Is There a Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits?

In a word: yes. There is a statute of limitations for anyone who wishes to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a family member who was killed due to wrongful death. However, the statute of limitations varies by state and can also depend on the circumstances of the individual’s death, in some cases. If you lost someone you loved due to a grievous error or act of negligence, you certainly need to discover what the statute of limitations is in your area and how it might affect your case.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations refers to a time limit a person or party has to file a lawsuit. These limitations are set in place to help encourage people to bring their cases to the court as early as possible, while the case is still fresh and relevant. These time limits vary from state to state, and, in many cases, states enforce separate statutes of limitations for different types of claims, including wrongful death.

The Statute of Limitations in Florida

In Florida, the wrongful death statute of limitations is two years, beginning from the date of the individual’s death. In certain circumstances, the deadline may be extended, but only in very special situations. Once the two-year mark passes, claimants may lose their right to file a wrongful death suit against the liable party, which is why law firms – ours included – advise families to reach out to a lawyer for a consultation.

Let Our Wrongful Death Lawyers

Dealing with a wrongful death lawsuit can be challenging, both emotionally and legally, which is why you need a reliable, experienced attorney by your side. The statute of limitations in Florida requires you to stick to a two-year deadline, which can make it difficult for you and your family to process and grieve on your own timeline. To help with this type of problem, our firm provides wrongful death clients with step-by-step, personalized legal assistance when they need it most. We understand how trying this type of ordeal can be, and we’re here to make the process as simple and efficient as possible. Nobody should lose a loved one due to carelessness. We use our legal knowledge to hold the liable parties accountable for their actions – it’s what we do.

Contact Clark, Fountain, La Vista, Littky-Rubin & Whitman today to discuss your case with our attorneys.