Wrongful Death Deadline vs. Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
A Rhode Island family has the same three years the injured person would have had.
Three years
The statute of limitations for a Rhode Island wrongful death action is three years.
Compared with an injury claim
Ordinary personal injury suits also have three years under R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-14.
Malpractice deaths
Any medical malpractice action for personal injury or wrongful death must be brought within three years of the incident, the date of death, or when the claimant knew or should have known of the wrongful act.
Government defendants
Rhode Island has a short municipal notice deadline that can bar a claim if missed; check it early.
A local personal injury attorney can review your claim — many offer a free consultation.
Official sources
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 — personal injury deadline
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4 — comparative negligence
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-1 — wrongful death
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-1.2 — loss of consortium and society
This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Rhode Island's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Rhode Island attorney.