Terre Haute Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

After losing a loved one, it is natural to need time to grieve and focus on rebuilding your life without their support and companionship. The last thing you and your family are likely thinking about is filing a lawsuit. However, if they died due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek justice and compensation with a wrongful death suit.

However, the Terre Haute wrongful death statute of limitations gives you a limited timeframe to decide whether to sue. Our knowledgeable wrongful death attorneys can help you understand the various statutory requirements and rules.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death?

A statute of limitations sets a time restriction for someone to file a lawsuit against a person or party who harmed their loved one. In Terre Haute, the statute of limitations for wrongful death is shorter than you might think, as outlined in Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1. If you try to pursue a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, a local court would likely dismiss your case, and you would have no further option to seek recourse for your loved one’s untimely death.

However, you do not need to complete your legal claim before the option to do so has expired. You only need to start the legal process by filing the initial claim. From there, our skilled lawyers can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove liability.

Gathering Evidence in Wrongful Death Lawsuits

In addition to complying with time limitations, evidence is an important reason for promptly filing a wrongful death claim in Terre Haute. If your family waits too long, it can be considerably harder to gather and collect the evidence you need to build your case. For example, you often need eyewitness testimony, but they may have moved and you no longer have the means to contact them.

Even if you can find witnesses, they may not remember as many details as they would soon after the event. Memories of critical details can fade over time, and facts can become distorted. Other types of evidence can also accidentally or intentionally disappear. For example, in a fatal hit and run, the driver may get their car detailed and painted to hide evidence that they struck someone. Our attorneys understand how critical time limitations are in building a strong wrongful death suit.

Call a Terre Haute Lawyer About the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Suits

If you are considering filing a wrongful death suit, you need to understand the relevant Terre Haute wrongful death statute of limitations. Our skilled legal team at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin has the necessary experience you need. We can help you comply with the relevant time restrictions and build a solid case. Call to arrange a meeting with an attorney at our law office today.