Birmingham Wrongful Death Attorney

Helping Grieving Families Seek Justice & Fair Compensation

The loss of a loved one is never easy. 

When a person dies due to the wrongful actions of another person, the surviving family members are often left with a variety of overwhelming emotions. Along with the grief of losing a loved one, these family members may now have to deal with the financial burden of funeral expenses, medical bills, and other losses.

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our wrongful death lawyers in Birmingham can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand the pain and suffering you are going through and our goal is to help you obtain the maximum recovery possible.

Call (205) 236-2502 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

What is Considered a Wrongful Death?

In Alabama, wrongful death is a legal claim that arises when a person's death is caused by the wrongful or negligent actions of another individual, company, or entity. 

The purpose of wrongful death laws is to provide compensation to surviving family members for the loss of their loved one and to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Wrongful death claims often arise from:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents
• Defective products
• Property accidents
• Assault/violence

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our wrongful death attorneys in Birmingham handle all types of wrongful death and fatal accident claims. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of bereaved families in Alabama, and now, we're ready to help you. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?

Generally, only the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can bring a wrongful death claim in Alabama. The personal representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members, known as the "distributees." These distributees can include the deceased person's spouse, children, parents, or other dependents.

To succeed in a wrongful death claim in Alabama, it is crucial to establish the following elements:

• Duty of Care: We must demonstrate that the at-fault party owed a duty of care to the deceased, such as the duty to drive safely, provide medical treatment, or maintain a safe premises.
• Breach of Duty: We will show that the at-fault party breached their duty of care through negligence or intentional actions.
• Causation: We must establish a direct link between the at-fault party's actions and the death of your loved one.
• Damages: We will document and quantify the damages suffered by the surviving family members as a result of the wrongful death.

Your Time to File Is Limited

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the deceased person's death. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation, which is why you should waste no time in contacting Mike Slocumb Law Firm.

Compensation for Surviving Family Members

If the wrongful death claim is successful, the court may award damages to the surviving family members. These damages may include compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to the deceased person's final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost wages and future income
• Loss of companionship
• Emotional pain and suffering

It's important to note that, unlike many other states, Alabama follows a contributory negligence system. This means that if the deceased person is found to be partially responsible for their death, even to a small degree, the surviving family members may be barred from recovering any compensation.