Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations in California
2 min read
Published July 14, 2026 • By DocketMath Team
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Quoted from the source law itself. Not legal advice; confirm how it applies to your matter.
Current verified answer
California statute-of-limitations: period is 3; period is 3.
See your deadlineAuthority and key facts
- Period: 3
- Period: 3
- Statute Of Limitations Years: 2
- Government Notice Period Days: 180
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations in California
California’s wrongful death statute of limitations is governed by Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. That statute establishes a two-year period within which a wrongful death action must be filed. The two years run from the date of the decedent’s death, unless an applicable exception or tolling provision applies as set out in the official code section. The verified two-year figure is the sole temporal limit stated in the statute; any additional factors, exceptions, or criteria are detailed in the official source linked below. The step-by-step worked example demonstrates how the two-year period is calculated from a given death date. To estimate a specific result, use the calculator.
Governing authority
In California, the statute of limitations rule is set by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. The verified packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=335.1).
Deadline example
For a California wrongful death limitations check, use the verified limitations period from the current rule packet: 2 years. The authority packet cites Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=335.1).
Example inputs:
- Accrual date: 2024-04-25
- Filing date checked: 2026-04-25
Calculation:
- Start with the accrual date.
- Add 2 years.
- The example deadline is 2026-04-25.
This example is generated from the verified facts packet rather than freeform prose. Confirm tolling, discovery rules, and claim-specific exceptions before relying on the date.
Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the wrongful death statute of limitations calculator to estimate your specific figure.
This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
