Kentucky law

Wrongful Death Laws in Kentucky.

Kentucky wrongful-death actions are governed by KRS §§ 411.130 and 411.133, allowing the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to bring an action on behalf of statutory beneficiaries. Actions generally must be brought within 1 year of the appointment of the personal representative, with specific outside limits.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

1 year from personal-representative appointment (with outside limits)KRS § 413.140(1)(a)

Kentucky wrongful-death actions must generally be filed within 1 year of the appointment of the personal representative, subject to specific outside limits under Kentucky case law.

State law

Key Kentucky Statutes

Kentucky Wrongful Death StatuteKRS § 411.130

Kentucky’s wrongful-death statute governs who may bring a wrongful-death action and the damages available to statutory beneficiaries.

State law

Official Sources

Kentucky Legislature — Revised Statutes

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Kentucky.

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Wrongful Death Laws in Kentucky.

Statute of Limitations

Key Kentucky Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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