Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyer

This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by JR Krebs following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. JR Krebs, the Founding Partner, has years of legal experience as a Personal Injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Written By: JR Krebs | Published Date: October 31, 2025
Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one because of someone else's negligence is a deeply painful experience. At Krebs Law, our Huntsville wrongful death lawyers understand this grief. Unfortunately, the CDC reports that unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death nationwide, including here in Alabama. Beyond the emotional pain, families often struggle with medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income.

We believe families deserve justice, closure, and financial stability. Our attorneys help surviving loved ones hold negligent parties accountable under Alabama law. We help North Alabama families through many difficult situations, including car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and workplace accidents. Our goal is to guide you through this painful journey with compassion and strength.

Our Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyer Fights for Your Family’s Rights

At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we know that filing a wrongful death claim is one of the hardest decisions a family can make. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, holding the responsible party accountable is a vital step toward healing. Under Code of Alabama § 6-5-410, families have the right to seek damages when a death is caused by negligence or wrongful acts.

Our goal is to uncover the truth and hold all negligent parties accountable, whether they are drivers, employers, manufacturers, or property owners. To do this, we handle every part of the legal process. This includes gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and managing court filings. We help families pursue justice while easing the stress of the recovery process. Our commitment is to protect your rights, secure fair compensation, and help your family move forward with dignity and peace of mind.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle

A wrongful death claim happens when someone dies because of another person’s careless or intentional actions. At Krebs Law, we handle complex personal injury cases with compassion and determination. Our attorneys have helped many families in Huntsville and North Alabama seek justice after a devastating loss. We know how to build strong cases and gather the right evidence. Our team is ready to take on insurance companies and corporations that try to avoid their responsibilities.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Many wrongful death claims come from fatal motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers. We represent families in cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. There are many causes for collisions with semi-trucks, such as distracted driving, speeding, or mechanical problems. We help you get compensation for your medical bills, suffering, and other losses. We also ensure that the negligent drivers and trucking companies are held accountable.

Workplace and Industrial Accidents

Workplace injuries can be fatal, especially on construction sites and in factories. These deaths often happen because of unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or a company's failure to follow safety rules. Our law firm investigates these cases to determine who is at fault. We also handle insurance and workers' compensation claims to ensure your family gets a full and fair settlement.

Medical Malpractice

Medical errors cause thousands of deaths every year in Alabama. When a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to provide proper care, the results can be tragic. We have handled medical malpractice cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and failures to monitor patients. Our attorneys work with medical experts and review hospital liens, medical records, and autopsy reports to build strong evidence of negligence.

Defective Products and Premises Liability

Defective medical devices, faulty machinery, and unsafe premises can all lead to deadly accidents. Property owners, landlords, or product manufacturers may be held responsible under the Alabama Code and product liability laws. We handle wrongful death cases caused by unsafe construction sites, defective consumer products, and dangerous property conditions, such as drowning deaths or animal attacks. Our personal injury attorneys work tirelessly to recover compensation for economic damages, property damage, and non-economic damages like emotional pain.

Understanding Alabama’s Wrongful Death Act

Alabama’s wrongful death laws are different from those in other states. These laws focus not on compensating the family’s financial loss, but on punishing the wrongdoer to prevent future harm. At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we guide families through this unique legal process under Code of Alabama § 6-5-410. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable and achieving justice.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under Alabama law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative acts on behalf of surviving family members and beneficiaries. We help clients through every step of this legal process, from appointing a representative to preparing civil court documents. Our legal services include handling complex issues such as liability insurance, civil litigation, and jury verdicts.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Unlike most states, Alabama focuses on punitive damages in wrongful death cases. This means the purpose is to punish negligent or reckless behavior—not simply reimburse medical bills or property loss. Our attorneys work to show how the responsible party’s actions warrant the highest possible settlement amount or court award. Every dollar recovered sends a message that negligence and wrongful acts will not go unpunished.

The Statute of Limitations

Alabama has one of the strictest time limits for filing a wrongful death claim. Under Alabama Code §11-47-23 and §11-12-8, families have only two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may prevent your family from pursuing compensation or justice in civil court. We act quickly to preserve evidence, file all necessary paperwork, and protect your rights before time runs out.

The Role of the Personal Representative in a Wrongful Death Case

The Role of the Personal Representative in a Wrongful Death Case

In Alabama wrongful death cases, the personal representative—also known as the executor—plays a vital role in seeking justice for the deceased. At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we guide personal representatives through every step of this difficult process. The representative serves as the legal voice for the estate and family, ensuring that all personal injury claims are properly filed and pursued in civil court. We make sure that your loved one’s story is heard, and their rights are protected.

Responsibilities and Duties

The personal representative has several important responsibilities in a wrongful death claim. These include:

  • Hiring experienced legal representation to file the lawsuit and communicate with insurance companies.
  • Making key decisions about settlements and trial strategies in consultation with the attorneys.
  • Ensuring that any settlement amount or court award is distributed fairly to all eligible heirs.
  • Keeping accurate records and following the requirements of Alabama Code §11-12-8 to comply with state law.

We work closely with the personal representative to make this process as clear and simple as possible.

How a Lawyer Guides the Process

Our legal team handles the entire burden of the lawsuit so families can focus on grieving and rebuilding their lives. We manage every stage—filing documents, gathering evidence, and dealing with insurance battles. Whether the case involves automobile accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, nursing homes, or criminal acts, we fight for the justice your loved one deserves. As a trusted personal injury law firm, we are here to lead the way with compassion and strength.

The Krebs Law Approach to Wrongful Death Cases

The Krebs Law Approach to Wrongful Death Cases

At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we combine compassion with a determined pursuit of justice. We understand how deeply a wrongful death affects a family, and we work tirelessly to uncover the truth. From car truck accidents to dog bite fatalities, our attorneys bring decades of experience handling the most complex and emotional cases across Alabama.

  • Compassionate Client Communication and Support: We treat every client with patience, empathy, and respect. Families receive regular updates, clear explanations, and honest legal advice so they always know what to expect throughout the legal process.
  • Thorough and Uncompromising Investigation:  We partner with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and forensic analysts to gather strong evidence. Whether it involves brain injury claims, spinal cord injuries, or Uber/Lyft accidents, we build a case that proves liability beyond doubt under Alabama’s strict laws.
  • No Fee Unless We Win Your Case: We work on a contingency fee basis—there are no upfront legal costs. Families owe nothing unless we win a settlement or jury verdict. This ensures every family, regardless of financial hardship, has access to quality legal services and justice.

At Krebs Law, we’re more than lawyers—we’re advocates who stand beside you through every step of this difficult journey, fighting to honor your loved one’s memory and secure the justice they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims

What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action in Alabama?

A wrongful death claim punishes the person or company responsible for the death. A survival action continues a claim the deceased could have filed for their own injuries.

Who typically benefits from a wrongful death lawsuit in Alabama?

The settlement or verdict is distributed to legal heirs under Alabama law. This often includes the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased individual.

How long does a wrongful death case typically take to resolve?

Each case is different. While some reach settlements, others may go through the full legal process and trial, taking months or even years to resolve.

What if the person who caused the death was also killed in the incident?

You can still pursue a claim against the negligent party’s estate or through their liability insurance policy, depending on the situation and available coverage.

Can I file a wrongful death claim if my family member was partially at fault?

Alabama’s contributory negligence law can make recovery difficult if the deceased was found even slightly at fault. That’s why early legal representation is vital.

What is the first step in pursuing a wrongful death case?

The first step is to contact Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a case evaluation. We review your options, gather evidence, and help you file your claim on time.

Contact Our Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free, Confidential Consultation

Contact Our Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free, Confidential Consultation

At Krebs Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how hard it is to take legal action while grieving a loved one. Seeking justice is not about revenge—it’s about accountability, closure, and security for your family’s future. Our attorneys have successfully handled auto accidents, workplace deaths, and notable cases involving large companies and air brake failures investigated by the Alabama Department of Transportation.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win. Our team takes care of the entire process so your family can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free, private consultation to discuss your legal rights and take the first step toward justice.

JR Krebs
FOUNDING ATTORNEY

J.R. is dedicated to providing personalized representation, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. He tailors his strategy to the unique challenges and needs of each client and case, ensuring focused and individualized attention.

His practice mainly covers Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, including car and 18-wheeler accidents, slips and falls, dog bites, defective products, and wrongful death. He also handles commercial disputes on contingency, with experience in contracts, construction, and probate. For any dispute headed toward litigation, J.R. develops an aggressive strategy to maximize your recovery through negotiation, arbitration, or trial.

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