Legal Question in Personal Injury in Alabama

Depends on whether people believe the "bump" was an "accident." If not, then there certainly can be civil and criminal actions filed against your friend. On the other hand, if no one disputes that the bump was minor and accidental, then it is possible that nothing will happen.

On your facts; who knows? If it was truly an accident nothing will happen. If your friend was neglegent, he or she may be held responsible.

The answer to your question requires more details than you have posted. There could be absolutely no consequences if it is believed to be purely an accident, or your friend could face a murder charge if prosecutors believe it was an intentional act. If they believe it was an accident but also believe your friend was behaving recklessly, then your friend could be prosecuted for manslaughter. If your friend is believed to have been engaged in what is called criminal negligence, then it could result in an arrest for criminally negligent homicide.

Additionally, in the civil context, your friend could get sued for a cause of action called wrongful death. Whether or not that claim would be successful would depend on more details than you have included in your post.

If you wish to discuss the matter in more detail, please feel free to contact our office. I can be reached at (800) 737-3702 Ext. 1 or by sending me an email through the contact form on my website. The contact form is located at http://williampfeifer.com/contact.

Good luck to you, and let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

William L. Pfeifer, Jr.