Florence Wrongful Death Lawyer
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Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or reckless actions represents one of life’s most devastating experiences. When tragedy strikes and a family member dies because of another party’s wrongful conduct, survivors face overwhelming grief while simultaneously dealing with mounting financial pressures and legal complexities.
At Mezrano® Injury Lawyers, we understand that no amount of money can bring back your beloved family member, but pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide the financial security your family needs. It also holds those responsible accountable for their actions.
If you’ve lost someone dear to you in Florence or the surrounding areas, schedule a free case consultation with our experienced Florence wrongful death lawyers to learn about your legal rights and options.
Why Choose Mezrano® Injury Lawyers for Your Wrongful Death Claim?
Our team at Mezrano® Injury Lawyers has over 75 years of combined experience helping grieving families seek justice after the loss of a loved one. We’re familiar with Alabama wrongful death laws and the legal issues that can arise in these claims. That’s why we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, letting insurers know we’re not afraid to go the distance.
We combine aggressive litigation with intentional, structured client care to guide you through some of the most difficult times. From profound grief to financial stress, we know the hardships a sudden loss can bring, and we’re ready to fight for fair compensation that can help protect your financial stability and future.
Our NO WIN = NO FEE representation means there is no upfront cost to hire us, and you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Connect with us to learn how we might help you.
Proven Case Results
Our attorneys put an emphasis on outcomes, not shortcuts. We have a track record of securing meaningful case results for our clients, including:
- $9 million for a tragic 18-wheeler truck accident
- $6 million for a wrongful death case involving a truck
- $4 million for a fatal accident when a driver ran a red light
- $3.1 million for wrongful death claim involving an impaired driver
- $2 million for a motorcycle rider who was struck and killed by a drunk driver
“Mezrano Law Firm is the best law firm around. They go above and beyond for you ! I would recommend them to anyone who needs an attorney !”
– Lydia Lake
“After three long years, I finally got the settlement I was hoping for, and I owe it all to Jonathon and Nick. Jonathon checked in with me every step of the way, making sure I always knew what was going on. Nick helped me get ready in case we had to go to court and made me feel really at ease about everything. Luckily, it never came to that. I truly appreciate how they handled my case with care and professionalism. I would recommend getting a lawyer like them any time you have to fight with an insurance company! They truly put time and effort into my case.”
– Isabella
“The Mezrano law firm was great! Macy and Bailey were really nice people. They kept me up to date on everything that had to be done.”
– Jeri Woods
Meet Our Attorneys
What Compensation Is Available in a Florence Wrongful Death Case?
Alabama handles wrongful death cases differently from other states. Instead of awarding compensatory damages to cover financial losses, such as medical bills, funeral costs, or lost income, Alabama courts only award punitive damages. This unique system focuses on punishing the wrongdoer’s negligence and deterring others from making the same mistakes, rather than compensating families for economic or non-economic damages.
Compensation depends on the severity of the defendant’s misconduct. As a result, working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Florence who can advocate for your right to recover will help you secure a fair outcome. An attorney will investigate your case to prove exactly how the death happened, demonstrating the full extent of the wrongdoing to help maximize your recovery and secure justice for your family.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
At Mezrano® Injury Lawyers, our legal team has extensive experience that stretches across various practice areas. Our breadth of experience allows us to identify liable parties and build strong cases, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your loss.
From car accidents to nursing home tragedies, wrongful death cases arise from many different types of accidents and incidents in which negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct leads to fatal injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes, truck collisions, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian or cyclist crashes often occur at busy intersections or on high-speed roadways where drivers may be distracted or negligent.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice involves harm caused by surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and hospital negligence. Medical professionals can breach the standard of care, leading to fatal outcomes.
Workplace Accidents
When employers fail to implement proper safety measures or training, fatal injuries can occur on construction sites, during industrial activities, or from exposure to occupational hazards. These incidents can result in severe worker injuries and fatalities that can lead to a wrongful death claim.
Defective Products
Defective product cases involve dangerous goods, faulty medical devices, and recalled items that result in harm to consumers. When products malfunction or are poorly designed and cause a fatal accident or injury, our team can help you hold the manufacturers or distributors accountable.
Premises Liability
Injuries caused by slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, or hazardous property conditions can be dangerous for visitors. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe environments and protect visitors from harm. They can be held liable if they fail to fulfill their legal duty, resulting in a fatal accident.
Nursing Home Abuse
Patient neglect, medication errors, and substandard care in elder care facilities mean vulnerable residents can suffer greatly. When staff fail to provide adequate supervision or assistance, and you lose a loved one as a result, our Florence attorneys are ready to assist.
Regardless of the circumstances of your loved one’s death, we conduct a thorough investigation to determine if negligence played a role in their death and identify all potentially responsible parties. We understand that nothing can bring back your loved one, but holding wrongdoers accountable helps prevent similar tragedies. Our commitment extends beyond individual cases. We want to make our community safer for everyone.
When Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?
You may qualify to file a wrongful death claim in Alabama if a person’s death was caused by someone else’s wrongful act, omission, or negligence. The situation must be one in which, if the person had survived, they would have been legally permitted to file a personal injury lawsuit themselves.
We know this can be confusing, especially while you’re grieving. Our Alabama wrongful death lawyers offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and walk you through your legal options.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?
In Alabama, only the personal representative of the victim’s estate named in the will can file a wrongful death claim. This differs from other states, where family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, can file a wrongful death lawsuit directly.
If the person died without a will, the probate court will appoint a personal representative, also called an administrator, to act on behalf of the estate. While this representative files the paperwork, any compensation recovered goes directly to the victim’s legal heirs, not to the estate’s debts.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florence, Alabama?
Under Alabama’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the person’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you miss this strict deadline, you permanently lose your right to recover compensation.
However, special circumstances or exceptions can change this deadline. For example, claims against a city or county government have much shorter deadlines, sometimes requiring notice within six months. It’s often best to speak with a Florence personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help manage deadlines, gather time-sensitive evidence, and protect your family’s rights.
Fighting Back Against Unfair Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize wrongful death settlements through various tactics designed to pressure grieving families into accepting inadequate compensation. These tactics can include:
- Delaying claim processing to pressure quick settlements
- Disputing the value of lost future earnings
- Questioning the deceased’s role in the family
- Minimizing pain and suffering damages
- Using surveillance to gather information out of context
- Making lowball initial settlement offers
We protect our clients from these harmful practices by handling all communications with insurers and their representatives from the moment we take your case. We refuse to allow insurance companies to take advantage of families during their most vulnerable time. We’re prepared to take cases to trial when insurers don’t offer fair compensation.
Does Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule Impact Wrongful Death Claims?
Yes, Alabama’s strict contributory negligence rule can completely block a wrongful death claim if the deceased person was even 1% at fault for the accident. Because being even slightly at fault prevents the family from recovering any compensation, it’s often in your best interest to work with a lawyer who can prove the other party was entirely responsible and prevent insurance companies from unfairly blaming your loved one for what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alabama Allow Compensatory Damages in Wrongful Death Cases?
No, Alabama is unique and does not allow compensatory damages for financial losses or emotional pain in wrongful death cases. Instead, state law only awards punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and prevent future tragedies.
How Much Does a Florence Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
Our wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and you do not pay any fees unless we win your case. We remove the financial risk of filing a lawsuit, so you can pursue justice for your loved one without paying out-of-pocket.
Who Receives Wrongful Death Damages in Alabama?
Even though the personal representative files the wrongful death lawsuit, any money recovered goes directly to the victim’s legal heirs according to state inheritance laws. These funds are distributed directly to the family and do not need to be used to pay off the deceased’s debts or medical bills.
Can a Wrongful Death Case Settle Without Going to Trial?
Yes, many wrongful death cases are resolved through private settlements between the family and the insurance company without ever stepping into a courtroom. However, our dedicated attorneys always prepare for trial to ensure the insurance company takes your loss seriously.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take?
The timeline for wrongful death claims varies, ranging from a few months to several years. It will depend on the unique details of your case and whether the insurance company makes a fair offer or the case requires a full court trial. Connect with our wrongful death attorneys in Florence to discuss your case and what you can expect during the legal process.
Consult Our Trusted Florence Wrongful Death Lawyers
No family should have to face the aftermath of a wrongful death alone, and our legal team at Mezrano® Injury Lawyers is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during these difficult times.
Call 205-537-0112 or fill out our contact form to speak to a qualified Florence wrongful death attorney and learn how we can help your family move forward.
No Fee Unless We Win. Period.
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Shaun P
Mezrano Law Firm is truly top-notch! The team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about my case from start to finish.
So thankful for Bailey at Mezrano Law, very very helpful!!!
Xochilth Orellana
Si necesitas un abogado que atienda tus necesidades legales, no busques mas llama a Mezrano