Jefferson County Wrongful Death Attorney

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that there was a total of 146,571 people who suffered a wrongful death in 2015. The top causes of wrongful death are attributed to accidental falls, motor vehicle accidents, and “unintentional poisoning.”  When a loved one dies unexpectedly due to the negligence of another party, the surviving family members are left to contend with a multitude of new life stressors. These stressors include the sudden significant loss of wages following the loved one’s death, an immense amount of medical debt from a loved one’s injury, and a severe reduction in quality of life on an emotional level. If a person suffers a wrongful death due to negligence, then their survivors have the right to — and should — pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Jefferson County wrongful death attorney Tommy James has dedicated his career to helping those who have been wrongfully injured or killed. Since opening the doors to his law firm, Tommy has seen a fair share of wrongful death cases. He understands that these cases are very delicate and are never easy experiences. It is Tommy’s goal to take as much stress off your shoulders as possible so you can focus on your family during this difficult time. He has successfully helped clients in Alabama and across the country win millions of dollars in restitution for the wrongful death of a loved one. Whatever the cause of wrongful death, Tommy can help.

Who Is Allowed to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The point of wrongful death lawsuits is to punish and deter.

Generally, the following people can file a wrongful death claim:

• Parents
• Spouses
• Children
• Other family members (aunts, uncles, grandparents etc.)

However, the rules governing who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim vary by state. Alabama Code Title §6-5-410 states that “A personal representative may commence an action and recover such damages as the jury may assess in a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of Alabama.” A personal representative is an official who can speak for the decedent’s estate. The statute of limitations (as of 2018) to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Alabama is two years after the person’s death. Things can get complicated and confusing rather quickly when pursuing a wrongful death claim; it is highly recommended that you seek an experienced attorney for the best chances of a favorable outcome.