Tuskegee family mourns loved one while standing over a coffin decorated with flowers and a folded flag.

Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Accident?

The civil legal system allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who was injured by another party’s negligence or recklessness. To see if you could receive compensation, contact our Tuskegee wrongful death lawyers today for a free case review.

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Your Wrongful Death Lawyer in Tuskegee, AL

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Tuskegee, the grief may feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to find the path forward. Fortunately, Alabama law allows surviving family members to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Nearly any type of fatal accident, from workplace injuries and defective products to car wrecks and violent crimes, can result in a wrongful death claim. While money cannot replace part of your family, it can help to provide closure and a sense of security as you begin to move forward.

At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, we have over 80 years of combined experience helping local families find justice. Contact our team today to see if we can help you recover a verdict or settlement that allows your family to focus on healing.

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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.

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What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to pursue justice and seek financial compensation on behalf of their loved one. If a person or company causes a fatal accident through their actions or omissions, they can be held liable in civil court.

In Alabama, wrongful death lawsuits focus on punishing the wrongdoer, rather than compensating relatives for financial and emotional losses. The goal is to send a powerful message that negligent or reckless behavior will not go unpunished.

How Do Wrongful Death Laws Work in Alabama?

Wrongful death claims in Tuskegee are governed by Alabama Code § 6-5-410. This law describes who can file a claim, what damages can be recovered, and how long families have to file a lawsuit in civil court.

Under Alabama law, only the personal representative of the decedent’s estate has the authority to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This person is often the executor of the will and must be appointed by the probate court. The personal representative is responsible for filing the lawsuit and ensuring that any funds are properly distributed to the decedent’s heirs. A personal representative must be appointed before a wrongful death case can be filed.

Alabama’s wrongful death laws are unique because families may only recover punitive damages. Most states allow surviving relatives to seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and emotional trauma. However, in Alabama, damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer exclusively while deterring similar behavior in the future. Total damages are typically based on the severity of the defendant’s conduct, their financial resources, and whether they had a history of similar wrongdoing.

In general, wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of death. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation. Claims against government entities are often subject to shorter deadlines. The sooner you contact a Tuskegee wrongful death lawyer, the sooner we can start building your case.

Types of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle

At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, our experienced legal team has represented families in Tuskegee and surrounding parts of Macon County in all types of wrongful death cases, including the following.

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
  • Workplace and construction accidents
  • Medical negligence or malpractice
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Defective or dangerous products
  • Premises liability and unsafe property conditions
  • Assault and criminal acts resulting in death

What to Expect When You Choose Floyd Hunter Injury Law

At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, we have over 80 years of combined experience helping families achieve justice after serious accidents and fatal injuries. If you choose us to handle your case, you’re not just hiring a wrongful death lawyer. You’re getting an entire team of professionals who will work together to build the strongest possible case. Here’s what our Tuskegee wrongful death attorneys have to offer:

  • Compassionate legal guidance and personal attention
  • Resources needed to fully investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death
  • In-depth knowledge of Alabama’s wrongful death laws and contributory negligence rules
  • Aggressive representation in settlement negotiations and in the courtroom
  • Regular updates and open communication throughout your case
  • Proven results handling wrongful death claims in Tuskegee and central Alabama

We know how deeply grief affects families, especially when the loss was unexpected and preventable. Our team will manage every aspect of your claim and handle all communications with the other side so that you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one.

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Elements of Proof in Tuskegee Wrongful Death Cases

Building a successful wrongful death lawsuit is similar to other personal injury claims that are based on the legal doctrine of negligence. To hold the other party responsible, your wrongful death attorney must prove the following 4 elements by a preponderance of the evidence.

  1. Duty of Care: Your attorney must show that the defendant had a legal duty to act in a reasonably careful manner to ensure the decedent’s well-being.
  2. Breach of Duty: Next, your attorney must show that the defendant failed to meet the duty of care due to their actions, inactions, or intentional wrongdoing.
  3. Causation: The third step involves creating a direct link between the defendant’s actions and the decedent’s injuries.
  4. Death and Punitive Justification: Finally, your attorney must show that the defendant’s behavior is sufficiently negligent to warrant financial punishment for causing the wrongful death.

Helpful Evidence

Evidence can make or break your wrongful death claim. Once we accept your case, our legal team will start gathering and analyzing all available evidence. The following records may help to strengthen your case and help you recover fair compensation.

  • Police and accident reports
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Testimony from industry experts
  • Medical records
  • Photos and videos
  • Employment records
  • Maintenance logs
  • Evidence of previous misconduct by the defendant

Contact a Tuskegee Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, don’t wait to seek justice. The experienced team at Floyd Hunter Injury Law is ready to stand by your side.

Contact our office, or complete our online intake form to schedule a free consultation with a Tuskegee wrongful death lawyer. We’re here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and hold all responsible parties fully accountable under Alabama law.

Our Tuskegee Wrongful Death Attorneys

Attorney Steve Floyd Headshot

Attorney Steven P. Floyd

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Attorney Jeff Hunter Headshot - Floyd Hunter Injury Law

Attorney Jeffrey G. Hunter

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Attorney Michael White Headshot - Floyd Hunter Injury Law

Attorney Michael L. White

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Tuskegee Wrongful Death FAQs

At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, it doesn’t cost anything upfront to hire a lawyer for your wrongful death case. We use a contingency fee structure, which means that you don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

No. You can file a wrongful death lawsuit for assault and intentional torts even if criminal charges are pending or the case has been dismissed. Civil lawsuits are completely separate from criminal charges that are handled by prosecutors. Civil claims give you an opportunity to hold the at-fault party financially responsible for their actions. Additionally, civil cases must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence, which is lower than the standard of reasonable doubt used in criminal cases.

If your wrongful death lawsuit is successful, compensation will be distributed according to Alabama’s rules of intestate succession. This means the money will be distributed to the decedent’s spouse, children, and heirs as if the person did not have a will. Compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit does not go through the decedent’s estate and is not subject to claims from your loved one’s creditors.

Many wrongful death cases settle out of court after negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, if the company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our Tuskegee wrongful death attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to fight for justice for your family.

In Alabama, you generally have 2 years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If the wrongful death was caused by a government entity, you may have a limited amount of time to provide advance notice of your intent to sue. Speak to a Tuskegee wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

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Connect with us at Floyd Hunter! By entering your phone number and submitting your information, you consent to receiving marketing communications via phone calls and SMS text messages from Floyd Hunter and/or our associated partners, using an Automated Telephone Dialing System (ATDS). Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out of text messages at any time by texting STOP. By clicking Submit, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Please be sure to review our Privacy Policy.

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