Greene County Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is a profoundly painful experience, particularly when it stems from someone else's negligence or wrongful actions. At Krebs Law, we understand the emotional and financial burden that such a loss can place on a family.

Our Greene County wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping families during these difficult times. We offer compassionate legal support while tirelessly advocating for your rights and the memory of your loved one.

Winning a wrongful death claim requires legal expertise, sensitivity, and understanding. Our firm is committed to providing both, ensuring that your family receives personalized attention as we handle the legal issues of your case.

We work to hold responsible parties accountable and recover the financial support you need to move forward. Learn more about wrongful death cases below. Then, contact our wrongful death firm to schedule a free case consultation.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death happens when a person dies due to the negligence of another entity or person. In legal terms, these claims are brought forward when a death would have led to a personal injury lawsuit if the individual had lived. This means that the same grounds required for a personal injury case—such as negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm—are also necessary for a wrongful death claim.

Families may pursue compensation for their losses, including funeral and burial costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.

The complexity of a wrongful death case can vary depending on the details surrounding the incident. For a death to be considered "wrongful," there must be a clear connection between the defendant's actions and the incident that caused the death.

Our Greene County wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience establishing this connection and demonstrating to courts the profound impact of the loss on the family. Understanding these legal nuances is crucial for the success of a wrongful death claim.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Below are the common causes of a wrongful death:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents. These are among the most common causes of wrongful deaths. Whether involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles, negligence such as speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving often leads to fatal outcomes. Car accidents lead to countless wrongful deaths every year.
• Medical Malpractice. Deaths resulting from medical errors, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or failure to treat are cases of medical malpractice. These require proving that the healthcare provider deviated from standard medical practices.
• Workplace Accidents. Fatal accidents can occur in workplaces, especially in industries like construction or manufacturing. These cases often involve negligence in maintaining safety protocols.
• Product Liability. Defective or dangerous products can cause death, whether from faulty electrical appliances, toxic materials, or improperly designed vehicles. Manufacturers can be held responsible if their product is proven to be unsafe.
• Criminal Acts. Intentional acts such as violence or homicide that result in death can also lead to wrongful death claims. These cases require coordination with criminal prosecutions.

Who Can Submit a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?

In Alabama, the right to file a wrongful death claim is typically reserved for immediate family members. This often includes spouses, children, or parents of unmarried children. These family members can seek damages for their loss's emotional and financial impact. It's important to understand that each state has different laws regarding who can file these claims.

Alabama's wrongful death statutes are unique in that they focus more on punishing the wrongdoer and deterring similar actions rather than simply compensating for financial losses.

As such, damages awarded in these cases are often punitive. This distinction underscores the importance of having knowledgeable wrongful death attorneys who are familiar with state-specific laws to effectively handle your case.

Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case

To prove liability in a wrongful death case, you must establish four key elements:

Duty of Care

The defendant had a duty to act or refrain from acting in a way that would not harm the deceased.

Breach of Duty

The defendant failed to meet that duty of care through negligence or wrongful actions.

Causation

This breach of duty directly caused the accident or condition that led to the death of your loved one.

Damages

The death resulted in quantifiable damages, such as medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship, which the legal process can address.

Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims

Below are the compensation available in a wrongful death claim:

• Funeral and Burial Costs. Compensation typically covers the expenses associated with funerals and burial.
• Lost Wages and Benefits. This covers the earnings the individual would have provided if they had lived.
• Medical Costs. These are expenses for the medical care the deceased received due to the injuries before their death.
• Loss of Companionship. Compensation for the emotional loss experienced by the surviving family members.
• Pain and Suffering. In some situations, compensation can be pursued for the pre-death pain and suffering of the deceased.
• Punitive Damages. Particularly in Alabama, these are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct.
• Loss of Inheritance. Reflects the loss of what the deceased would have saved and left to surviving family members if they had lived a normal expected lifespan.

The Legal Process for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Below is the legal process followed for filing a wrongful deaht lawsuit:

• Consult a wrongful death attorney. Discuss your case to understand your legal options.
• Investigation. Your lawyer will collect evidence related to the wrongful death, including medical records and witness statements.
• File a lawsuit. If a settlement is not reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
• Discovery. Both sides exchange information and investigate the strengths and weaknesses of the case.
• Mediation and negotiation. Before trial, there is an opportunity to mediate and negotiate a settlement.
• Trial. If a settlement is not agreed upon, the case will go to trial, where a jury will determine liability and damages.
• Collection. Once a verdict is awarded, steps are taken to collect the judgment. We help our clients during every step of the process.

Challenges We Need To Overcome To Win Your Case

Winning a wrongful death lawsuit involves overcoming significant challenges. One of the primary hurdles is proving the direct link between the defendant's actions and the death of your loved one. We also must counter strong defenses from opposing legal teams and insurance companies who often attempt to minimize their financial responsibility.

Our skilled wrongful death lawyers are adept at navigating these challenges, using strategic evidence gathering and expert testimony to build a compelling case.

How a Greene County Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

A wrongful death lawyer can be very helpful for your wrongful death lawsuit. Below are some of their invaluable contribution:

• Expert Legal Guidance. Our wrongful death lawyers provide expert legal guidance during the entire process, ensuring you understand every step.
• Evidence Collection. We meticulously gather and analyze evidence, from accident reports to medical records, to support your claim.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies. Our experienced lawyers handle all negotiations with insurance companies to seek the maximum compensation possible.
• Court Representation. If your case goes to trial, our lawyers offer robust representation in court, advocating fiercely on your behalf.
• Emotional Support. We provide compassionate support to help you cope with the emotional aspects of your case and understand the personal impact of your loss.

Contact Our Greene County Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you believe someone else's negligence or wrongdoing caused your loved one's death, Krebs Law is ready to help you. Our Greene County wrongful death lawyers are ready to help you review your rights and weigh your legal options. We are dedicated to helping you win justice and fair compensation. A wrongful death action is challenging, but each victim's death should be investigated.

Losing a family member is incredibly difficult, but you don't have to face the legal aftermath alone. Call now to schedule your free consultation.