When you lose a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness, it is important to hold the responsible person accountable and make sure no one else suffers because of the negligent party’s actions.
You can make a wrongful death claim for a death resulting from other people’s unlawful, reckless or negligent behavior. However, the loss of a family member can upend your life, and it may be some time before you consider filing a lawsuit. Here is what you need to know about the statute of limitations for wrongful death suits in Massachusetts.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
You typically have three years after the date of the death to file a wrongful death suit or, in some rare cases, three years from the date you knew you could file such a claim.
Why should I file a wrongful death claim?
Bringing a wrongful death case allows you to hold the negligent party financially responsible for the loss of your family member. In situations where the person at fault did not commit any criminal acts, this may be the only way to hold that person accountable. With a successful case, some of the damages you can recover include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income and other financial support
- Non-economic damages, such as loss of love
Because it can be difficult to prove that someone’s negligent actions caused the death of your loved one, you should act quickly to ensure sufficient time to successfully bring your case.
