Wrongful Death Attorneys in Guntersville

Few things are more painful in life than the loss of a loved one. For many people, the pain is multiplied when they realize that their loved one’s death could have been prevented if someone else had been more careful and less negligent. While legal action cannot bring back a friend or family member, it can help those who survive the decedent get justice and peace of mind.

A wrongful death claim in Alabama allows surviving family members to fight for justice and hold the liable party accountable through a lawsuit. If you’re struggling with the untimely loss of a family member or friend and you’re considering legal action, call Weaver Tidmore at 205-980-6065.

How We Can Help

When you are considering a wrongful death claim in Guntersville, AL, choosing the right attorney is essential. Technically, you do not need an attorney to bring a wrongful death suit against the liable party but hiring an attorney can make the process significantly easier and increase your chances of success.

The process of filing a wrongful death suit is complicated and time-consuming in the best of times, and the time following a loved one’s death is certainly in that category. Under these circumstances, trying to figure out legal procedures can be even more challenging. It is easy to miss deadlines, fail to provide the necessary evidence, or otherwise present a weak case.

The team at Weaver Tidmore knows the pain you are going through, and we know that getting justice can go a long way in the healing process. Your family is your top priority during this painful time, and our goal is to handle the legal side of the process while you heal. The last thing you need right now is a pushy call from an insurance company attempting to convince you to accept a low settlement.

When a wrongful death claim is on the table, you have to consider every settlement offer carefully. It is rare that an insurance company’s first offer is fair, so it is important to work with an attorney with strong negotiating skills. Choose an attorney who you trust to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve; and when it’s appropriate, to take your case to court if the insurance company is not negotiating in good faith.

Through a thorough investigation and analysis of the evidence, we’ll get as much information as we can about the accident and use it to guide our case. This is one of the most important reasons to hire a wrongful death attorney in Guntersville. For surviving loved ones, getting into the details of a loved one’s death can be extremely painful and traumatizing. Leaving it to the professionals allows you to maintain the distance you need for your mental health.

Causes of Wrongful Death Claims in Alabama

Any accident that leads to death could produce a wrongful death claim. Claims may be brought against any individual or party that acts negligently or maliciously. Some causes that commonly come up in wrongful death cases include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Deaths caused by medications with fatal side effects
• Slip and fall cases
• Workplace injuries
• Diseases caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals or compounds
• Medical malpractice leading to the death of an individual
• Animal attacks leading to a victim’s death
• Defective product claims

Guntersville, AL Wrongful Death Laws

Alabama is unique in its handling of wrongful death claims. In many states, wrongful death claims are an extension of personal injury claims. Surviving family members have to prove damages through medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more.

Alabama, on the other hand, takes a different approach. Wrongful death cases are strictly punitive in nature. This means that the goal is not to compensate the victim. The goal is to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior by others in the future.

A wrongful death claim is entirely separate from criminal charges brought against a wrongdoer. Many people misunderstand this. If the perpetrator is acquitted of charges or doesn’t have charges brought against them, family members may believe that a wrongful death claim is no longer an option. This is not necessarily the case, however. A wrongful death claim may still be an option due to the lower burden of proof required in civil court.

Who Can File Wrongful Death Claims in Alabama?

Again, this is an area where Alabama differs from other states. The surviving family members of the decedent cannot bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the wrongdoer. The administrator of the estate must bring the lawsuit. If the claim is successful, the funds are passed to the personal representative. The personal representative then distributes the funds to the surviving family members.

Unlike other parts of the decedent’s estate, funds recovered as part of a wrongful death case are not used to pay off debts or other liabilities. They are distributed to their heirs at law.

Don’t Wait Any Longer to File a Claim

The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in Alabama is two years. However, it is not recommended that you wait too long to begin your claim. The longer you wait, the more evidence has a tendency to disappear, and the less reliable testimonies become. Furthermore, delays can push your case outside the statute of limitations and leave you without recourse.

The sooner you start a wrongful death claim, the more time your attorney has to develop a strong case and pursue maximum compensation.

Reach Out to Weaver Tidmore Today for Assistance

What you are currently going through may be one of the most difficult times in your life. Don’t take on more than you can handle or try to do this alone. The team at Weaver Tidmore has helped many families in your situation get the support they need and get through the legal process with minimal stress. To learn more about your options, call our office today at 205-980-6065 or reach out to us online. We are here for you during this challenging time.