Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations by State
Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations by State — plain comparison table with statute citations.
Reference tables only — we don't ask for, store, or process any personal information.| State | Limit (years) | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2 | Ala. Code §6-2-38 |
| Alaska | 2 | Alaska Stat. §09.10.070 |
| Arizona | 2 | Ariz. Rev. Stat. §12-542 |
| Arkansas | 3 | Ark. Code §16-56-106 |
| California | 2 | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §335.1 |
| Colorado | 2 | C.R.S. §13-80-102 |
| Connecticut | 2 | Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-555 |
| Delaware | 2 | Del. Code §10-8119 |
| Florida | 2 | Fla. Stat. §95.11(4) |
| Georgia | 2 | Ga. Code §9-3-33 |
| Hawaii | 2 | Haw. Rev. Stat. §657-7 |
| Idaho | 2 | Idaho Code §5-219 |
| Illinois | 2 | 735 ILCS 5/13-209 |
| Indiana | 2 | Ind. Code §34-11-2-4 |
| Iowa | 2 | Iowa Code §614.1 |
| Kansas | 2 | Kan. Stat. §60-513 |
| Kentucky | 1 | Ky. Rev. Stat. §413.140 |
| Louisiana | 1 | La. Civ. Code art. 2315.1 |
| Maine | 6 | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-C §2-804 |
| Maryland | 3 | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-104 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260 §2A |
| Michigan | 3 | Mich. Comp. Laws §600.5805 |
| Minnesota | 3 | Minn. Stat. §573.02 |
| Mississippi | 3 | Miss. Code §15-1-49 |
| Missouri | 3 | Mo. Rev. Stat. §537.080 |
| Montana | 3 | Mont. Code Ann. §27-2-205 |
| Nebraska | 2 | Neb. Rev. Stat. §30-810 |
| Nevada | 2 | Nev. Rev. Stat. §11.190 |
| New Hampshire | 3 | N.H. Rev. Stat. §508:4 |
| New Jersey | 2 | N.J. Stat. §2A:31-1 |
| New Mexico | 3 | N.M. Stat. §41-2-106 |
| New York | 2 | N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts §5-4.1 |
| North Carolina | 2 | N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-53 |
| North Dakota | 6 | N.D. Cent. Code §28-01-18 |
| Ohio | 2 | Ohio Rev. Code §2125.01 |
| Oklahoma | 2 | Okla. Stat. tit. 12 §1053 |
| Oregon | 3 | Or. Rev. Stat. §30.020 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 42 Pa. C.S. §5524 |
| Rhode Island | 3 | R.I. Gen. Laws §9-1-14 |
| South Carolina | 3 | S.C. Code §15-3-530 |
| South Dakota | 3 | S.D. Codified Laws §15-2-14 |
| Tennessee | 1 | Tenn. Code §28-3-104 |
| Texas | 2 | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003 |
| Utah | 2 | Utah Code §78B-2-106 |
| Vermont | 3 | Vt. Stat. tit. 14 §1491 |
| Virginia | 2 | Va. Code §8.01-244 |
| Washington | 3 | Wash. Rev. Code §4.20.010 |
| West Virginia | 2 | W. Va. Code §55-7-7 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | Wis. Stat. §893.54 |
| Wyoming | 2 | Wyo. Stat. §1-38-101 |
Source: state statutes, last reviewed 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a statute of limitations?
It is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit. Once the time runs out, a court will normally dismiss the case even if the claim is valid.
When does the clock start?
Usually when the harm is discovered or should have been discovered. Some claims use a "discovery rule," others start on the date of the event. State law controls.
Can the deadline be extended?
Sometimes. Minors, incapacitated people, or defendants who leave the state may get extra time (tolling). The rules vary by state and claim type.
Does this table give legal advice?
No. StatuteLimits is a reference only. Confirm the current deadline with the state code or a licensed attorney before relying on it.
Related
StatuteLimitsPersonal Injury Statute of Limitations by StateMedical Malpractice Statute of Limitations by StateWritten Contract Statute of Limitations by StateOral Contract Statute of Limitations by StateDebt Collection Statute of Limitations by StateDefamation Statute of Limitations by StateProperty Damage Statute of Limitations by State