Puerto Rico law
Wrongful Death Laws in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico's wrongful-death claims proceed under the 2020 Civil Code's extra-contractual liability framework. Unlike most US jurisdictions with specific wrongful-death statutes, Puerto Rico treats wrongful-death damages as part of the general tort remedies. Plaintiffs may recover economic damages, pain and suffering (including grief and mental anguish for survivors), and burial expenses. The 1-year statute of limitations is distinctive.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Statute of Limitations
Wrongful-death claims (as extra-contractual liability) must be filed within 1 year of the injury/death or date of discovery. Among the shortest in the U.S.
State law
Key Puerto Rico Statutes
Puerto Rico's general tort statute governs wrongful death. Survivors may recover for their own damages (grief, mental anguish, loss of support) as well as for decedent's pre-death suffering.
Family members may recover for their own emotional pain, grief, and loss of support. Analysis is highly factual, considering relationships and circumstances.
State law
Official Sources
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 Puerto Rico.
Next step
Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.
If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in Puerto Rico.
More in Puerto Rico
Other state law topics.
Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Immigration Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Social Security Disability Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Civil Rights Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Commercial Litigation Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws