The statute of limitations for wrongful death is different in every state; in other words, if a wrongful death lawsuit is not filed within the appropriate statute of limitations, then the suit may be barred altogether. Therefore, if you believe that you may have a claim for wrongful death, you should consult an attorney right away so that your claim can be filed in accordance with any applicable statute of limitations. Depending on your state's laws, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your claim, you may have only a period of one to three years in which to file a wrongful death lawsuit in court. Since a successful wrongful death lawsuit can result in much-needed financial compensation for the death of a loved one, it is essential that you preserve your potential wrongful death claim by adhering to the statute of limitations that applies to your case.