Practice Areas
Wrongful Death
Standing with Alabama families after an unnecessary death — and holding those responsible fully accountable.
Overview
They took someone who cannot be replaced.
No lawsuit brings back the person you lost. What the law offers instead is accountability: a public reckoning with the conduct that took a life, and a verdict that punishes it strongly enough to protect the next family.
Alabama’s wrongful death law is unlike any other state’s. Damages under it are exclusively punitive: they exist to punish the wrongdoer and deter others, measured by the wrongfulness of the conduct rather than by economic losses. And the claim can only be brought by the personal representative of the loved one’s estate — a role a family member is typically appointed to fill.
That structure changes how these cases must be built. The evidence that matters most is the evidence of the wrongdoing itself — how preventable the death was, and how indifferent the conduct behind it. Building that record is exactly the kind of preparation this firm exists to do.
What we investigate
Getting to what really happened
A wrongful death case is built on the full story of how the death happened:
- The conduct that caused the death, in complete detail
- Safety rules, standards, and policies that were violated
- Prior incidents and warnings that were ignored
- Every person and company that shares responsibility
- The institutional decisions behind the fatal failure
- The record a jury needs to measure the wrongdoing
How we help
Carrying it with you
Grief is heavy enough. The legal fight is ours to carry:
- Guide the family through appointing a personal representative
- Investigate promptly, before evidence fades or disappears
- Handle the insurers and defense lawyers so your family does not have to
- Prepare the case for trial, where accountability is decided
- Keep you informed with honesty and compassion at every step
The information on this page is general and not legal advice. Every situation is different. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your case.
Common questions
Wrongful Death questions, answered
General answers to what people ask most. Every case is different, and this is not legal advice. For guidance about your situation, please reach out.
What makes Alabama wrongful death law different?
Alabama stands alone: damages in a wrongful death case are punitive only. They are measured by the wrongfulness of the defendant’s conduct — to punish it and deter others — rather than by the family’s economic losses. That makes proving the full story of the wrongdoing the heart of the case.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may bring the claim (for a child’s death, Alabama law also allows a parent to sue within the first six months). A family member is typically appointed personal representative through the probate court, and we guide families through that process.
How long does the family have to bring the claim?
Generally two years from the date of death, and unlike most deadlines this one is treated as part of the right itself, which makes it especially unforgiving. Talk to a lawyer well before the deadline approaches.
Who receives what is recovered?
Recoveries in Alabama wrongful death cases pass directly to the heirs under the laws of intestate distribution — not through the estate — which means they are generally not subject to the deceased’s debts. We explain how this applies to your family’s specific situation before any decisions are made.
Free, confidential consultation
Talk to a lawyer who will listen
Tell us what happened. We will review your situation and give you an honest read on your options, with no obligation.