Two years to file, from the date of injury
Ala. Code § 6-2-38
Pure contributory negligence
Alabama's fault rule
Contingency Representation
On qualifying matters
Burn Injury Cases in Alabama
Burn injuries are among the most painful and costly injuries a person can suffer. Serious burns require extended hospitalization, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. When burns result from another party's negligence, a defective product, or a workplace accident, the responsible party must be held accountable. Our attorneys pursue the compensation available for medical expenses, lost income, disfigurement, and the pain and suffering that accompany serious burn injuries.
Both of our attorneys are licensed in Alabama. The firm handles burn injury cases for clients across the state, in Birmingham, Hoover, Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Mobile, and everywhere in between. Contingency fees are available on qualifying matters, and the rules below are the ones that will shape your Alabama claim from the first phone call.
The Alabama Filing Deadline
Most Alabama personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of injury under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Alabama recognizes very few exceptions, and courts apply the deadline strictly. Waiting almost always hurts the claim and can bar it entirely.
Fault in Alabama: Pure contributory negligence
Alabama is one of only a handful of American jurisdictions that still applies pure contributory negligence. If the defense persuades a jury that you bear any share of the fault, even one percent, your recovery can be completely barred. Insurance adjusters in Alabama build their files around this rule from day one, which is why you should never give a recorded statement or accept blame in any form before speaking with an Alabama-licensed attorney.
Wrongful Death Claims in Alabama
Alabama's wrongful death statute, Ala. Code § 6-5-410, is unlike any other state's: the only damages recoverable are punitive damages, measured by the wrongfulness of the defendant's conduct rather than the family's economic loss. The claim must be brought by the decedent's personal representative within two years. Presenting these cases well requires attorneys who know how Alabama juries are asked to value conduct, not loss.
Claims Against Alabama Government Entities
Claims against Alabama cities carry notice deadlines measured in months, not years: a sworn claim generally must be presented to a municipality within six months of the injury under Ala. Code §§ 11-47-23 and 11-47-192. Claims involving counties and state agencies have their own presentment rules and immunity defenses. If a government vehicle, road defect, or public facility is involved, treat the deadline as immediate.
Alabama Burn Injury Cases FAQ
How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in Alabama?
Most Alabama personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of injury under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Alabama recognizes very few exceptions, and courts apply the deadline strictly. Waiting almost always hurts the claim and can bar it entirely. Claims against Alabama government entities follow their own strict rules, described below, so it is worth getting advice early.
What happens if I was partly at fault for my burn injury in Alabama?
Alabama is one of only a handful of American jurisdictions that still applies pure contributory negligence. If the defense persuades a jury that you bear any share of the fault, even one percent, your recovery can be completely barred. Insurance adjusters in Alabama build their files around this rule from day one, which is why you should never give a recorded statement or accept blame in any form before speaking with an Alabama-licensed attorney.
What does it cost to hire a burn injury lawyer for a Alabama case?
The consultation is free. Contingency fees are available on qualifying matters. On a contingency case, the attorney fee is a percentage of any recovery, and there is no attorney fee if there is no recovery. We advance case expenses, and the written fee agreement sets out how they are handled before we begin.
Can a Hoover, Alabama firm handle my Alabama case?
Yes. Between them, our attorneys are licensed in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, and we represent Alabama clients by phone, video, and in person. What changes across a state line is not our involvement in the case but which rules apply, and we practice under Alabama's.
Hurt in Another State?
The same firm, under the rules of the state where you were hurt.