Wrongful Death Attorney in Mobile, AL
Losing a loved one is never easy. When the reason is an avoidable accident caused by the negligence or misconduct another, feelings of shock and grief are mixed with anger and an understandable sense of injustice. At the Law Office of Gary W. Fillingim, L.L.C., we understand how you feel. Attorney Gary Fillingim and his team continue a decades-long practice of helping people in Mobile who have lost a loved one in a car or truck accident or other preventable accident seek justice and peace by holding those responsible accountable for their actions which caused the wrongful death of another.
Calculating Wrongful Death Damages in Alabama
The loss of a family member puts an immediate financial strain on the family who must deal with hospital and medical expenses as well as funeral and burial expenses. When the deceased was the main breadwinner in the family, a serious financial crisis can develop as the family struggles to make up for that lost income. Even if the deceased was not working, making up for the loss of contribution toward running the household can be difficult.
Besides the direct financial costs of a wrongful death, the impact of the loss of a loved one is felt in many other ways as well. It is hard to place a value on the loss of the companionship of a spouse, or the love, training and guidance provided by a parent, but that does not make these losses any less real or devastating to the family members left behind.
Although some states allow a jury to put a value on these losses and compensate surviving family members for their direct economic and noneconomic damages, Alabama takes a different approach. In Alabama, wrongful death damages are “punitive” rather than “compensatory.” This means that the focus is not on determining the financial loss to the family, but rather on deciding what is an appropriate measure of damages to punish the wrongdoer for his or her actions or negligence. At the Law Office of Gary W. Fillingim, we consider all relevant factors in building a strong and persuasive case that clearly establishes the level of misconduct involved, allowing the jury to deliver an appropriate punishment.
Legal Help after the Wrongful Death of a Loved One in Mobile, AL
Alabama law recognizes the right of surviving family members or the estate of the deceased to pursue justice by instituting a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. We pursue legal action under Alabama wrongful death law on behalf of families in Mobile and Baldwin counties and across the Alabama Gulf Coast. Call the Law Office of Gary W. Fillingim, L.L.C. at 251-445-7257 for a no-cost, confidential consultation.
