Dead is “dead and forgotten” in Alabama. At least, that is the way it seems.
Here is the reason why. In other states, the family of a person killed in, say, an auto accident can sue for the money that person would have contributed to the family income. Some examples are the cost of raising the children, the funds needed to pay the rent, and even the value of love and companionship. That is not the case in our state. Our state only lets you collect money a judge or jury thinks is equal to what it will take to get the bad guy not to kill anyone else.
This may surprise you, but Alabama attorneys have fought with insurance companies to try and prove an accident on the state line was in Mississippi, Georgia, or Florida. It can mean the difference between a few thousand dollars and a few million dollars for the surviving family members.
To me, here is the oddest part of our law. While other states focus on helping the surviving family members, Alabama concentrates only on punishing the wrongdoer.
Another strange fact is that only the personal representative (a person usually named in a will) can file a lawsuit in Alabama. Unless that person is a family member, no relative can pursue the case.
Here is another reality. There are time limits. So, I suggest that if a family member dies during an accident, you talk to an Alabama personal injury lawyer, such as myself, as quickly as possible.
If you suffer from any personal injury accident – car, boat, on-the-job, slip and fall, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, etc. – you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie (251) 666-1212. Remember that it is free. We want to help you get back on your feet.
Plus, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We’ll have some legal information you can use. Plus, we specifically set aside a few hours on Monday morning to answer any questions you may have in real time. Just call our office.
Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer