Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Dothan, Mobile & All of Southern Alabama
The Dothan wrongful death lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC have built a reputation for providing compassionate and effective legal support to families who have lost a loved one due to negligence. When a loved one’s life is tragically cut short because of someone else’s reckless actions, the emotional toll can be overwhelming—shock, grief, anger, and uncertainty can make it difficult to navigate daily life, let alone plan for the future.
We understand how devastating it is to lose a family member in an accident. You shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and guide you toward the best path forward for your family.
Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are dedicated to helping families across Alabama navigate the legal process and achieve justice for their loved ones. We’re proud of the results we’ve achieved for our clients and are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation your family deserves.
Contact Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC online or at 844-654-6228 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients in Dothan, Mobile, and throughout Alabama.
Contact our Dothan wrongful death lawyer by calling us at (844) 654-6228 today!
What is Considered a Wrongful Death in Alabama?
A death is considered “wrongful” in Alabama if it results from someone else’s negligence. Corporate negligence can also give rise to wrongful death claims, as can fatal accidents involving defective products. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car accidents: When a loved one dies in a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signals, the family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Drunk driving accidents: Losses stemming from accidents caused by an impaired driver can result in wrongful death claims. Families can seek justice for the preventable death of their loved one due to someone choosing to drive under the influence.
- Truck accidents: Fatal truck accidents, often involving large commercial vehicles, may occur due to driver fatigue, improper loading, or other negligence. These cases may lead to claims against the driver, trucking company, or other responsible parties.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road. If a fatality occurs due to another driver’s carelessness or failure to share the road, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
- Bicycle accidents: Fatal bicycle accidents can happen when drivers fail to yield, drive aggressively, or otherwise act negligently. Such cases may warrant a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians struck and killed by negligent drivers—whether due to speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring crosswalks—can lead to wrongful death claims on behalf of the victim’s family.
- Slip and fall accidents: Fatal injuries from slip and fall accidents, particularly in unsafe conditions caused by a property owner’s negligence, may lead to wrongful death claims.
- Construction accidents: Workplace fatalities in construction, such as falls, equipment failures, or other safety lapses, can be grounds for a wrongful death claim against the employer or other responsible parties.
- Swimming pool accidents: Tragic deaths due to swimming pool accidents, often caused by inadequate safety measures, lack of supervision, or improper maintenance, may result in a wrongful death claim.
Again, these are just examples. If you have lost a loved one in any type of fatal accident in Alabama, we strongly encourage you to speak with one of our Dothan wrongful death lawyers about your family’s legal rights.
Testimonials From Former Clients
Cory Driggers represented my daughter following an car accident. He showed real genuine care for her and the case. He and his staff worked to get all of the medical bills gathered and also to get them decreased. Cory kept us updated and contacted my daughter when decisions needed to be made. Ultimately, Cory got what my daughter deserved for her injuries and my daughter was completely satisfied. I would recommend Cory to anyone that is looking for a good Christian attorney. Thanks Cory for your help!
Cory was absolutely fantastic. He settled my case beyond what I could even imagine. Not only was he very knowledgeable concerning the law, he was available whenever we needed him, Cory was also so kind and courteous to us at all times. During the time since my case ended I have called on Cory several times to ask questions related to situations I have had going on and he has always been available to help me. I would recommend Cory without a second thought to any friend, family member, co-worker or acquaintance.
Love, love, love these people! When no one out there seems to care, let me tell you that this group right here will fight tooth and nail for you.
“Our family is so thankful for Mark, Dan and their entire team. Every step of the way they made sure we were comfortable and understood every aspect of our case. It was apparent that our interest was …”
Cory and his staff are very professional and make you feel at ease whether it is by phone or in person. My case was solved quickly and very efficiently. Thanks for everything!!
The staff handled my case in a prompt and professional manner. They returned my calls in a timely fashion and was always prepared to answer any questions. Furthermore, Attorney Driggers is a Christian man and first class professional. I am certainly happy that i was represented by this Law Firm.
I would highly recommend Cory Driggers. He kept me informed all during my case. I never felt left in the dark. He was always straightforward with me . I can’t express how impressed I was with him.
I would recommend Mr. Driggers to anybody needing legal help him and his staff first of all are very nice to you and act like they are very understanding to your needs. He talked to me on the phone like he knew me all my life and that really mattered to me. When we had our hearing he treated me like he had already met me and he hadn’t, I just really loved him and have already been telling people about him and his office.
Hired Joseph Morris to handle my car accident and he did a great job at handling the case and explained the process as the case went. I would highly recommend him.
“I was pleased with their work and the outcome of my case.”
Attorney Driggers and his team did a wonderful job with my case. They were professional and pleasant. They were patient with me and answered all my questions. They addressed all my concerns from the first conversation to the last. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney.
Mr.Driggers is a wonderful Lawyer that knows the law, he helped me when I had no idea in my situation where to start and what to do, he worked with me hands on and got the best results for me in my case. It was a privilege to get to know him as my lawyer and a friend. If you need legal representation call him you will be satisfied.
“I’ve had Joey take care of three separate cases and two for other family members. The service was always great and he was always there to answer my questions no matter how many times I called. Great m …”
I would highly recommend Cory Driggers. He kept me informed all during my case. I never felt left in the dark. He was always straightforward with me. I can’t express how impressed I was with him.
Joey (and his team) was extremely helpful in a time when we did not know what to do. His professional approach gave us assurance while he settled our case.
“Never in a million years did I believe that these attorneys would do everything possible to seek justice.”
What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Alabama?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Alabama is two years from the date of death. This is a firm deadline, so it is critical that family members don’t wait too long to assert their legal rights.
Beyond meeting the statute of limitations, there are several other reasons for family members to take legal action promptly as well—ideally long before Alabama’s two-year limitations period comes into play. Among them, taking legal action promptly will maximize the chances of all necessary evidence remaining available. Evidence is critical for filing a successful wrongful death claim; and, even if you still technically have time to file, if the evidence you need is no longer available, you won’t be able to recover the financial compensation you and your family deserve. The Dothan wrongful death lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC will examine the facts in your case and advise you on the best next steps.
Notable Verdicts & Settlements
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Alabama?
In Alabama, only the personal representative of the victim’s estate is eligible to file a wrongful death claim. If the victim left a will, the will should name his or her personal representative. Otherwise, a personal representative will need to be appointed through the probate process.
However, while only the personal representative of the victim’s estate is eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Alabama, this does not impact those who are eligible to receive financial compensation. If a wrongful death claim is successful, the compensation awarded will still be distributed to eligible family members.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Claim Take?
How long it takes to resolve a wrongful death claim depends on the circumstances involved. As a general rule, family members should be prepared for their wrongful death claim to take at least several months. If it becomes necessary to go to trial, recovering just compensation could take a year or longer. But, no matter how long the process takes, going through the process will be well worth it if it means securing justice for your loved one and financial compensation for your family.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Due to the various challenges involved in filing a successful wrongful death claim, we strongly recommend working with an experienced lawyer throughout the process. A lawyer who has substantial experience representing grieving families will be able to investigate the cause of your loved one’s death, calculate the total damages your family is entitled to recover, and work to secure a favorable settlement or verdict as quickly as possible.
Here’s how our Dothan wrongful death lawyers can help:
Navigating Alabama’s Unique Wrongful Death Laws
Alabama’s wrongful death laws differ from other states. Compensation is limited to punitive damages, designed to punish the at-fault party for their wrongful actions and deter future misconduct, rather than compensating for your losses.
An experienced wrongful death attorney understands these nuances and will build a case focused on demonstrating the severity of the wrongdoer’s negligence or misconduct.
Determining Eligibility to File
In Alabama, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Dothan wrongful death lawyers will ensure the appropriate party is appointed to handle the claim, streamlining the legal process.
Building a Strong Case
Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death, gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and expert testimony. They will focus on proving the at-fault party’s negligence or recklessness to support the claim for punitive damages.
Ensure Deadlines Are Met
Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim. Your attorney will ensure your case is filed on time and all procedural requirements are met to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
Handling Insurance Companies and Legal Complexities
Dealing with insurance companies and defense attorneys can be overwhelming, especially when grieving. A Dothan wrongful death lawyer will manage all communications and negotiations, ensuring you are not pressured into accepting an unfair outcome.
Advocating for Maximum Punitive Damages
Since the goal of Alabama’s wrongful death laws is to punish the wrongdoer, your lawyer will emphasize the egregious nature of their actions in court or during settlement negotiations. They’ll fight to secure the maximum punitive damages allowed under the circumstances.
Representing You in Court
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to the jury. Their knowledge of Alabama’s legal standards and courtroom procedures is key to pursuing justice effectively.
Providing Compassionate Support
Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time. A skilled attorney offers compassionate guidance while shouldering the legal burden, allowing you to focus on healing.
By hiring an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Alabama, you gain a dedicated advocate who understands the state’s unique legal framework and is committed to holding the responsible party accountable.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims
Throughout most of the country, wrongful death statutes are written with the purpose of shifting the financial burden of a fatal accident from the surviving family members and onto the shoulders of the person who caused the accident. In other states, the plaintiff in a wrongful death case can recover compensation for all the future income the family could have expected to receive from the decedent, as well as compensation for medical expenses and even pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
The Alabama wrongful death statute takes a different approach. In our state, you can only recover punitive damages for the death of your loved one. The focus is not on compensating you for your loss, but on punishing the person who caused the death.
How Do You Prove Wrongful Death?
Proving that a loved one’s death was wrongful involves conducting a thorough investigation. This includes not only investigating the location where the fatal accident or incident happened, but also gathering evidence from other sources. For example, surveillance camera footage, internal corporate records, and cell phone data will often be key forms of evidence in wrongful death cases. When you hire The Dothan wrongful death lawyers at Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC, your attorney will be able to work quickly to gather the evidence needed to prove what happened and who (or what company) is legally responsible.
Why Choose Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC?
At Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC, we rely on decades of experience to seek justice for fatal accident victims and financial compensation for their families. We are proud of our awards, our client reviews, and our proven record of success. We work with all of our clients one-on-one, and we do not charge any fees or costs unless we win.
When you choose our firm to represent you and your family, you can feel confident knowing that you have a team of skilled professionals doing everything possible to win on your behalf. We will help you make an informed decision about when (and if) to settle, and we will not hesitate to seek justice for your loved one’s death in court if necessary.
Talk to a Dothan Wrongful Death Attorney for FREE
Whether you lost your loved one in a car accident, motorcycle accident, construction accident, or another type of accident involving negligence, we are ready to fight for your right to compensation.
The attorneys of Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC represent clients in South East Alabama and throughout the Tri-State Area, and we encourage you to contact us now for a free initial consultation. Recovering punitive damages under the Alabama wrongful death statute can be a considerable challenge, but you can improve your chances of success by hiring an attorney from our team.Contact Morris, Andrews, Talmadge & Driggers, LLC online or at 844-654-6228 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients in Dothan, Mobile, and throughout Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Siblings File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Alabama?
Under Alabama law, only the deceased’s personal representative is authorized to file a wrongful death lawsuit (with an exception for parents of minor children). The personal representative files a lawsuit on behalf of the estate; and, if the lawsuit is successful, the settlement or verdict is paid to the estate. The funds received through the lawsuit are then distributed to the deceased’s heirs in accordance with Alabama law.
This means that siblings cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit in Alabama—unless they have been named as the deceased’s personal representative. Additionally, under Alabama law, siblings are only entitled to receive compensation obtained through a wrongful death lawsuit if the deceased does not have any surviving parents, children, or spouse.
What Happens If the At-Fault Party Is Facing Criminal Charges?
If the party that is responsible for your loved one’s death is facing criminal charges, this has no bearing on whether your family should file a wrongful death claim. A criminal conviction will not result in financial compensation being paid to your family; and, equally, if the at-fault party is able to avoid a conviction, this will not prevent your family from taking legal action in civil court.
It is also important to keep in mind that the party that is directly responsible for your loved one’s death may not be the only party that is financially liable. For example, if your loved one was killed in a fatal car accident, the driver’s employer, a bar or restaurant that over-served the driver, and various other third-parties could share liability.
Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Filed If the Victim Was Partially at Fault?
Alabama is one of just a handful of states in the country where a family cannot file a wrongful death claim if the victim was partially at fault. This is unfortunate, and this makes it critical to work with an experienced attorney who is capable of providing an accurate assessment of your family’s legal rights.
This also makes it critical not to make any assumptions about what happened or who is to blame. Determining fault in a fatal accident requires a comprehensive investigation. When you hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer to assess your family’s legal rights, your lawyer will make sure you have all of the information you need to make informed decisions about your family’s next steps.
What Happens If the Victim Did Not Have an Estate Plan?
In Alabama, whether the victim left behind an estate plan doesn’t matter when it comes to distributing compensation received through a wrongful death lawsuit. Alabama law is somewhat unique in providing that wrongful death compensation must be distributed according to the state’s intestate succession law.
Under this law, the victim’s spouse, children, and parents are generally first in line to receive compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit. Siblings, grandparents, and certain other family members may also be entitled to receive a portion of a wrongful death settlement or verdict in some cases.
Can You Sue for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child?
Generally speaking, yes, parents can sue for the death of an unborn child in Alabama. In many cases, Alabama’s medical malpractice laws would apply, and seeking financial compensation would involve proving that medical negligence is to blame for the unborn child’s death. However, parents who have lost unborn children can pursue wrongful death claims in cases involving fatal vehicle collisions and other fatal accidents as well.
What If the At-Fault Party Dies Before the Lawsuit Is Resolved?
If the at-fault party dies before a wrongful death lawsuit is resolved, the victim’s family can generally continue pursuing its lawsuit against the at-fault party’s estate. If insurance is involved (as is often the case), the family would be able to continue pursuing its insurance claim as well. With that said, this can be a complicated situation, and protecting your family’s legal rights will require experienced legal representation.
Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Filed Against a Government Entity?
Yes, families can pursue wrongful death claims against government entities in appropriate cases. However, special rules (including strict deadlines) apply, so in this scenario it is especially important to hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer right away. If you believe your family may have a wrongful death claim against a government entity, we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information.
How Do Wrongful Death Claims Work for Workplace Accidents?
In cases involving fatal workplace accidents, seeking compensation for a loved one’s death may involve filing a wrongful death claim, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or both. When you speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer, he or she should be able to determine which claim (or claims) your family is eligible to file and seek all available forms of financial compensation on your family’s behalf.
We have been recognized as being among the top plaintiff attorneys throughout the state, and are prepared to put out skill and experience to work for you. Contact our team today or call us at (844) 654-6228 today!
