The grief and loss you feel after losing a beloved family member in an untimely accident is overwhelming, and you have our deepest sympathies. At Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC, we know that when your loved one passes away due to another party’s negligence, those feelings of grief are joined by anger and a desire for justice. You may have a hard time processing criminal charges against the liable party, especially if it’s a monolith like a healthcare facility or a consumer goods manufacturer. However, just because you may not see justice in the criminal system doesn’t mean that holding that party accountable is out of reach. A Vestavia Hills, AL, wrongful death lawyer can tell you more.
Wrongful death refers to the death of someone who passed away due to the negligence of another party. If your loved one’s accident was caused because another party abandoned the proper duty of care for their safety, then you have the right to bring a lawsuit against them, demanding compensation for your losses. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.
A Vestavia Hills Wrongful Death Lawyer Works For You
We know that the furthest thing from your mind as you’re planning your loved one’s funeral and burial is “let’s file a lawsuit,” but it’s a question that you should consider, and soon. You only have two years to file a wrongful death suit in Alabama. Fortunately, when you work with our attorneys, you don’t have to handle the stress of the legal filing or even communicating with the other party. We will be your primary point of contact, your legal advocate, and prepare your case, based on solid evidence and our deep knowledge of Alabama personal injury laws.
We prove negligence on the part of the entity that caused your loved one’s death or contributed to or created circumstances where the accident was likely. This could be another person, such as in the case of a fatal car accident or an assault, or an entity, such as a healthcare provider or a consumer products manufacturer. Our goal is securing compensation for all your losses, economic and non-economic.
Getting Compensation And Closure After A Wrongful Death
We know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back and that discussing their death in terms of dollars and cents can feel uncomfortable. However, we also know that bringing a civil suit may be the only way that you can hold that party accountable and shine a light on their negligent actions and oversight.
A wrongful death lawsuit can cover the cost of your loved one’s burial and funeral costs, as well as any medical bills they had before they passed away. There is also consideration for the loss of economic contribution to your household. You can also demand compensation for the trauma and suffering of your loss, plus loss of companionship, consortium, and guidance.
Do You Need Help Getting A Fair Wrongful Settlement?
If you lost a loved one because another party was negligent and failed to fulfill their duty of care for their safety, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The attorneys at Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC, have a strong track record of success litigating these types of claims. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Vestavia Hills wrongful death lawyer.
Common Misunderstandings About Wrongful Death Claims
Our Vestavia Hills, AL wrongful death lawyer knows that when it comes to legal matters surrounding wrongful death, there are many misconceptions that can create confusion. We believe that clarifying these misunderstandings helps individuals make informed decisions about their legal rights. Below, we’ll address some of the most frequent misconceptions straightforwardly to provide a better understanding of the process and its purpose.
Legal Action Is Only About Financial Gain
One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that wrongful death cases are solely about seeking monetary awards. While financial recovery is a key aspect of these cases, the purpose extends beyond that. Families pursue legal action to hold responsible parties accountable and to prevent similar incidents in the future. It’s about seeking justice and closure for the harm caused to a loved one, not just a financial settlement.
Only Immediate Family Members Can File
Another common misunderstanding is the assumption that only immediate family members, such as spouses or children, can bring a claim. While these individuals often have the legal right to do so, certain other relatives or others may also have standing, depending on state laws. This is an important point to clarify, as eligibility varies and should be reviewed carefully.
There Is Unlimited Time To File
A frequent mistake people make is assuming there is no deadline to initiate legal proceedings. In reality, wrongful death claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which differ by state. This means there is a specific timeframe within which legal action must be taken. Acting promptly is critical to preserving the opportunity to seek justice and avoid losing the right to pursue a case.
Insurance Will Automatically Cover Everything
Many people believe that insurance policies will automatically provide full coverage for a wrongful death. However, insurance companies often seek to deny or minimize payouts, and coverage limits may not account for all damages. Policies may not address non-economic losses, such as emotional suffering or the loss of companionship. Legal representation from our experienced Vestavia Hills wrongful death lawyer is often necessary to ensure that all aspects of a claim are properly considered.
Criminal Charges Are Required To File
There is a misconception that a wrongful death claim requires criminal charges to have been filed against the responsible party. These are civil cases, which are entirely separate from criminal proceedings. A wrongful death case focuses on proving liability and damages in a civil court, not criminal guilt. This distinction allows families to seek justice even if no criminal charges are pursued.
All Cases End With A Trial
Many individuals assume that every wrongful death case will end up in a courtroom. In reality, a significant number of these cases are resolved through settlements outside of court. While trials can occur, they are not the only path to resolution. Settlements provide an alternative that may save time and emotional strain for all parties involved.
Contact Us Today
Ay Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC, our award-winning team recognizes how overwhelming and emotionally charged these situations can be. That’s why our Vestavia Hills wrongful death lawyers are here to provide straightforward guidance and dedicated support every step of the way. If you’re unsure about your legal options, contact us today for a free case evaluation. Together, we can explore your circumstances and work toward achieving the resolution and compensation you and your family deserve.
