Montgomery Wrongful Death Lawyer
At Mezrano® Injury Lawyers, we know that losing a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming for families. Not only are you dealing with the emotional impact of your loss, but you are also likely facing financial stress and confusing insurance paperwork.
Our Montgomery wrongful death lawyers are here to support you and help your family seek justice for what happened. Alabama handles wrongful death differently from other states by only allowing punitive damages meant to punish the responsible party instead of compensating you for financial losses. Our River Region team will explain everything clearly, help you assess your legal options, and provide personalized care during this challenging time.
Let our family take care of yours. Call 205-537-0112 or connect with us through our online form to schedule a free consultation.
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Why Choose Mezrano® Injury Lawyers to Represent You After Losing a Loved One?
With over 75 years of combined experience, our attorneys combine aggressive litigation with intentional, structured client care to reach the best possible case outcomes. Here’s why Montgomery families trust us with their legal needs:
- Case preparation: During our investigations, we leave no stone unturned. We gather vital evidence to strengthen your claim, giving us more leverage during settlement negotiations.
- Trial-ready attorneys: Our attorneys are not afraid to take cases to trial when insurers refuse to make a fair offer. We’ll go the distance to secure the compensation your family deserves.
- Integrity over speed: We don’t rush cases. We build them. Rather than settling claims quickly and moving on to the next, we focus on maximizing your recovery, even when it takes longer.
- NO WIN = NO FEE representation: We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost to hire us, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Testimonials From Our Montgomery Clients
We measure our success by the impact we have on our clients and their lives, not just numbers. This means we give each client real individual attention and treat them with compassion and respect. Here’s what some of our clients have shared about working with us:
I truly cannot thank the team at Mezrano enough. I want to especially give a shout-out to Aimee! She is so personable and professional, which is definitely something I value as a client. I felt like I was in good hands.
– Raegan Babb
I am so thankful for the attorneys and staff at Mezrano. Everyone I spoke with was so polite, informative, and extremely responsive whenever I had a question. Mr. Ritchey and Daniela handled my case so swiftly and efficiently for me. I would definitely recommend them to anyone that needs an attorney.
– Stephanie Mauldin
Results We’ve Secured in Fatal Injury Cases
At Mezrano® Injury Lawyers, we win because we care. We know our clients are going through some of the toughest times in their lives, and we fight for the maximum compensation available that can help them rebuild. Examples of our case results include:
Meet Our Attorneys
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Montgomery?
Under Alabama law, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. A personal representative, often called an executor or administrator, is officially appointed by the probate court. If the deceased left a will, they usually name this person. However, if there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator, typically prioritizing a surviving spouse or next of kin.
There is an important exception for grieving families who lose a child. If the deceased was a minor under the age of 19, the parents have a six-month window from the date of death to file the claim. If they do not act within six months, the estate’s personal representative must file instead.
We understand this can feel confusing, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a devastating loss. Our team offers free and confidential consultations to explain this process, help you understand your legal rights, and walk you through your options.
What Compensation Is Available in an Alabama Wrongful Death Case?
Unlike most states, Alabama courts only award punitive damages in wrongful death cases. The law focuses entirely on punishment for the wrongful act and preventing future tragedies, rather than compensating for financial losses.
This means that economic losses, such as funeral costs and lost income, are not individually recoverable in the claim. Punitive damages are based on the type of conduct or wrongdoing that led to your loved one’s death, so presenting a clear picture of what happened is essential.
The law does provide a crucial safeguard for families who have lost a loved one. According to Alabama’s intestacy laws, any financial recovery obtained through the lawsuit passes directly to the legal heirs. The funds do not go into the general estate, so they are protected from the estate’s creditors.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?
Under Alabama’s personal injury statute of limitations for wrongful death, you have two years from the date of the death to file a legal claim. Missing this two-year deadline means permanently losing your right to compensation, with some rare exceptions.
While two years may seem like a long time, it’s important to take early action to avoid missing the deadline and losing crucial evidence that can fade or disappear. Giving your legal team time to investigate can help preserve time-sensitive evidence and protect your family’s rights.
Is Alabama a Contributory Negligence State for Wrongful Death Claims?
Alabama follows a strict legal rule known as contributory negligence. Under this law, if a defense team can prove that your loved one contributed to the accident in any way, even just 1%, the court must dismiss the claim entirely.
Because this rule is so harsh, insurance companies may try to assign blame to victims in fatal accidents. The person who passed away cannot share their perspective, so insurers may use their absence to shift responsibility away from themselves and unfairly deny claims.
Our Montgomery injury lawyers are unapologetically thorough with our investigations and case preparation. Having a strong case with clear evidence can prevent unfair blaming and protect your family’s right to justice and compensation.
Where Do Fatal Accidents Occur in Montgomery, Alabama?
While fatal accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, many tragic losses are the result of a car accident, truck crash, or other type of traffic accident. In Montgomery, high-volume roadways and congested intersections see the highest rates of severe collisions, including:
- I-65 / I-85 interchange: Merging traffic, sudden lane changes, and high speeds make this central hub highly susceptible to severe collisions.
- US-80 / Eastern Boulevard: Heavy traffic and rapid commercial development can create bottlenecks, resulting in dangerous multi-vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
- US-231 (Troy Highway): High speed limits, combined with heavy commuter traffic to and from outer residential areas, can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Taylor Road Corridors: High-traffic intersections along this stretch, particularly at Vaughn Road and the I-85 exits, experience severe collisions.
Whether you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle crash, slip and fall accident, medical malpractice incident, or other preventable accident, our team can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if No One Has Been Named Personal Representative Yet?
You can still begin the legal process, but a petition must be filed in the probate court to officially appoint an administrator before the wrongful death lawsuit can be formally initiated. If the deceased was a minor, parents have a six-month window to file directly without waiting for this appointment.
Can We Still File if the At-Fault Driver Was Never Criminally Charged?
Yes. Wrongful death lawsuits are handled in civil court, which operates independently of the criminal justice system. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases, meaning you can pursue accountability and damages even if the driver faced no criminal charges or was acquitted.
What if the Insurance Company Already Offered a Settlement?
You are under no obligation to accept an initial offer from the insurance company, which is often a low estimate. Accepting a settlement permanently waives your family’s right to pursue further legal action or seek additional recovery, so it’s often in your best interest to seek legal guidance. An attorney can review any paperwork before signing to make sure the offer accurately reflects your claim’s value.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Mezrano® Injury Lawyers?
There is no upfront cost to hire our wrongful death attorneys. Because we work on a contingency basis, you only pay if we secure compensation for your claim, and our fee is paid as a percentage of the final amount. This means you never pay out of pocket, and there is no financial risk to start your claim.
Contact an Experienced Montgomery Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
When you need an experienced and dedicated legal advocate after the loss of a loved one, Mezrano® Injury Lawyers is the law firm you can count on. With a commitment to conducting thorough investigations and preparing for trial, we relentlessly pursue justice and take the time needed to achieve better outcomes for our clients. Call 205-537-0112 or contact us online to schedule your free and confidential case review.
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