Massachusetts Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Quick answer
In Massachusetts, the deadline that generally applies to wrongful death claims is 3 years from the date of death, under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2. Certain circumstances can pause or extend this window. This is general legal information, not a personal deadline determination for your situation.
Massachusetts
Wrongful Death
General statute of limitations
3
years to file
In Massachusetts, a wrongful death claim must generally be filed within 3 years of the date of injury or death. Filing after this window typically bars the claim permanently.
Governing statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2

What starts the clock, and tolling exceptions

Clock typically starts
Date of death
The SOL for wrongful death runs from the date of the decedent's death, not the date of the underlying injury or negligent act.
Government defendants
Notice of claim may be required
If your claim is against a government entity (a city, county, state agency, or public employee), most states require a separate notice of claim within 30 to 180 days. Missing this notice deadline can bar your claim entirely, independent of the SOL.
Tolling: when the clock may pause
Wrongful death deadlines typically run from the date of death, not the underlying injury. Estate representatives must bring the claim. Some states require the estate to be opened before the clock begins.

Filing deadlines by claim type in Massachusetts

Claim typeDeadlineStatute
Personal Injury3 yearsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A
Car Accident3 yearsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A
Slip & Fall / Premises3 yearsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A
Medical Malpractice3 yearsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4
Wrongful Death3 yearsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2

What cases like this have ranged for

Illustrative · national · not case-specific
$100,000 – $2,000,000+
Wrongful death claims reflect lost income, companionship, and other statutory damages, and vary sharply by jurisdiction and dependents.
What is my case worth? →How these ranges are compiled →
Educational information only: not legal advice
This result reflects the general statutory period for wrongful death claims in Massachusetts based on publicly available statutes. Your actual deadline may differ based on the specific facts of your case, applicable tolling rules, discovery rule application, government defendant requirements, and other circumstances. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Caseworth makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts before making any decisions about your claim.
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Common questions

What is the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the general statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 3 years under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2. This is general educational information; the deadline that applies to matters like yours may differ based on the specific facts of the case. Consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts to confirm the deadline for your situation.

What starts the clock on the Massachusetts wrongful death deadline?

The SOL for wrongful death runs from the date of the decedent's death, not the date of the underlying injury or negligent act.

Are there tolling exceptions in Massachusetts?

Yes. Wrongful death deadlines typically run from the date of death, not the underlying injury. Estate representatives must bring the claim. Some states require the estate to be opened before the clock begins. Tolling rules vary by state and case type, so it is worth confirming with a licensed attorney in Massachusetts whether an exception applies to matters like yours.

What have cases like this ranged for?

Nationally, cases like this have historically ranged $100,000 – $2,000,000+ (illustrative, not specific to Massachusetts or to any individual case). Wrongful death claims reflect lost income, companionship, and other statutory damages, and vary sharply by jurisdiction and dependents. See the Settlement Data & Methodology hub for how these ranges are compiled.

Learn more: Settlement Data & Methodology · Statute of Limitations Checker · What is my case worth?

Other claim types in Massachusetts

What is my case worth in Massachusetts? — cited value range + this deadline

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