What is a wrongful death statute of limitations?

Wrongful death in Pennsylvania is when a person dies due to the negligence, carelessness, or intentional action of another party. A wrongful death statute of limitations refers to the time limit that is in place to file a wrongful death claim in court. In Pennsylvania, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of death, otherwise the claim will be barred from court. The statute of limitations serves several purposes: First, it encourages people to come forward in a timely manner to pursue their legal rights. Second, it keeps evidence fresh and preserves the validity of testimonies. Finally, it gives the defendant a sense of closure, knowing that the case will not be prolonged indefinitely. It is important to note that exceptions to this two-year deadline may exist for certain circumstances, such as when the wrongful death is caused by a government actor or in the case of a minor. It is also important to note that this is the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in court, but people may need to pursue pre-suit resolution processes prior to filing the claim with the court. Due to the fact that strict deadlines exist for filing a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania, it is important to seek legal advice immediately if you are considering such a claim. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help ensure that you take all the necessary steps to protect your legal rights within the statutes of limitations.

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What is a wrongful death statute of limitations?

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