Massachusetts · wrongful death damages

Massachusetts Wrongful Death Damages Economic and Non-Economic Losses

By DocketMath TeamUpdated July 15, 20262 min read
Wrongful Death Damages in Massachusetts
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Massachusetts wrongful-death-damages: statute of limitations years is 3; interest rate is 12.

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Authority and key facts

Citation: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2

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Verified April 24, 2026

  • Statute Of Limitations Years: 3
  • Interest Rate: 12
  • Minimum Punitive Damages: 5000
  • Non Economic Cap Source: ts_map_migration_ANO-1308

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.

Massachusetts Wrongful Death Damages Economic and Non-Economic Losses

Under Massachusetts law, wrongful death damages are governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2, which provides for recovery of both economic and non-economic losses. The statute also requires that a 12% interest rate be applied to the judgment from the date of death. This interest is added to the total damages awarded by the jury or court. The law sets out the categories of recoverable harm and provides specific exceptions to the general rules. A worked example below demonstrates how the 12% figure affects the final award. For a precise estimate tailored to individual circumstances, the calculator can compute the result using the statute’s full framework.

Governing authority

In Massachusetts, the wrongful death damages rule is set by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2. The verified packet cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter229/Section2).

Massachusetts wrongful death damages: the verified value is 12% under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2. The verified packet cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter229/Section2).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the wrongful death damages 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.


Run the numbers for your matter against the verified rule for this jurisdiction.

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