Union Springs, Alabama is a small historic town and the county seat of Bullock County and is located about one hour southeast of Montgomery. The town was named for the 27 springs watering the land.

Originally, it was settled in the 1830s after the Creek Indian removal. Before the Civil War, Union Springs was home to factories, shops, and hotels. Today Union Springs is called home by about 4,000 residents.

The vibrant community features antebellum homes and annual festivals such as the Chunnenuggee Fair, the Bird Dog Field Trials, and the Red Door Theatre. The historic town is known for its beautiful murals in the historic district painted by renowned artist Wes Hardin.

These can be seen by anybody driving on U.S. Route 82 and U.S. Route 29 that runs across the southeastern portion of Alabama. These busy interstates carry traffic and visitors to our area, but they can also add to the number of fatal accidents experienced every year on Alabama roads.

What is a Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is a term used to describe a claim against the at-fault party whose negligence led to a preventable death. The claim is brought in civil court, unlike a criminal action, and is intended to punish the at-fault party.

While nothing will bring back the loved one, Alabama law does not allow for family members to bring a wrongful death claim in order to receive financial compensation. Instead, the action must be brought by the personal representative of the estate of the deceased.

The personal representative is the person overseeing the will or the estate. If there is no will, and no one appointed, the next person in line to become the personal representative, such as the spouse, will represent the rights of the deceased. The remaining heirs are next in line.

This is an excellent time to consult with an Alabama wrongful death attorney so that missed deadlines and requirements do not foreclose the possibility of receiving any compensation.

Damages in Alabama

Under Alabama’s wrongful death laws, the chosen representative must file a petition to be considered the personal representative if there is none and that must be done within 40 days of the death.

If the deadline is missed, the survivors may forever forfeit their access to compensation.

Another consideration in Alabama’s wrongful death laws is that you may not recover damages to cover medical expenses and the cost of a funeral. Alabama is unusual in that you may only recover punitive damages to deter the defendant from committing a similar negligent act again.

This is a high bar to reach and required the skills of an experienced Alabama wrongful death attorney.

Your Union Springs, Alabama Wrongful Death Attorney

Make sure that your wrongful death lawsuit is handled by an attorney who has experience at both negotiating with the insurance carrier for the at-fault party and experience at trial.

Contact Chip Nix, Attorney at Law to receive solid experienced advice on the road you need to take now to receive compensation. Call his office at 334-203-6669 for a free initial consultation. While no amount of compensation can take the place of your deceased loved one, there may be compensation available that will allow you and your family to better navigate the road ahead.

Mr. Nix offers experienced, compassionate representation to help you understand the laws that may apply to your case at this difficult time, and what avenues you may choose in the days ahead.