How long can a wrongful death lawsuit take to resolve?

In California, the length of time it takes for a wrongful death lawsuit to resolve depends on a variety of factors. A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal action initiated when a person dies as the result of the negligence or wrongful conduct of another person or entity. The wrongful death lawsuit may be resolved in a few months if the parties can reach a settlement agreement. However, if the parties are unable to reach an agreement, it can take much longer. In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years. This means that, in most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death or the claim may be barred. Once a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed, the court may take several months or even years to determine the issues involved in the case. The length of time the court takes may depend on the complexity of the case and the witnesses and evidence that must be presented. The length of time it takes for a wrongful death lawsuit to resolve may also depend on the cooperation of the parties. Negotiations between the parties may be required to reach a settlement agreement, and this process can take considerable time. Thus, in California, a wrongful death lawsuit may take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve, depending on the factors involved.

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