When a loved one is lost due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, the pain and suffering can be unbearable. In the midst of this difficult time, it can be hard to consider taking legal action. However, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide a sense of justice and help cover expenses that may have resulted from the death of your loved one.
The laws and damages available in wrongful death lawsuits vary by state, and the damages available in an Alabama wrongful death lawsuit are quite different from those in other states.
Compensatory vs. Punitive Damages
In most other states, the damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit include compensatory and punitive damages.
Compensatory damages are meant to compensate for financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses as well as for non-economic losses, such as loss of companionship and emotional distress.
Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the plaintiff for any actual loss but are instead intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. These damages are typically awarded by the court if it finds that the defendant’s conduct was wanton, willful, or reckless.
What Makes the Laws in Alabama Unique?
In Alabama, only punitive damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit, which means that there is no way to recover compensation for financial losses.
Another aspect of Alabama’s wrongful death lawsuits that sets them apart from similar lawsuits in other states is the lack of caps on punitive damages.
In most states, there is a limit on the amount of punitive damages that can be recovered, known as a cap. However, Alabama has no cap on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit, meaning that the wrongdoer could be held financially responsible for a substantial amount of damages.
Let Our Family Be There for Yours
It’s important to understand the laws pertaining to Alabama wrongful death lawsuits, but when you’ve suffered a loss, the last thing you want to worry about is the complex legal process of filing a claim.
At Long & Long, our attorneys have extensive experience handling wrongful death cases and are committed to fighting for the rights of the bereaved. We understand the emotional toll a wrongful death can take and are dedicated to helping families through this difficult time. We will carefully evaluate your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options, so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Every case is different, so call or click today for your free case review and to find out what your case could be worth. Time is limited, so don’t wait to get the legal aid you deserve.
