Auburn Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is always devastating and extremely difficult time for families. However, it is especially challenging when it happens suddenly because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions.

When one person’s misconduct leads to another person suffering fatal injuries, surviving family members could collect compensation from the liable party with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. Schedule a meeting with an Auburn wrongful death lawyer at Bence Law Firm, LLC to learn more.

The State’s Definition of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death occurs when an individual dies, and another person is at fault. Under the Alabama Code § 6-5-410, wrongful death happens when an individual sustains fatal injuries because of a person’s wrongful acts, negligence, or omission of human life.

The state of Alabama allots the family or estate of the deceased two years from the cause of action to commence a wrongful death claim. A seasoned Auburn wrongful death attorney could help complete a thorough investigation and build a solid claim for damages within the state’s legal timeframe.

The Right to Commence Legal Action

When a wrongful death occurs, the family of the deceased has the right to pursue financial recovery from the at-fault party. Under the Code of Alabama, the following surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death claim, in this order:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings

If the person who suffered the fatal injuries had a Last Will and Testament, they might specify a personal representative with authority to commence the action on behalf of the family. A dedicated wrongful death lawyer in Auburn, like David Bence, could handle all the legal proceedings and paperwork from start to finish while the surviving family members focus on their own grief and healing.

Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Actions

When deciding on an award amount, the judge will consider many factors, including the extent of negligence and the accident that killed the deceased. After proving the negligent party is liable for the wrongful death, the court could award compensation for the following:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical and other expenses resulting from the person’s death
• The loss of financial support and benefits
• The loss of companionship

Damages represent the losses that the deceased individual and their surviving family members suffered, and they often fall within two categories: economic and noneconomic. Thus, a court award could compensate surviving family members for both financial and emotional losses resulting from the negligence and untimely death.

Reach Out to an Auburn Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a family member or loved one is never easy, and it is especially traumatic when it happens because of someone’s careless or reckless actions. While no amount of money will bring back your loved one, an award for damages could help you and your family get your life back on track.

It will also allow you to hold the liable party accountable. Contact a hard-working and compassionate Auburn wrongful death lawyer from Bence Law Firm, LLC whenever you are ready to pursue justice on behalf of your loved one.