Informational. Compassionate. Not a law firm.
Understand your rights after a wrongful death.
If someone close to you has died because of another’s choices or negligence, you are grieving and trying to make sense of what comes next. Bereaved Rights explains wrongful death and fatal accident laws in plain language, so your family can make informed decisions about whether to talk with an attorney and what to ask.
Free, national resource. Not legal advice. Talking with a licensed attorney is the only way to get advice about your specific situation.
If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place:
- You believe someone’s carelessness or decisions contributed to your loved one’s death.
- You are unsure whether this is legally a “wrongful death” or another type of claim.
- You keep seeing terms like “statute of limitations,” “personal representative,” or “survival action” and just want them explained plainly.
- You need to know whether waiting could affect your family’s rights.
How Bereaved Rights helps your family
We are not a law firm and do not represent you. Instead, we organize the core information families look for after a fatal crash, medical event, workplace incident, or other tragedy.
Plain-English explainers
We translate statutes and legal jargon into everyday language, so you can understand what wrongful death, survival actions, and fatal accident claims actually mean.
State-by-state snapshots
Every state has its own wrongful death law. Our guides summarize who can file, key deadlines, and what damages are allowed where you live.
Guided next steps
When you are ready, we help you understand how to talk to a licensed attorney about your situation and what information is typically helpful to bring.
Choose your starting point
Different families come to this topic with different questions. Begin in the place that feels most helpful to you, and you can always circle back to the others later.
1. Understand wrongful death
Learn what makes a death “wrongful” in legal terms, how it differs from other claims, and the basic steps in a case.
Start with Wrongful Death 101 →2. Check your state’s rules
See who can file, how long you may have, and what types of damages may be available in your state’s wrongful death statute.
Browse state guides →3. Learn by situation
Explore how wrongful death law can apply after a fatal car crash, medical care, workplace incident, or other scenario.
View guides by situation →Why timing matters in wrongful death and fatal accident cases
Every state has a “statute of limitations” that puts a time limit on when most wrongful death lawsuits can be filed. In some areas, other notice deadlines may apply, especially when a government agency or employer is involved.
Step 1: Understand your window
Our state guides summarize the general time limits written into the law, so you can see the typical filing window where you live.
Step 2: Talk with a lawyer early
Only a licensed attorney can tell you how those deadlines apply in your situation. Many families choose to speak with counsel sooner rather than later.
Step 3: Decide what to do next
Understanding the possible options and timelines can help your family make a clear-eyed decision about whether to move forward, settle, or simply get answers.
Common questions families ask
Is every tragic death automatically a “wrongful death” case? +
No. “Wrongful death” is a legal term that usually requires showing that another person, company, or entity’s negligence or wrongful act caused the death. Our guides explain how courts typically think about fault, causation, and legal responsibility in these cases.
Who is allowed to file a wrongful death claim? +
This depends heavily on state law. Some states require a court-appointed personal representative to bring the claim on behalf of the family; others list specific relatives (such as spouses, children, or parents) who can file. Start with your state’s guide, then speak with a lawyer about your family’s situation.
Does learning about wrongful death make me “sue-happy” or disloyal? +
Many families simply want answers, accountability, or the ability to cover practical needs after a loss. Learning about the law does not commit you to a lawsuit. It helps you understand what options exist so you can make the choice that fits your values and circumstances.
For more questions and answers, visit our Wrongful Death FAQs .
Not sure where to start?
Many families come here feeling overwhelmed, unsure if what happened is legally a “wrongful death,” and worried about waiting too long. Our short guide walks you through the main questions lawyers ask, in plain English.
It’s not legal advice and doesn’t create an attorney–client relationship, but it can help you feel more prepared for a free consultation with a licensed lawyer in your state.
The legal help guide covers:
- How lawyers think about fault and causation after a fatal incident.
- Who is typically allowed to file claims in different states.
- Why timing matters and what “statute of limitations” means.
- What information to gather before you talk with a lawyer.
Takes about 5–10 minutes. You can stop at any time and come back later.