When a person is killed due to the negligence or intentional actions of another person or organization, the surviving spouse, children or parents may file a lawsuit in civil court. A civil lawsuit is different from criminal charges. Even if you win your wrongful death lawsuit, the person responsible for your loved one’s death will not go to jail as a result of the verdict. You may, however, receive a cash award to compensate you for your expenses related to the accident and loss of potential income the victim would have contributed to the family.
In order to win your case, you need a skilled wrongful death attorney in Tuscaloosa on your side. The responsible party will have their own lawyer who will fight hard to avoid paying you a large award so you need someone who will fight harder for your family. A lawyer can explain how the law applies to your case and prepare you for what may happen from the time they take your case until your case is either settled or is decided at trial.
There are a few things a wrongful death attorney in Tuscaloosa must prove in order for you to win your case. Your lawyer will need to show the judge or jury that the other party had a duty to behave in a certain manner, did not do what they were supposed to do and that the action they did or didn’t take caused the death of your loved one. Through the use of medical records, police reports and witness testimony, your lawyer will build your case and present it in court.
Unlike criminal courts, where a case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, civil courts use a lesser burden of proof called preponderance of the evidence. This means that the jury merely needs to believe that the defendant is more likely than not to have caused the death of your loved one.
If you have lost a family member and are considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit, click to find out more about how an attorney can help you prove your case and get the cash you need to care for your family.
