Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations in Michigan

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Published July 14, 2026 • By DocketMath Team

Verified · 37 primary sources

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Quoted from the source law itself. Not legal advice; confirm how it applies to your matter.

Current verified answer

Michigan statute-of-limitations: period is 2; statute of limitations years is 6.

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Authority and key facts

Citation: MCL § 600.5813

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Verified April 27, 2026

  • Period: 2
  • Statute Of Limitations Years: 6
  • Government Notice Period Days: 120
  • Limitation Period: 3 years (default for personal injury / wrongful death under subsection (2)); subsection-specific periods apply to assault/battery/false imprisonment (2 yr; 5 yr intimate-partner/dating; 10 yr criminal sexual conduct), malicious prosecution (2 yr), malpractice (2 yr), libel/slander (1 yr), products liability (3 yr)

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 Michigan

Under Michigan’s Revised Judicature Act, the specific rule governing the time limit for bringing a wrongful death claim is found in MCL § 600.5813. This statute establishes a limitation period of three years from the date the cause of action accrues. The official text of the statute, available through the Michigan Legislature’s website, sets out the precise timing and any applicable exceptions or conditions that may affect the calculation. The worked example below demonstrates how this three-year period is applied to a hypothetical set of facts. For a result tailored to the specific dates and circumstances of a particular case, the DocketMath calculator provides an estimate based on the governing rule.

Governing authority

In Michigan, the statute of limitations rule is set by MCL § 600.5813. The verified packet cites MCL § 600.5813 (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5813).

Deadline example

For a Michigan wrongful death limitations check, use the verified limitations period from the current rule packet: 3 years. The authority packet cites MCL § 600.5813 (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5813).

Example inputs:

  • Accrual date: 2024-04-25
  • Filing date checked: 2026-04-25

Calculation:

  • Start with the accrual date.
  • Add 3 years.
  • The example deadline is 2027-04-25.

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.