Quick answer
Wrongful-death and estate-related claims have their own parties, deadlines, and procedures.
Do now
Preserve incident records, identify next of kin and any estate representative, and obtain prompt legal help. Gather death and medical records through authorized channels. Identify government or employment involvement.
Watch for
The ordinary personal-injury timetable may not apply. A relative may need formal authority to bring a claim, and different claims can compensate different losses. Do not wait for an investigation to conclude before checking deadlines.
Official sources
NY Courts — Statute of Limitations Timetable, NJ Courts — Statute of Limitations FAQ, DC Code § 12-301, NY Legislature — General Municipal Law § 50-e.
