What's the difference? What Families Need to Know About Wrongful Death Claims After a Tragic Accident
- Sawyer Firm
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
The sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing is devastating. Families dealing with such a tragedy are often left with not only emotional pain but also financial and legal challenges. In Alabama, the courts only allow punitive damages for a wrongful death claim. Nevertheless, the proceeds of such a claim can provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional suffering endured by the surviving family members.
Being informed can make all the difference. If you’re facing this difficult situation, here’s what you need to know about wrongful death claims—regardless of the type of accident that caused your loved one’s passing.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim arises when someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct causes another person’s death. These claims are filed in civil court by an estate representative or, in the case of a minor, his or her parents. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a successful claim can provide financial security and hold the responsible party accountable.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases and Their Unique Considerations
Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of wrongful death claims. These cases often involve driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless behavior.
What’s Different?
Insurance companies will play a major role in the claim, which means dealing with adjusters who may try to minimize compensation.
If a commercial vehicle (like an 18-wheeler) is involved, multiple parties, including the trucking company, may be liable.
Evidence from accident reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements is crucial.
Medical Malpractice and Nursing Homes
If a doctor, hospital, or healthcare provider like a nursing home makes a fatal error—such as a misdiagnosis, surgical mistake, medication error, or neglect—the family may pursue a wrongful death claim.
What’s Different?
These cases require expert testimony to establish that the provider’s actions fell below the standard of care.
There are strict procedural rules, including pre-lawsuit requirements like medical expert testimony.
Hospitals and healthcare providers will have strong legal defense teams.
Workplace Accidents
Fatal injuries in the workplace—especially in high-risk jobs like construction, manufacturing, and industrial work—may be grounds for a wrongful death claim even though the worker’s compensation laws are generally the only form of recovery.
What’s Different?
Workers' compensation laws may limit recovery, but third-party claims (against equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners) can provide additional compensation.
OSHA investigations and safety violations can be key evidence in proving liability.
Defective Products
If a dangerous or defective product—such as a faulty car part, unsafe medical device, or toxic substance—causes death, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under product liability laws.
What’s Different?
These cases require product testing and expert analysis to prove a defect or failure.
The claim may involve large corporations with significant legal resources.
Theories of liability may include manufacturing defects, design flaws, or failure to warn.
Premises Liability (Slip & Fall, Unsafe Property Conditions)
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Fatal injuries can occur due to unsafe stairs, negligent security, structural failures, or hazardous conditions.
What’s Different?
Evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and prior complaints about the hazard can be critical.
Liability may be shared among property owners, management companies, or tenants.
Proving negligence can be more complex, as property owners often argue the victim was at fault.
Criminal Acts (Homicide, Assault, Negligent Security)
If a loved one was killed due to an intentional act, such as homicide or assault, the perpetrator may face criminal charges—but a separate wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial compensation for the family.
What’s Different?
The wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case, separate from any criminal proceedings. Even if the defendant is not convicted in criminal court, they may still be found liable in civil court.
Negligent security claims may arise if the death occurred due to inadequate safety measures at a business or apartment complex.
What Families Need to Do After a Wrongful Death
If you suspect your loved one’s death was due to negligence, here are steps you should take:
Obtain the Death Certificate – This document is necessary for legal and financial matters.
Preserve Evidence – Preserve accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos.
Consult an Attorney – An experienced wrongful death lawyer can assess your case and guide you through the legal process.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone – Insurance adjusters may try to settle quickly for less than what your family deserves.
Understand the Statute of Limitations – There are deadlines for filing a wrongful death claims.
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is heartbreaking. While a wrongful death claim won’t bring them back, it can provide justice, financial stability, and closure. Each type of wrongful death case comes with unique challenges, and having an experienced attorney by your side ensures your family’s rights are protected.
If your family is facing this situation, don’t go through it alone. Consult with a wrongful death attorney to discuss your options and take the first step toward seeking justice for your loved one. JP Sawyer is just such a lawyer. Reach out today.
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