Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one due to another's negligence, a defective product, or an automobile accident can be a traumatic and painful experience for those who were close to the decedent.  Although the circumstances can vary, there are some common types of situations where wrongful death claims frequently arise.  These include: automobile and trucking accidents, industrial accidents, premises liability cases, products liability cases, and nursing home abuse and neglect cases.

Wrongful Death Damages

Alabama has a unique wrongful death statute, which provides that the measure of damages for taking the life of another is based upon the enormity of the wrong.  While in most other states damages in a wrongful death claim are intended to compensate for the losses resulting from the death of a family member, in Alabama damages for wrongful death are essentially punitive in nature.  Under certain circumstances, if a lawsuit is filed after the victim is injured but before he or she dies, compensatory damages may be recoverable.  Those may include the following:

• Medical expenses relating to the medical treatment for the injuries leading up to the death of the loved one;
• Loss of wages that the deceased would have earned and contributed to his or her family during the period of his or her injury; and
• Pain and suffering the decedent suffered before his or her death.

Wrongful death cases can be complex, usually necessitating advice concerning the deceased's estate, and often involving the use of expert witnesses.  In some cases, insurance companies may refuse to fully compensate survivors for their loss, requiring representation by an experienced litigator to ensure one's interests and rights are protected.  It is important to have a lawyer who has both the experience and dedication to aggressively try the case, but at the same time provide the personal care and attention one needs and deserves during such a difficult time.

The attorneys at Richardson Maples, PC have extensive experience in wrongful death cases and insurance law issues, and can provide guidance to the survivors on the proper handling of the estate of their loved one.  If you have lost a loved one, and need an experienced attorney to help you receive compensation for your losses, contact Richardson Maples, PC today for a free consultation.

Catastrophic Injuries/Serious Injuries

People can suffer catastrophic, serious injuries due to the negligence or intentional act of another, or due to the use of a dangerous and defective product.  These accidents are often preventable but sometimes occur because individuals and entities fail to adhere to safety protocols, leave property in disrepair, or act carelessly to the detriment of other innocent bystanders.

The following are some of the most common catastrophic injuries people may suffer:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, occurs when a strong, sudden blow is applied to the head, causing the brain to hit the interior bony surfaces of the skull.  This type of impact can cause the brain to bruise and bleed.  Head trauma may occur under many different circumstances, including auto accidents, sports accidents, falling objects, slips and falls, defective helmets, missing handrails, and elder abuse. Severe TBI, of course, may even result in death but more frequently leaves the victim with a "mild" to "moderate" injury.  Although commonly associated with loss of consciousness, TBI can occur with the slightest of concussions, even when the victim has no sense of loss of consciousness.  People who have suffered from TBI often will experience amnesia, and have no memory of the event, or be unaware that they were unconscious for a period of time.

There can be a variety of symptoms of TBI, which are often subtle and not readily apparent.  It is important to remember that symptoms of TBI may not fully manifest themselves until weeks after the injury.  Those symptoms may include persistent headaches, fatigue, emotional volatility, depression, confusion and memory loss.  It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention and evaluation if you have suffered any significant blow to the head.  For "mild" to "moderate" TBI, frequently the proper course of treatment is through counseling and therapy.  The attorneys at Richardson Maples, PC have worked with many victims of TBI and their families to assist them in seeking proper care and to secure compensation for their suffering.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Spinal Cord Injury or SCI occurs when the spinal cord is damaged due to a traumatic injury.  SCI can occur in a variety of instances, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, and tripping or slipping on uneven or slick floors.  When a person suffers SCI, the backbone may pinch the spinal cord, causing the spinal cord to bruise or swell.  Depending on the location of the spinal cord injury, the degree of paralysis will vary and the victim might be unable to move the chest, hips, or legs.  SCI cases can be catastrophic to the victim and his or her family.  Access to a network of support professionals is essential to accurately assess the impact and the financial consequences.  Vocational evaluations, life care plans, and day-in-the-life video studies are frequently necessary to demonstrate the true cost of SCI and secure the compensation to which the victim should be entitled.  Familiarity with these services, and experience with deferred-compensation mechanisms such as structured settlements, are important to the representation of SCI victims and their families.  The attorneys at Richardson Callahan & Frederick have had the privilege to assist many victims of SCI and their families in the recovery of compensation, by structured settlements and otherwise.

Burn Injuries

Burn injured may be caused by intense heat, flames, steam or electricity, and result in varying degrees of damage to the skin.  Burns can be categorized as first-degree burns, which consist of damage to the outer layer of the skin; second-degree burns, such as scalding; third-degree burns, resulting in the full destruction of the skin and damage to the tissues beneath the skin; and fourth-degree burns, which can be caused by high-voltage electrical accidents.  Burn injuries may be sustained in accidents, including industrial and construction site accidents.  Defective products can also cause burn injuries.

Fractures

A fracture is essentially a medical term for broken bone.  There are three common causes for fractures - trauma, overuse, and osteoporosis.  A person may suffer a fracture due to trauma from such causes as automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, and gunshot wounds.  Fractures can be categorized in different ways, ranging from incomplete fractures, which is a cracked bone, to a compound fracture, which is a broken bone piercing through the skin.

Electrocutions

Electrocution are very serious and can result in injury or death.  People can suffer fourth-degree burns from high-voltage electrocutions, which damage the skin, muscle, and fat tissues.

There are different causes for electrocution injuries and deaths, such as workplace and construction accidents.  Additionally, although generally power companies have a responsibility in making sure electrical lines are safe, accidents still unfortunately tend to happen due to someone's negligence or carelessness.

If you have suffered a serious, traumatic injury due to the negligence or intentional act of another person or business, or if you have been injured by a defective product, you should seek experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and help you attain the compensation you deserve.  Contact Richardson Maples, PC today for a free consultation.