Understanding Timelines: How Long Does It Take to Settle Wrongful Death Claims?
Wrongful death claims are among the most emotionally and legally complex cases in the personal injury system. A wrongful death claim is a civil cause of action brought by surviving family members when a death results from another party’s negligence or intentional act, allowing recovery for economic and non-economic losses. The federal judiciary recognizes wrongful death actions as part of the civil court system
Given the complexity of causation, the involvement of multiple family interests, and the often substantial damages at issue, wrongful death cases frequently require two (2) to four (4) years—or longer—to reach resolution. During this prolonged legal journey, families are not only navigating grief, but also the financial pressures that accompany the loss of a primary provider or contributor.
At
Best Call Funding, we understand that time should never become an obstacle to justice. Our pre-settlement funding solutions are designed to help families preserve financial stability while their attorneys pursue the full and fair compensation they deserve; we ensure that we are consistently Bridging Clients Forward.
What Makes Wrongful Death Cases Take Longer?
Wrongful death claims require fundamentally different legal complexity than personal injury cases. While a car accident victim can describe their own injuries, wrongful death cases must establish that the defendant's actions directly caused the death—a significantly more demanding legal burden requiring extensive expert analysis. A formal definition of wrongful death as a civil tort clarifies the specific legal framework governing these cases.
Investigation and Expert Requirements
Wrongful death cases demand expert testimony from medical examiners, accident reconstruction specialists, and economic loss experts. The investigative phase typically requires (4) to (6) months before settlement discussions can begin. Unlike injury cases where liability might be clear, wrongful death cases often require extensive expert analysis to demonstrate that negligence directly caused the fatal injury.
The Typical Wrongful Death Settlement Timeline
Most wrongful death cases settle between eighteen (18) to thirty-six (36) months after filing, though many extend beyond this range. Simple cases with clear causation and obvious negligence may resolve in twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months. Complex cases involving medical causation disputes, multiple defendants, or regulatory investigations can extend four (4) to five (5) years or longer.
Legal Deadlines That Influence Your Timeline
Legal filing deadlines directly affect how long you have to pursue your case. In most U.S. states, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within one to three (3) years of the decedent's death, depending on state law. Missing these critical deadlines can bar the case entirely.
Causation and Expert Testimony
Causation—proving that the defendant's actions directly caused the death—is the single largest factor extending timelines. This differs fundamentally from injury cases where the plaintiff testifies about their own experience. Wrongful death causation requires expert medical testimony establishing injury mechanism, medical condition progression, and ultimate cause of death.
Expert Disagreements and Reviews
Medical examiners must review autopsy reports, medical records, and clinical documentation. Disagreements between experts trigger extended discovery disputes and independent medical evaluations, further extending timelines. Each expert engagement adds weeks or months to case development.
Multiple Family Members and Competing Interests
Most wrongful death claims involve multiple family members with competing financial interests. Surviving spouses, children, parents, and siblings may all have claims under state law with different damage entitlements. Managing these dynamics requires attorney coordination time and sometimes mediation before settlement.
Some family members prefer settlement speed; others prioritize maximum compensation. Managing these interests without alienating family members requires significant attorney time and strategic communication. This coordination layer is entirely absent in standard injury cases.
Court Approval Requirements
Unlike standard injury settlements finalized through attorney agreement, wrongful death settlements often require court approval—particularly when minor children are involved. This court approval process adds two (2) to six (6) months after settlement agreement is reached. The court must verify the settlement is fair and that all parties' interests are protected.
Insurance Company Response and Delay Tactics
Wrongful death cases often attract aggressive insurance company delay tactics because damages valuations are substantially higher than standard injury claims. The combination of loss of life, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support creates potential settlements in the millions. Insurance companies have enormous incentive to delay wrongful death cases, knowing extended timelines create family financial desperation.
Financial Hardship During Extended Litigation
Extended wrongful death timelines create acute financial pressure on surviving family members. If the deceased was the primary income earner, the family loses both their breadwinner and faces immediate living expenses, funeral costs, and ongoing household obligations. Many families face eviction or inability to maintain basic living standards while waiting for settlement.
How Best Call Funding Removes Financial Pressure
Insurance companies often exploit financial vulnerability through delay tactics, pressuring grieving families to accept settlements far below fair value simply to meet immediate needs.
Best Call Funding counters this imbalance by providing non-recourse pre-settlement funding based on your case’s anticipated value—meaning you owe nothing unless you recover. With financial stability restored, families can maintain housing and essential living expenses while their attorney pursues full and fair compensation without urgency driven by hardship. This structure preserves complete negotiating freedom and protects the integrity of your case, fulfilling Best Call Funding’s mission of truly
Bridging Clients Forward.
How Best Call Funding Supports Wrongful Death Families?
Best Call Funding supports families through the long and uncertain course of wrongful death litigation by providing timely, non-recourse pre-settlement funding designed to stabilize finances while justice is pursued. With a simple online application and direct coordination with your attorney, most cases receive an approval decision within one (1) to twenty-four (24) business hours, and funds are typically delivered within 24 to 48 hours—often the same day by wire or next business day by direct deposit. Plaintiffs generally receive approximately ten-percent (10%) to fifteen-percent (15%) of their anticipated settlement value, offering meaningful financial relief without the burden of monthly payments. Because repayment occurs only from settlement proceeds, and only if the case is successful, families are protected from additional financial risk and empowered to wait for fair and full compensation rather than being forced into premature settlement.
Making Your Wrongful Death Claim Decision
Wrongful death cases commonly require two to four years or longer to resolve due to complex causation, expert testimony, multiple family interests, and court approval requirements—timelines that can impose significant financial strain on surviving families. Best Call Funding provides stability during this waiting period so your family can pursue justice without crisis-driven pressure.
With over 20 years of combined industry experience and NMLS certification, Best Call Funding offers compliant, transparent support throughout wrongful death litigation. If your family needs financial assistance now, apply online or call (844) 676-CASH (2274). Best Call Funding works with your attorney and provides updates within 24 business hours, allowing your family to focus on recovery—not financial survival
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can my family receive through Best Call Funding?
Most wrongful death plaintiffs receive approximately 10% to 15% of their expected settlement value, depending on case strength, causation clarity, and damages documentation. Your expected recovery influences the funding amount available to your family.
What if my wrongful death case takes longer than expected?
Best Call Funding is designed for extended litigation timelines. Whether your case settles in 18 months or 4 years, your funding agreement remains in place and covers the entire waiting period. Costs increase proportionally with case duration based on what your attorney recommends regarding interest structure.
Are there upfront costs or hidden fees with Best Call Funding?
No upfront costs, no hidden charges. Application and processing fees are included in your contract and deducted from your settlement if your case succeeds. Your family never pays anything out of pocket during the funding period—all costs come from settlement proceeds.
What happens if my family's settlement is lower than expected?
Pre-settlement funding operates on a non-recourse basis. If your settlement is lower than anticipated, your attorney can negotiate a reduction with Best Call Funding. Clients only get paid if they win the case, so your family faces no personal liability if outcomes differ from projections.
How quickly will my family receive funding after approval?
Once approved, funding typically arrives within 24 to 48 hours. Wire transfers deliver funds the same day, direct deposit typically arrives within one business day, and paper checks are also available upon request. Most families access their funds within 24 hours of approval.
Does my family's credit score affect Best Call Funding eligibility?
No. Pre-settlement funding approval depends on case merit and supporting documentation—not personal financial history. Your case's strength, causation documentation, and attorney experience are the primary factors in approval decisions. Bankruptcy history can affect funding eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
Can I apply for Best Call Funding while grieving?
Yes. Best Call Funding works seamlessly with your attorney, so your family can focus on healing while we handle the financial support details. Your attorney coordinates with us to gather case information, and you simply provide basic application details. This allows you to grieve without managing complex financial decisions during litigation.
