Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyer
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Losing your loved one suddenly due to another party’s negligence creates an unbearable void that no amount of money can fill.
While we understand that legal action cannot bring back your family member, pursuing justice can provide financial stability during an incredibly difficult time. Contact Mezrano® Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free case review with a reputable Huntsville wrongful death attorney. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and will treat your family with the compassion you deserve.
Why Choose Mezrano® Injury Lawyers as Your Huntsville Wrongful Death Attorneys?
At Mezrano® Injury Lawyers, we have over 75 years of combined experience representing injured individuals and grieving families who lost loved ones in a sudden accident. We understand Alabama wrongful death law, local court systems, and common legal issues that can affect these claims. Combining our experience and resources, we can take the legal burden off your shoulders and relentlessly pursue justice on your behalf.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Huntsville prepare each case as if it will go to trial, using focus groups and proven strategies that other firms may skip. We don’t rush cases. We build them, gathering vital evidence to strengthen your claim and maximize your financial recovery.
While we offer aggressive litigation and trial-readiness, we also focus on intentional, structured client care. You can expect clear communication and compassionate support throughout the process. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Meaningful Outcomes for Our Clients
Our wrongful death attorneys in Huntsville measure our success by the impact we have on our clients, not just numbers. Our goal is to secure meaningful compensation for the people we represent, protecting their futures after a devastating loss. Here are examples of our case results:
- $9 million: Road construction workers placed signs that obstructed our client’s view while exiting her driveway. She was struck by an 18-wheeler and suffered fatal injuries.
- $6 million: A $6 million settlement was recovered for a fatal truck accident.
- $3.1 million: The client was killed instantly after being hit by an impaired driver while parked on the side of the interstate.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?
Alabama law defines wrongful death as a death caused by the wrongful act, omission, or negligence of another party. When someone’s careless or intentional actions lead to a fatal outcome, surviving family members have the right to seek justice through the civil court system.
Proving Negligence or Wrongdoing
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Huntsville, AL?
The Alabama statute of limitations for wrongful death sets a general deadline of two years from the date of the death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline permanently bars your family from seeking justice. Even if you’re unsure whether you have a valid case, consider speaking with our team as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What Damages Can a Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyer Recover for You?
While most states allow families to recover compensatory damages for medical bills, funeral expenses, and emotional pain in a wrongful death claim, Alabama’s wrongful death law only allows for the recovery of punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party and deter others from similar reckless behavior, rather than to compensate the family for financial losses.
Because the focus is on the wrongdoer’s actions, the deceased’s income or medical bills do not affect the recovery amount. Determining what caused the wrongful death and proving the defendant’s direct fault can have a significant impact on the amount awarded.
Additionally, any damages are
Meet Our Attorneys
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Huntsville, Alabama?
In Alabama, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can legally file a wrongful death claim. If the individual passed away without a will, the court will appoint an administrator to fill this role. Typically, this will be a close family member. This differs from other states, where a surviving spouse, child, or parent can file a wrongful death lawsuit directly.
However, there is an important exception for minors. If the deceased was a child under the age of 19, either parent has the priority right to file the claim within six months of the tragedy.
While the personal representative must manage the legal action, any financial recovery is paid directly to the estate’s heirs under intestate succession and is exempt from estate debts.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Huntsville, AL
Wrongful death is often caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions that led to an accident. Examples of what might result in wrongful death in Huntsville include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle collisions involving cars, buses, trucks, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians remain a leading cause of wrongful death lawsuits in Huntsville and Madison County.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can significantly reduce driver reaction times and judgment, endangering everyone on the road. Our attorneys pursue both the drunk driver and potentially liable third parties, such as establishments that overserved alcohol under Alabama’s Dram Shop Act.
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Abuse
Elder abuse and nursing home neglect can lead to fatal consequences through malnutrition, untreated infections, medication errors, or physical injuries from falls. Families trust these facilities to provide proper care for vulnerable loved ones, and when that trust is violated with deadly results, we can hold them accountable.
Workplace Injuries
Fatal workplace accidents occur across various industries, from construction sites to manufacturing facilities in Huntsville’s industrial districts. While workers’ compensation typically covers workplace deaths, some circumstances warrant filing wrongful death claims against third parties or employers who exhibited gross negligence.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When hazardous conditions lead to fatal injuries, they may face wrongful death liability. Common premises liability incidents that cause wrongful death include slip and fall accidents, structural failures, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, and inadequate security leading to violent crimes.
Product Liability
How Insurance Companies Handle Wrongful Death Claims
When handling wrongful death claims, insurance companies often offer lowball initial settlements, hoping the representatives of grieving families will settle quickly rather than take the case to court. Insurers may also stretch timelines and use delay tactics to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
Because of Alabama’s contributory negligence rule, insurers may try to shift blame and question the deceased’s role in the accident. If they can prove your loved one contributed to the accident in any way, the family is legally barred from recovering any damages.
When insurance companies try to shift blame or dispute the severity of the misconduct that led to your loved one’s death, our attorneys have the resources and experience to stand up to powerful insurance companies, protect your rights, and fight for fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
Our Huntsville personal injury lawyers, including our wrongful death attorneys, work on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront legal fees, and we only get paid if we secure a settlement or jury verdict for your case.
What’s the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Criminal Case?
Who Receives Wrongful Death Damages in Alabama?
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take?
Trust Our Experienced Huntsville Wrongful Death Attorneys
Your family shouldn’t face this challenging process alone during such a painful time. Call Mezrano® Injury Lawyers at 205-537-0112 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a caring and compassionate Huntsville wrongful death attorney. We’ll lend an empathetic ear, explain your legal options, and begin fighting for the justice your loved one deserves.
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