California
Statute of limitations for wrongful death in California
California uses the same two-year statute for wrongful-death actions that it uses for personal-injury claims. The clock generally runs from the date of death, not necessarily the date of the underlying injury, and public-entity defendants can trigger a much shorter government-claim presentation deadline.
SoL period
2 years
From the date the cause of action accrues
Compute your deadline
Filing deadline
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Where this rule comes from
Statute
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1
"Within two years: injury to, or death of, an individual caused by wrongful act or neglect."
Read the full statute
Last verified May 7, 2026
by Juryvine Editorial
What can extend or pause this clock
Government Tort Claims Act.
If a California public entity is the defendant, a pre-suit government claim is usually due within six months under the Government Claims Act.
Pre-suit administrative claim deadline: 180 days.
Frequently asked
- What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in California?
- 2 years from the date the cause of action accrues. Authority: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1.
- What if the defendant is a government agency?
- If a California public entity is the defendant, a pre-suit government claim is usually due within six months under the Government Claims Act.
Wrongful Death statute by state
Other California statutes of limitations
Not legal advice.
Statutes of limitations are governed by complex doctrine with many exceptions.
Use this page as a starting point and verify with an attorney before relying on
any deadline. Juryvine is not a law firm and does not represent clients.