As with any civil lawsuit for negligence (personal injury), there is a two-year period of limitation on a lawsuit for wrongful death under California law. The wrongful death lawsuit must be brought within two years of the death of the injured person.
Time Frame Examples for Wrongful Death Action in California:
For example, if a wife is severely injured in an auto accident in San Diego, California on January 1, 2011, she must bring a lawsuit to recover for her own injuries by January 1, 2013. If the husband dies because of his injuries due to the negligence of another person or entity in San Diego, California on February 1, 2011, the wife must bring a lawsuit to recover for wrongful death by February 1, 2013.