Northport Wrongful Death Lawyers
Compassionate, strong representation when Alabama accidents are fatal
There’s no greater tragedy than losing a loved one when their death was preventable. At Prince Glover Hayes, we hold individuals, businesses, and others accountable when their unconscionable conduct causes the death of a loved one. Our Tuscaloosa County wrongful death lawyers have helped many families obtain recoveries when accidents caused the death of their family member. These recoveries include the following:
- $7 million when an 18-wheeler truck accident (due to driver distraction) caused the wrongful death of our client
- $6 million in a railroad wrongful death settlement
- $3.8 million in a wrongful death settlement
- $1.75 million in a medical malpractice case involving the improper transport of a patient (who failed to receive the proper level of oxygen)
- $1.6 million in a wrongful death settlement
While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, a strong verdict or settlement can hold the wrongdoers accountable and give families a chance to move forward.
How can we help
- Why do clients choose Prince Glover Hayes to handle wrongful death claims in Northport, Alabama?
- What is an Alabama wrongful death claim?
- What types of wrongful death claims do you handle in Northport, AL?
- What is the value of a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
- What are the challenges in filing a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
- Do you have a Northport, AL, wrongful death lawyer near me?
Why do clients choose Prince Glover Hayes to handle wrongful death claims in Northport, Alabama?
Prince Glover Hayes has been fighting for the families of loved ones who die in accidents since 1979. We understand the unique legal, personal, and practical challenges involved in handling wrongful death claims. We represent families of loved ones when the person who dies is a newborn, infant, minor child, adult, or senior.
Our lawyers understand how to investigate wrongful death cases, show what happened, and identify who is responsible for the death of your family member. Our Northport wrongful death lawyers work with the police, investigators, traffic reconstruction experts, product safety experts, building code officials, fire officials, and many other experts.
What is an Alabama wrongful death claim?
In Alabama, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit (on behalf of a minor or an adult) against a responsible defendant for negligent acts (or omissions) if the decedent could have filed a personal injury action if they had lived.
You must file a wrongful death action within two years from the date of the family member’s death. Please note that in claims against the state of Alabama (or an Alabama entity or agency), you generally must provide prompt notice that an accident they may be responsible for resulted in the death of your loved one.
We strongly recommend that you contact us as soon as possible. Since your loved one cannot testify, due to their death, we need to work with other witnesses to prove fault, while the memories of those witnesses are fresh.
Who can file a Northport, Alabama, wrongful death claim?
Only the personal representative of your loved one’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. The personal representative is either the executor (the person your loved one’s last will and testament designates) or an administrator (someone the court approves to handle the estate). We can explain if any exceptions as to who can file the wrongful death claim apply.
Which family members can receive wrongful death compensation?
Alabama distributes the wrongful death recovery in accordance with the intestate laws of Alabama, regardless of whether the decedent had a will. Generally, the beneficiaries are the spouse and children. In some cases, parents or siblings may receive a share of the wrongful death recovery.
What types of wrongful death claims do you handle in Northport, AL?
Prince Glover Hayes represents families when the following types of accidents, among others, cause the death of your loved one:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Accidents due to defective products (including electronic products, home appliances, work equipment, drugs, vehicle parts, and products designed for infants and children)
- Mass torts
- Construction accidents
- Environmental claims
- Workplace accidents
What is the value of a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
Unlike other states that focus on the loss of financial support and personal support your loved one would have provided, Alabama focuses on punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the family members. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoers and to deter them from similar types of negligence. The family does receive the punitive damage award. While Alabama normally caps punitive damages in personal injury cases, the punitive damage cap does not apply in wrongful death cases.
What are the challenges in filing a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
Testimony of witnesses
As we discussed above, we need to work with independent witnesses to show who caused your accident since your loved one has passed away. These witnesses include expert witnesses, eyewitnesses, and anyone who has any information about the death of your loved one. We thoroughly question the defendants and all the witnesses.
Our Northport wrongful death lawyers also work to examine any physical evidence that may help prove fault. These types of evidence may include mobile phone records (to show driver distraction), electronic driving logs, black boxes, product safety reviews, recall notices, reports of prior complaints (such as reports about dangerous conditions at a premises location), and reports of building code or fire violations.
We can explain if and when the responsible parties can (or cannot) testify, since your loved one cannot testify.
Criminal prosecutions
There is NO requirement that the local, state, or federal prosecutors file criminal charges against a defendant. If prosecutors do file criminal charges, such as drunk driving charges, we coordinate your civil claim with these criminal charges.
Do you have a Northport, AL, wrongful death lawyer near me?
Yes. We meet clients who live in the Northport region at our offices located at 2311 University Boulevard, Suite A, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. We also consult with families by phone and through online conference calls.
We’re prepared to answer your questions and guide you through the claims process.
Contact our Northport, Alabama, wrongful death lawyers today
We understand how traumatic losing a loved one is. We respect your need to mourn your family member. At Prince Glover Hayes, we want to take the time to hear about your loved one. We also want to take the time to hold those responsible for your loved one’s death accountable. Please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Lake View, Moundville, Holt, and the surrounding areas from our Tuscaloosa office.