Two year statute of limitations runs out on 10/10/2009. How difficult is it for an attorney to file a wrongful death claim?

I do not have an attorney. How likely is it that a filing could be completed just to avoid the statute of limitations expiring prior to Friday 10/10/2009. Can any lawyer file? The death occurred Oct. 10, 2007--I have struggled with whether to pursue any action, and now feel compelled to at least consult an attorney and try. I believe there was gross negligence at a local nursing home facility where individual had gone for a brief length of stay to provide respite relief for family caregivers and was paying privately for this respite care. The negligence he experienced resulted in his death.