Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death eHow

By Jane Meggitt, eHow Contributor, last updated May 13, 2014

Some people die before their time because of the negligent actions of another, whether that is a person or a company. A civil suit for wrongful death can be filed by surviving family members, or by the executor or administrator of the dead person's estate. In such suits, the plaintiff seeks compensation for the loss of the deceased person's income, loss of companionship, mental anguish and potential inheritance.

1. • Statutes of limitations for wrongful death claims -- the time limits in which to file lawsuits -- vary by state and the cause of death. Generally, lawsuits for wrongful death must be filed within one to three years of the date of death or the date on which the plaintiff became aware of the act that resulted in death. In Colorado, for example, a suit must be filed within two years, unless the person died as a result of a motor vehicle accident. In that case, the statute of limitations is three years. In California, the statute of limitations is also two years, unless the person died from asbestos exposure. In that case, the action must be filed within a year of the person's death, or within one year of the time he first knew that asbestos exposure might contribute to his death. In Missouri, the statute of limitations is three years for any type of death.

\\\{! } !}\\

',image: '',flash: ''},google_image_size : '336x280'});AdblockPlus.detect(function(usesABP) {if (usesABP) {googleAds.overrideAd('GoogleAdsense336x280', { google_ad_channel: 'leg_criminal_law,text,suggested7,Art6' });} });$(function(){var adList = $(".opNew336");var adItems = adList.children();var i = 1, ii = adItems.length;for(;i

• Photo CreditWavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Getty Images

• New York Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

  A wrongful death action is a lawsuit that is filed by the immediate surviving family members of a decedent whose death was...

• Wrongful Death Laws

  For most of legal history, it was cheaper to kill someone than injure him. After an injury, the victim could sue and...

• State Laws on Wrongful Deaths

  Wrongful death is the demise of a person resulting from another's wrongful conduct. In a wrongful death case, the deceased's heirs or...

• Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Illinois

  Illinois laws regarding wrongful death have existed on the state law books since at least the 1860s. This lengthy history also includes...

• The Statute of Limitations in Kentucky for a Wrongful Death

  Unfortunately, wrongful deaths occur and litigation can be necessary to compensate the loved ones of the victim. However, if action is not...

• Kansas Wrongful Death Laws

  Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Illinois. Illinois laws regarding wrongful death have existed on the state law books since at...

• Limitations of Wrongful Deaths in Utah

  A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed in the event of negligence or wrongdoing that resulted in a person's death. The heirs...

• Wrongful Death Laws in Minnesota

  Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for wrongful death varies in each state, but...

• The California Wrongful Death Law

  Wrongful death is a cause of action created by the California legislature that is common with every state. When another negligently or...

• Wrongful Termination Tennessee Statute of Limitation Laws

  Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for wrongful death varies in each state, ...

• Statute of Limitations Claim

  For example, wrongful death statutes of limitations generally range between two to four years. ... Statute of Limitations on Tax Judgments in...

• Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Dismissal

  Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Dismissal. ... Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death; How to Write a Wrongful Termination Affidavit; ehow.com. About...

• The Statute of Limitations on Negligence in California

  Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death. The statute of limitations for filing a ... The broad statute of limitations for torts under...

• The Statute of Limitations in the Death of an Infant

  New York Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations. A wrongful death action is a lawsuit that is filed by the immediate surviving family...

• The Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Termination

  Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for wrongful death varies in each state, but...

• New Jersey's Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Termination

  New York Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations. A wrongful death action is a lawsuit that is filed by the immediate surviving family...

• Wrongful Discharge Statute of Limitations in Ohio

  The Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Termination; How to File a Lawsuit Against Your Employer ... The Statute of Limitations in Kentucky...

• Elements of a Wrongful Death Civil Suit

  For a civil wrongful death suit to be filed and move forward in the U.S ... In the state of Maine, you...

• California Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination

  California Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination. Wrongful termination, also known as wrongful discharge, ... The California Wrongful Death Law.

• Wrongful Death Benefits

  Wrongful death is the term used to describe the death of an individual that occurs because of the negligence or misconduct of...

Featured

Don't Make These Refinancing Mistakes

Check It Out

Tax Break: Make the Most of the Worst

View Photos

Home Buyer's Checklist

View Photos

Others Also Viewed