Every jurisdiction in our dataset that gives 1 year to file a wrongful death claim, with the governing statute.
Quick answer: 2 of 51 jurisdictions give 1 year for wrongful death claims: Kentucky, Tennessee.
Data last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
| State | Statute | Clock starts |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 413.140(1)(a) | Date of death |
| Tennessee | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1) | Date of death |
2 of 51 jurisdictions: Kentucky, Tennessee.
Other states allow 2 years, 3 years. See the links on this page for each group.
Not always. Many states pause or extend the clock for minors, for harm that is discovered late, or when the defendant hides the wrong, and claims against governments often require earlier notice. Check your state's page for its exceptions.