Wrongful Death Lawyer Mobile, AL
If your loved one died in an accident or because of negligence, let Dean Waite stand by your side
When a personal injury turns fatal, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit in Alabama. Mobile, AL wrongful death attorney Dean Waite knows accidents that result in death often wreak havoc on the lives of surviving family members. The loss of life of a husband, wife or child can be traumatic enough under any circumstances. But when someone dies due to someone else's reckless or negligent behavior, the flood of emotions can overwhelming - anger, frustration, confusion and grief.
We understand what you're going through - and Dean Waite wants to help you find solutions. At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we're dedicated to helping families obtain compensation and closure after facing a loss.
Don't underestimate the complexity of your wrongful death case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help your family get your lives back on track. Call (866) 434-5840 and schedule a free case evaluation with us. We can meet with you in our Mobile, AL office, your home or wherever's convenient for you. Don't hesitate ... Call Dean Waite. The statute of limitations on Alabama wrongful death claims means you only have a limited amount of time to initiate legal proceedings.
What is wrongful death?
Wrongful death is a legal term used to describe the death of a person due to the "wrongful act, omission, or negligence" of another individual or entity, according to Alabama law. Another element involves surviving family members who suffer financially as a result of the death.
If the person had lived, he or she might have pursued a personal injury claim. A wrongful death claim allows the estate of the deceased person to take legal action against the individual or entity that caused the death.
A wrongful death case might arise out of a fatal car wreck, a death in the workplace or the loss of a patient due to medical malpractice. Any action involving negligence may give rise to a wrongful death claim.
But the death of someone in an accident does not necessarily mean the estate of the deceased person can bring a claim. Evidence must exist supporting a wrongful death claim. What counts as evidence? Sometimes, it's a police officer's accident report. Other times, it's an inspection report completed by an official government safety inspector. Eyewitness accounts also qualify as evidence.
How can Dean Waite help me with my Alabama wrongful death claim?
Many families wonder why they need an attorney if it seems clear that someone else caused a fatal accident. Won't an accident report blaming someone else be enough to establish who's at fault for causing the death?
Determining who caused your fatal accident is only the start of the legal process. You need someone well-versed in state and federal laws - an advocate who knows how to fight to protect the rights of Alabama families. The loss of a loved one can have a serious financial impact on your family, but insurance companies often stand in the way of securing a fair settlement.
Dean Waite knows what's at stake and thoroughly understands Alabama's wrongful death rules and regulations. He is skilled at negotiating fair settlements, but is prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case to trial if necessary.
FAQs about Wrongful Death
- Why do wrongful death accidents happen?
- How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
- Who investigates wrongful death accidents in Alabama?
- Who determines how much my wrongful death case is worth?
- Should I accept an offer from an insurance company for my wrongful death claim?
- Should I file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Why do wrongful death accidents happen?
There are any number of acts or incidents that may result in a wrongful death. The following are some common events in Alabama that might result in a fatality:
- Deadly car wrecks
- Medical malpractice
- Negligent behavior
- Defective products
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Alabama?
In general, families have up to two years from the date of the death to file wrongful death claim in Alabama. Two years is the statute of limitations (legal term for time limit for filing a claim) for taking legal action in Alabama.
But it's wise to seek legal counsel long before the deadline expires. Wrongful death cases are generally complicated and require a great deal of preparation and lead time before a lawsuit is filed. In addition, the longer you wait, the harder it can become to gather evidence to support your claim.
Who investigates wrongful death accidents in Alabama?
Every type of wrongful death accident often has its own individual state or federal agency to investigate such cases. You can find more information about many different types of cases throughout our website. You can also simply contact us directly and schedule a free case evaluation to discuss the details of your case.
Who determines how much my wrongful death case is worth?
Insurance companies and juries at trial often have the final say when it comes to how much your family will receive for your wrongful death case. Insurance companies generally offer a settlement to families after such accidents. If your family chooses not to accept that offer, one of the most common options is to file a wrongful death lawsuit naming the liable party as a defendant. In many cases, the lawsuit will be settled before trial. But if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, the case may be decided by a jury. The amount of money awarded as part of a verdict can vary from a few dollars to millions depending on the circumstances surrounding your case.
Should I accept an offer from an insurance company for my wrongful death claim?
Always discuss any offer from an insurance company with an experienced attorney before accepting it. What might seem like a fair or reasonable financial offer might turn out to be a bad deal on close inspection. Dean Waite will look at the full impact of the wrongful death, including the long-term costs. You might be entitled to receive compensation for your loved ones pain and suffering prior to death as well as funeral and burial expenses. But you also may be entitled to compensation for lost wages that would have been earned until your loved one's anticipated retirement. You may be entitled to "loss of consortium" damages, which consider the loss of the deceased person's love and companionship.
Should I file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Perhaps. Many legal options exist if a loved one dies in an accident caused by someone else. We can explain all the options available to you, and then work with you to develop a unique strategy that addresses your specific legal needs.
Find out what Dean Waite can do for you. Contact our law firm and put the power of an experienced attorney to work for you.