A recent case in Lauderdale County, AL has brought renewed attention to Alabama’s strict laws governing relationships between school employees and students. These laws, designed to protect young people in educational settings, create specific legal frameworks that differ significantly from standard age of consent statutes in the state. Recent Case Highlights Legal Distinctions On April…
Alabama lawmakers are set to consider groundbreaking legislation that could significantly alter custody arrangements for unmarried parents across the state. The proposed “Good Dad Act,” pre-filed in November 2024, aims to establish more equitable custody rights for unmarried fathers who acknowledge paternity of their children. For many Alabama families, this legislation represents a potential shift…
In a significant development for Alabama’s education workforce, a House committee has unanimously approved legislation that would extend workers’ compensation benefits to public education employees across the state. The bill represents a major step forward in providing essential protections for teachers and staff who suffer injuries while performing their duties. Senate Bill 1 (SB 1),…
A potentially game-changing piece of legislation made its first appearance in the Alabama State Legislature on April 4, 2024. On that date, Senate Bill 293 was formally introduced to the Senate Judiciary Committee, proposing sweeping changes to how personal injury cases are handled throughout Alabama. This comprehensive tort reform measure has quickly generated intense discussion…
Suspected Tornado Damages Alabama School: Legal Implications for Property Damage and Personal Injury
A suspected tornado ripped through Dothan Preparatory Academy in Dothan, Alabama, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, causing significant structural damage and sending two students to the hospital. The severe weather event, which tore off portions of the school’s roof, has raised important questions about liability, safety protocols, and recovery options for…
A significant legal ruling in Montgomery, AL could have far-reaching implications for personal injury cases involving law enforcement in Alabama. On Monday, Morgan County Circuit Judge Charles Elliott denied immunity to police officer Mac Marquette, who is charged with murder in the September 29, 2023, fatal shooting of Steve Perkins. The case centers around a…
A new bill pre-filed by Alabama State Senator Rodger Smitherman of Birmingham could add an additional requirement for couples planning to tie the knot in Alabama. The proposed legislation would mandate that couples attend a conflict resolution class before obtaining a marriage license, with the stated goal of reducing domestic violence across the state. Currently,…
An Alabama sheriff’s deputy’s guilty plea reveals disturbing details about institutional abuse in Walker County and highlights critical legal considerations for victims of law enforcement misconduct. Case Development Court documents revealed that Walker County Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Lofton Carpenter, 55, has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of deprivation of rights in connection with…
A recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling reinforces legal protections for healthcare providers during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges families face when seeking accountability for COVID-era medical care. Case Background In a decision with far-reaching implications for Alabama families affected by COVID-19, the Supreme Court of Alabama has ruled in favor of a hospital’s immunity from…
A recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling highlights the critical importance of understanding patient responsibilities in medical care and the legal concept of contributory negligence in Alabama personal injury cases. Case Background In a significant medical malpractice ruling, the Supreme Court of Alabama has reversed a lower court’s decision that had granted a new trial in…