Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Alabama

No amount of money can bring a loved one back. However, by pursuing a wrongful death claim, a family can seek some sense of justice as well as a financial recovery that can help them face the challenges of their loved one’s untimely passing.

Under Alabama’s wrongful death law, a wrongful death claim arises when a party’s wrongful acts, omissions, or negligence cause the death of another person. If the victim would have had grounds to file a personal injury claim against the party if they had survived their final injury, the grounds may exist to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

In Alabama, punitive damages are available in wrongful death claims. They punish the responsible party and deter others from engaging in the same conduct. For this reason, it is important to know the common causes of wrongful death in Alabama.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Careless and reckless decisions behind the wheel frequently lead to fatal motor vehicle accidents in Alabama. A wrongful death case can arise when a crash results from a driver engaging in wrongful conduct, such as speeding, refusing to yield, making a dangerous pass, driving while texting or otherwise distracted, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Truck crashes are often fatal due to the size and weight of a typical tractor-trailer and the speed at which those accidents tend to occur. Due to the lack of structural protection, accidents involving motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians also present a high risk of fatalities.

Boating accidents can be deadly as well. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that 69 fatal boat crashes occurred on Alabama waters during a recent five-year span, resulting in the loss of 80 lives.

Workplace Accidents

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that roughly one out of every five workplace deaths in our country occurs in the construction industry. Construction sites can be dangerous due to slip-and-falls, falls from heights, equipment failures, electrocution, and trench collapses. These accidents often result from the failure of construction industry employers to provide workers with proper training and safety equipment. 

Medical Malpractice 

We trust doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to follow the proper standard of care and to help us to heal rather than cause us harm. However, medical malpractice is a leading cause of death. Medical errors can be fatal when they involve wrongful conduct, such as failing to follow proper procedures or ignoring warning signs during childbirth, operating on the wrong part of the body, or administering the incorrect dosage of anesthesia during a surgical procedure.

Contact Our Alabama Wrongful Death Attorneys to Learn More

Have you lost a loved one in Alabama due to another party’s wrongful conduct? If so, you can trust the experienced Alabama wrongful death lawyers of Stokes Stemle, LLC, to handle your Alabama wrongful death claim. We care about your family and your future. And that’s why we will always go the extra mile. To learn more, contact us today to meet with an experienced wrongful death lawyer. We can provide a free initial case evaluation about our experience with wrongful death lawsuits and help you figure out your next steps.