Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is devastating, and the financial and emotional toll can feel overwhelming. If your family is facing this tragedy, a wrongful death lawyer in Union Springs can help you pursue justice and seek compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and the pain of losing a loved one. At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, we stand by families during their most difficult times, providing compassionate support while fighting to hold the responsible party accountable. We offer free case reviews and work on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.
Seeking Answers After a Wrongful Death?
Losing a loved one due to negligence or misconduct is devastating. A wrongful death lawyer in Union Springs can help families seek justice and hold the responsible party accountable. With local knowledge of Alabama’s wrongful death laws, an attorney from Floyd Hunter can guide you through your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf.
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 paid a percentage of the final settlement, so you don’t have to pay any upfront fees to get started.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
- Alabama’s Wrongful Death Law Explained
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Union Springs?
- Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
- Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
- How Wrongful Death Settlements Are Paid Out
- How a Union Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You
- Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Union Springs Today
- Related Articles & Info
Our Union Springs Wrongful Death Attorneys
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Alabama law, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought when someone’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions cause another person’s death. Unlike other states, Alabama wrongful death claims focus on punishing the wrongdoer’s conduct rather than compensating the family for financial losses. This means damages are awarded as a way to hold the responsible party accountable and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Examples of negligence that may lead to a wrongful death claim include:
- Car accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving
- Medical negligence, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment
- Reckless conduct, including unsafe property conditions or defective products
- Workplace injuries, such as unsafe working environments or lack of safety measures
- Violent crimes, including assault or other intentional acts of harm
For grieving families, a wrongful death lawsuit can serve as both a legal remedy and a path to justice, ensuring that the person or company responsible for your loved one’s death is held accountable.
Alabama’s Wrongful Death Law Explained
Alabama’s wrongful death laws are unique compared to most other states. If your loved one’s life was taken due to negligence, here are the key things you should know:
- Statute of limitations: Families generally have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Waiting too long could mean losing the right to pursue justice.
- Punitive damages only: Unlike other states, Alabama does not award compensatory damages for wrongful death. Instead, the focus is on punitive damages, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer’s conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Purpose of the law: The goal is not to calculate the family’s financial losses, but rather to send a strong message that reckless or negligent actions leading to death will not be tolerated.
Because of these differences, working with an attorney in Union Springs is especially important. Our team of attorneys is familiar with Alabama’s unique system and can guide your family through the process, build a strong case, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Union Springs?
Not every family member can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Alabama. State law places this responsibility on specific individuals:
- Personal representative of the estate: In most cases, the lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative (executor or administrator) of the decedent’s estate. This representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members.
Because Alabama’s rules are strict and sometimes confusing, having an experienced attorney guide you through the process can help ensure that your family’s rights are protected. A Union Springs wrongful death lawyer can explain who is eligible in your situation and take the legal steps needed to file properly and on time.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
Alabama handles wrongful death damages differently from most other states. Instead of compensating families for their financial losses, Alabama law allows only punitive damages in wrongful death cases. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer’s misconduct and discourage others from engaging in similar reckless or negligent behavior.
When awarding punitive damages, courts may consider factors such as:
- The severity of the misconduct
- Whether the actions showed recklessness or gross negligence
- The need to deter similar wrongdoing in the future
This approach is distinct from other states where wrongful death damages often include compensation for medical bills, lost income, or emotional suffering. In Alabama, the focus is solely on holding the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
While the personal representative files the claim, any damages recovered are distributed to eligible family members. Survivors who may receive benefits include the decedent’s spouse, children, or parents. However, distribution is not automatic—the court directs how the damages are allocated among the legal heirs.
Because these rules can be complex, having an attorney guide you through the process helps ensure that the settlement or verdict is divided fairly and according to state law.
How Wrongful Death Settlements Are Paid Out
The way damages are paid depends on whether the case is resolved through a settlement or a jury verdict at trial. Settlements are often negotiated outside of court, while a jury decides verdicts after trial.
When compensation is awarded, it may be provided in one of two ways:
- Lump sum payment: A single payment made to the beneficiaries.
- Structured payments: A series of scheduled payments over time.
An attorney plays a key role in making sure the payout is handled properly and that beneficiaries receive their fair share. Having a wrongful death lawyer oversee the process can provide peace of mind and prevent disputes during an already difficult time.
How a Union Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You
Filing a wrongful death claim is not only emotionally difficult but also legally complex. A Union Springs wrongful death lawyer can take on the legal burden so that your family can focus on healing. Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Investigating negligence and gathering evidence: Collecting police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Filing within the statute of limitations: Ensuring your claim is submitted within Alabama’s strict 2-year deadline.
- Handling negotiations and litigation against insurance companies: Protecting your family from unfair settlement tactics and pursuing full accountability.
- Representing your family in court, if needed: Presenting your case before a jury to seek justice if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
With dedicated legal representation, your family has an advocate to fight for accountability and guide you through every stage of the process.
Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Union Springs Today
If your family has lost a loved one due to negligence or misconduct, you deserve both support and justice. At Floyd Hunter Injury Law, we provide a free, confidential case review so you can understand your options without added stress. Our firm also works on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis, meaning you will never owe us anything unless we recover compensation for your family.
The sooner you take action, the stronger your case can be. Evidence fades, and deadlines under Alabama law are strict. Don’t wait to protect your family’s rights—contact a wrongful death lawyer in Union Springs today to start the process of seeking accountability and justice for your loved one.
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