law firm! The attorneys and staff are good, professional and honest.
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My experience with this law firm has been outstanding. They are highly recommended!
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I highly recommend the Floyd Hunter law firm. Very professional and friendly staff. My experience with them was amazing!!
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I was nervous about calling an attorney, but these lawyers were great. They really worked to make sure I was okay and that everything got taken care of. If you need help, call Floyd Hunter. They really care!!!
We Work on Contingency—You Only Pay If We Win
Hiring a lawyer shouldn’t add more stress during an already painful time. That’s why our Selma wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything upfront.
- Free case review: We’ll listen to your story and let you know if we believe you have a case.
- No hourly fees or retainers: You won’t pay out of pocket to get started.
- We only get paid if you do: Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
This structure allows families to seek justice without worrying about the cost of legal help. We’re here to take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Our Selma Wrongful Death Attorneys
Why Choose Floyd Hunter Injury Law
After a wrongful death, your choice of attorney can make a difference in how your case is handled—and how your family moves forward. At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, we’re committed to providing Selma families with the support, guidance, and legal understanding they need during one of the hardest times of their lives.
Here’s why families trust us:
- Decades of experience handling wrongful death and serious injury cases across Alabama
- Local insight into Selma courts and state laws that can affect your case
- Compassionate support from a team that truly cares about your outcome
- Proven results in securing meaningful financial recovery for grieving families
- No upfront costs—you don’t pay us unless we win your case
We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Let us help you seek justice for your loved one.
Contact us today to learn how we can help with your case.