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Alabama: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 10 topic we track for Alabama on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Alabama compares.
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Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (6 mo. after discovery) |
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| Wrongful death | 2 years from death |
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| Damage cap | No cap (struck down in 1991) |
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| Expert affidavit or certificate | Not required |
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| Before you sue | None required |
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| Dollar limit | $6,000 |
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| Filing fee | $35 to $198 |
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| Lawyers | Optional |
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| Small estate limit | $47,000 (rises to $51,175 for claims from Apr. 1, 2027) |
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| Wait after death | 30 days after notice is published |
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| Real estate | No - only if the person owned no real estate |
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| Credit cards / open accounts | 3 years |
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| Written contracts | 6 years |
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| Promissory notes | 6 years |
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| Rule | Contributory negligence |
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| When you are barred | Barred if you are even 1% at fault |
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| Marketplace type | Federal marketplace |
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| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
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| Acknowledge | 15 days |
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| Accept or deny | 30 days after proof of loss |
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| Pay | 30 days after the claim is accepted and the amount agreed |
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| Estate tax | No state estate tax |
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| Inheritance tax | No inheritance tax |
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