At Riley & Jackson, P.C., our Birmingham personal injury lawyers are committed to obtaining justice for clients seriously injured by another party’s negligence. Our firm has achieved life-changing settlements and verdicts for clients in complex, high-stakes cases.

Our deep dedication and attention to detail make us better prepared than any other firm in getting you the compensation you deserve. We have secured some of the nation’s top verdicts, including a $10 million wrongful death jury verdict and a $15 million truck accident settlement.

Our team values small-town principles of hard work, honesty, and integrity. When you choose Riley & Jackson, you can feel confident that we understand the financial and emotional toll serious injuries can take. Our top priority is to deliver the best possible outcome for you. We work to ease your financial burden while delivering dedicated, skilled representation.

Why Choose Riley & Jackson to Handle Your Personal Injury Claim?

Here are just a few reasons why Riley & Jackson is the right choice for your personal injury case in Birmingham:

  • We understand Birmingham: Our founding partners, Rob Riley and Keith Jackson, have lived and worked in the Birmingham area for a combined 55 years. They know this community’s values and challenges, allowing them to connect with clients on a personal level.
  • We take every case seriously: Every client is important to us. We will investigate your case thoroughly, build a strong legal strategy, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
  • We are relentless advocates: We will never be outworked. We approach every case with an aggressive and results-oriented mindset. We are not afraid to take on big insurance companies and powerful corporations.
  • We have a proven track record: Our lawyers have a long and successful history of securing substantial compensation for our clients. We know how to negotiate effectively and are not afraid to take cases to trial if necessary.
  • You pay nothing unless we win: We understand that financial burdens are often amplified after an injury. You pay nothing unless we win your case. This means you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind.

We Provide Comprehensive Personal Injury Representation

Our personal injury attorneys in Birmingham handle an extensive range of personal injury cases, including:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) reports that in 2022, car crashes caused 986 deaths and nearly 38,000 injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable in an accident. According to ALDOT, there were 957 fatalities involving motorcyclists in the state in 2022. We understand the unique challenges faced by motorcycle accident victims and will fight aggressively to protect your rights.

Premises Liability

You may have a premises liability claim if you have been injured on someone else’s property due to a dangerous condition. This includes injuries from slips and falls, falling objects, inadequate security, and swimming pool accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Brain injuries can have a devastating impact on your life. Our personal injury lawyers in Birmingham have the experience and resources necessary to investigate your TBI and hold the responsible party accountable.

Paralysis

Paralysis is a life-altering injury that requires significant medical care and support. We will work with medical professionals and financial experts to ensure you have the resources you need for the rest of your life.

Amputation

Amputations can cause severe physical and emotional pain. We can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, the cost of prosthetics, and all costs from learning to live as an amputee.

Nursing Home Injuries

If your loved one has been injured due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, we can help you hold the facility accountable.

18-Wheeler Collisions

Due to their sheer weight and size, large truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. ALDOT reported 2,417 injuries and 162 fatalities from truck accidents in 2022. We have the experience and resources necessary to investigate these complex cases and hold trucking companies accountable.

Medical Malpractice

Medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients. If you have been injured due to a doctor or other medical practitioner’s negligence, our medical malpractice lawyers can help you recover compensation.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a wrongful death claim. We can help you recover compensation for your loss. Our firm has a history of winning impactful settlements and verdicts for our clients, including a $10 million wrongful death settlement that was among the top 50 verdicts in the U.S. in 2019.

Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Case

Alabama personal injury cases are designed to compensate you for various losses suffered from your accident. The economic and non-economic damages you may recover include:

  • Medical expenses: This covers past, present, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and therapy.
  • Lost wages: You can recover compensation for lost income if your injury prevents you from working. This includes both past and future lost wages.
  • Loss of earning capacity: You may be eligible for compensation for lost earning capacity if your injury permanently reduces your ability to earn income.
  • Property damage: If your property was damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
  • Pain and suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain you experience due to the injury.
  • Mental anguish: This includes emotional distress, anxiety, and depression caused by the injury.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: This compensation is for a decreased ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
  • Loss of consortium: You may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium if your injury affects your relationships with your spouse or family.
  • Disability or disfigurement: This is compensation for permanent injuries, such as paralysis or disfigurement.
  • Punitive damages: In rare cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages. These are awarded to punish the defendant for their egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct. A judge typically only awards punitive damages in intentional or reckless misconduct cases.

Our experienced Birmingham personal injury attorneys will diligently pursue all possible forms of compensation to help aid your recovery.

What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident

If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, these are the steps we recommend to protect your health and legal rights:

  • Seek immediate medical attention: Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Keep detailed records of all your medical appointments, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
  • Report the incident: Notify relevant authorities. This could include parties such as law enforcement or property owners.
  • Gather evidence: Take photos, collect witness information, and document details that might support your claim.
  • Avoid admitting fault: Even if you think you may have been partially at fault, avoid apologizing, as it can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. Our legal team can evaluate who was at fault and advise you on how to respond to insurance adjusters.
  • Consult a personal injury lawyer: Our Birmingham personal injury attorneys can protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.

Alabama Statutes of Limitation for Personal Injury Cases

Alabama has strict deadlines, called the statutes of limitation, for filing personal injury claims:

  • Personal injury: You have two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit.
  • Wrongful death: Families must file within two years from their loved one’s date of death.
  • Medical malpractice: The standard time frame is two years from the date of injury, with rare exceptions for injuries discovered later.

You must contact us as soon as possible after your accident so we can ensure that your claim is filed within the required timeframe. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to recover compensation.

Elements of a Personal Injury Claim

To secure compensation, we must establish the following four essential elements in your personal injury claim:

  • Duty of care: The defendant had a duty to act responsibly.
  • Breach of duty: The defendant failed to fulfill this responsibility.
  • Causation: The defendant’s breach directly caused your injury.
  • Damages: You suffered losses because of the injury.

At Riley & Jackson, our personal injury attorneys build each case meticulously, gathering the evidence needed to establish these elements and pursue maximum compensation.

Factors Affecting Personal Injury Compensation

The value of your personal injury claim depends on several factors. These factors include:

  • Severity of your injuries: More serious injuries often lead to higher compensation due to medical costs and the effect on your quality of life.
  • Liability: Alabama’s contributory negligence rule bars recovery if you are even 1% at fault. Proving the defendant’s sole liability is vital.
  • Insurance limits: Coverage can impact the available compensation, especially with underinsured or uninsured defendants.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Defense teams may argue that pre-existing conditions influenced your injury. We will counter with medical evidence to clarify the extent of your injuries.
  • Long-term impact: Lasting injuries, such as brain trauma, often result in larger settlements due to the lifelong care required.

Our personal injury lawyers carefully consider each of these factors and work tirelessly to recover full and fair compensation for your damages.

Personal Injury FAQs

1. How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

You may have a valid personal injury claim in Alabama if:

  • Another party owed you a legal duty of care
  • They breached that duty through negligence or misconduct
  • You were injured or suffered damages, such as medical expenses or lost wages
  • The breach caused your injuries

Our Birmingham personal injury attorneys can review the facts of your case and advise whether you have a strong claim.

2. How Is Fault Determined in an Alabama Personal Injury Accident?

Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest in the country. Under this doctrine, if the court finds you to be even 1% at fault for your injury, it may bar you from recovering compensation. That is why working with our skilled Birmingham personal injury attorneys, who can investigate your case and protect you from unfair blame, is critical.

3. What If I Was Injured in a Car Accident in Birmingham?

If you were injured in a car crash in Birmingham, you may file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Alabama is a fault-based state, meaning the person who caused the accident is liable for damages. You may be entitled to compensation from:

  • The other driver’s auto insurance
  • Your own insurance if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • A personal injury lawsuit, if needed

Police reports, witness statements, and medical records are essential for building your case.

4. Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?

Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements to minimize payouts. While accepting an early offer may seem tempting, it often fails to cover the full extent of your losses, especially if you are still undergoing treatment.

Never accept a settlement without consulting our skilled team of personal injury attorneys. Once you accept, you typically waive your right to pursue further compensation.

5. How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Birmingham?

At Riley & Jackson, P.C., our Birmingham personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means:

  • You pay nothing up front.
  • Our attorneys only get paid if we win.
  • The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict.

This structure ensures that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of financial circumstances.

6. How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Personal Injury Case in Birmingham?

The timeline varies based on the case’s complexity, the severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases may resolve in a few months, while others may take over a year or two, especially if they go to court. Our attorneys can push for a timely resolution while ensuring no corners are cut in getting you fair compensation.

7. Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Injured At Work?

Yes. If a third party caused your injury, you may have a personal injury claim in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits. For example:

  • A defective tool caused your injury
  • A subcontractor’s employee hit you
  • A negligent driver injured you while driving for work

Our Birmingham injury lawyers can assess whether you qualify for both workers’ comp and a third-party personal injury claim.

8. What Makes Personal Injury Claims in Birmingham Unique?

Birmingham is a bustling metro area with heavy traffic, a diverse industrial sector, and large medical institutions. That means:

  • Auto accidents and trucking collisions are frequent on I-65, U.S. 280, and I-459.
  • Premises liability cases occur in restaurants, shopping centers, and apartment complexes across neighborhoods like Five Points South and Avondale.
  • Medical malpractice may involve major providers like UAB or Grandview.

Our firm’s local knowledge of Jefferson County courts, Birmingham ordinances, and regional insurance practices can make a substantial difference in your case.

9. Why Choose Riley & Jackson, P.C. for Your Birmingham Personal Injury Case?

At Riley & Jackson, P.C., we bring decades of experience, deep Alabama roots, and a reputation for excellence to every case. Founded by Rob Riley and Keith Jackson, both Alabama natives with top-tier legal training, we provide personalized, strategic representation for clients facing serious injuries.

We have secured major results, including one of the nation’s top wrongful death jury verdicts, and multimillion-dollar victories in truck accident, malpractice, and insurance disputes. Our firm is selective, ensuring each client receives focused attention and dedicated advocacy.

Whether you are battling an insurance company or pursuing justice for a loved one, Riley & Jackson is committed to helping you achieve a fair and meaningful outcome. We are better prepared than any other firm to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our expertise spans a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

Contact Riley & Jackson Today

We know that our clients want someone to be their champion—someone who will not just take on their case but who will dedicate themselves fully to the fight for justice. At Riley & Jackson, we are here to be that champion.

When a serious injury changes your life, we serve as your lifelong partner, supporting you at every stage of your recovery journey. Reach out today for a free consultation with our Birmingham personal injury attorneys. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and the compensation you deserve.