Phenix City Wrongful Death Lawyer

While monetary compensation cannot make up for the death of a family member, families that lose a loved one because of the wrongful acts of another could be entitled to a financial recovery to help manage medical and funeral expenses, as well as offer restitution for emotional and relational damages.

There is a limited time to bring a wrongful death claim in Phenix City, so you may need to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible for help successfully pursuing compensation in your case. Speak with a Phenix City wrongful death lawyer today.

Defining a Wrongful Death

For a wrongful death case to be valid, someone’s death must be caused by the intentional, reckless, or negligent acts of another person. By the strict legal definition of the term, an intentional act is one in which the person who caused the death acted with the intent to injure the victim, such as by committing robbery or assault with a deadly weapon.

A reckless act is one in which a person is aware of the danger of their actions, but still acts without regard for the safety of others around them. Speeding more than 15 miles per hour over the posted speed would constitute a reckless act in Phenix City.

Finally, a negligent act is one in which the person owes other people around them a duty of care, disregards this responsibility, and causes the death of the victim as a direct result of their actions. A negligent act does not require the person to intend to cause harm; for example, a driver who does not stop at a red light because they were texting on their phone likely does not intend to harm anyone, but they could still be held liable under the law if they cause an accident that leads to someone’s wrongful death.

Filing a Claim

In general, the family of a wrongful death victim can bring a claim for damages. The spouse, children, and parents of the deceased are considered family for the purposes of a wrongful death case. The claim must be brought through a personal representative, such as a Phenix City wrongful death lawyer, who is a person appointed by the Court to act on behalf of the relatives bringing the wrongful death claim.

What Compensation Can Be Won in a Wrongful Death Case?

Compensation paid out in Phenix City wrongful death claims are limited to awards designed to punish who caused the death. If a driver accidentally runs a red light and causes a wrongful death, it is possible a trial jury may not award a large amount of money to punish the driver. In contrast, if someone shoots and kills the victim in a robbery, a trial jury may be more likely to require a large financial judgment. Speak with a Phenix City wrongful death lawyer to learn more about what compensation can be won.

Speak with a Phenix City Wrongful Death Attorney Today

The family member of someone who lost their life because of the acts of another may be best served to discuss their case with an experienced Phenix City wrongful death lawyer.

An experienced and compassionate attorney could meet with you, examine your claim, and advise you on how you could pursue financial compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death. Call today to schedule a consultation.