How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but many wrongful death cases resolve within 12 to 24 months. The timeline depends on several factors, including the strength of the evidence, whether the defendant accepts responsibility, and how complex the damages are to calculate.

Cases involving corporate defendants, such as PG&E or other large entities, may take longer, especially if they involve multiple victims, ongoing investigations, or technical questions about liability. If the case goes to trial, additional time is needed for discovery, depositions, motions, and court scheduling.

Our goal at Danko Meredith is to resolve your claim efficiently, but never at the cost of full compensation. Our wrongful death attorneys prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case must be litigated in court.