Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in District of Columbia
How long you have to sue in District of Columbia for an injury, property damage, medical malpractice or wrongful death, and the shorter deadline for claims against the government.
Short answer: D.C. has no separate deadline that names personal injury; negligence-based injury claims fall under the general 3-year period for actions not otherwise specifically covered. D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(4), (8)
| Deadline to sue for an injury | D.C. has no separate deadline that names personal injury; negligence-based injury claims fall under the general 3-year period for actions not otherwise specifically covered. Claims for assault, battery, libel, slander, false arrest or false imprisonment have 1 year. Which category applies to a particular injury claim can depend on how the claim is classified. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(4), (8) |
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| Deadline to sue for property damage | A lawsuit for damage to real or personal property, or to recover personal property or damages for holding it unlawfully, must be filed within 3 years after the right to sue accrues. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(2), (3) |
| Medical malpractice deadline | Medical malpractice claims fall under D.C.'s general 3-year limit. Before suing a health care provider, the injured person must give the provider written notice at least 90 days before filing, with enough information to explain the legal basis of the claim and the injuries; a court may excuse the notice requirement on a showing of good faith effort. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Wrongful death deadline | A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within 2 years after the death. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 16-2702 |
| Suing the government | Before suing the District of Columbia for unliquidated damages to person or property, the claimant (or an agent or attorney) must give written notice to the Mayor within six months after the injury or damage, stating the approximate time, place, cause and circumstances. A written report by the Metropolitan Police Department made in the regular course of duty counts as sufficient notice. No damages cap for claims against the District was identified in the sections reviewed. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 12-309 |
More District of Columbia personal injury & wrongful death
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in District of Columbia
- Medical Malpractice Rules in District of Columbia
- Car Accident Claims in District of Columbia
- Dog Bite Liability in District of Columbia
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in District of Columbia
- Bicycle Accident Claims in District of Columbia
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in District of Columbia
- Construction Site Injuries in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in District of Columbia?
D.C. has no separate deadline that names personal injury; negligence-based injury claims fall under the general 3-year period for actions not otherwise specifically covered. Claims for assault, battery, libel, slander, false arrest or false imprisonment have 1 year.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in District of Columbia?
A lawsuit for damage to real or personal property, or to recover personal property or damages for holding it unlawfully, must be filed within 3 years after the right to sue accrues.
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in District of Columbia?
Medical malpractice claims fall under D.C.'s general 3-year limit. Before suing a health care provider, the injured person must give the provider written notice at least 90 days before filing, with enough information to explain the legal basis of the claim and the injuries; a court may excuse the notice requirement on a showing of good faith effort.
How long do you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in District of Columbia?
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within 2 years after the death.
How do you file an injury claim against the government in District of Columbia?
Before suing the District of Columbia for unliquidated damages to person or property, the claimant (or an agent or attorney) must give written notice to the Mayor within six months after the injury or damage, stating the approximate time, place, cause and circumstances. A written report by the Metropolitan Police Department made in the regular course of duty counts as sufficient notice.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.