Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in District of Columbia
Last verified 2026-07 · Source: D.C. Code § 12-301(8) ✓ verified · 3 sources
The deadline
3 years
from Date of injury, or when claimant knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause, under D.C. Code § 12-301(8).
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Under D.C. Code § 12-301(8), you have 3 years from Date of injury, or when claimant knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause to file a personal injury lawsuit in District of Columbia. Miss it and you lose the right to sue — but several District of Columbia-specific exceptions can extend (or shorten) that window, detailed below.
District of Columbia Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Car Accident | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8) |
| Credit Card Debt | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 28-3814(o) |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8) |
| Wrongful Death | 2 yrs | D.C. Code § 16-2702 |
| Dog Bite | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 8-1808 (dangerous animal liability); SOL: D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Slip and Fall | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Defamation | 1 yr | D.C. Code § 12-301(4) |
| Breach of Contract | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) |
| Medical Debt | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) |
When the Clock Starts
In District of Columbia, the limitations period for personal injury lawsuits generally begins on Date of injury, or when claimant knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause. District of Columbia recognizes a discovery rule for this claim type: DC courts apply the discovery rule; the 3-year period begins when the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause. Fraudulent concealment may further toll the period.
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Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
- Minors: the clock is generally paused while the injured person is under 18.
- Fraudulent concealment: if the defendant actively hid the wrongdoing, the deadline may be extended until it was or should have been uncovered.
- Defendant leaves the state: absence can pause the clock in many circumstances.
- Government-claim trap: Written notice to the District of Columbia required within 6 months of injury before suit against the District (D.C. Code § 12-309); strict compliance required
- Damage caps: No statutory cap on compensatory damages for personal injury in DC
DC follows modified comparative fault — plaintiff barred if 50% or more at fault. DC's 3-year period is one of the longer general PI deadlines. The 6-month government notice requirement under § 12-309 is strictly enforced and is a prerequisite to suit against the District.
Source: D.C. Code § 12-301(8), official District of Columbia statute · verified 2026-07
What to Do Before the Deadline Runs
- Pin down your accrual date — the day the clock started — and calendar the deadline conservatively.
- Preserve evidence now: photos, records, witness contacts, bills. Evidence decays faster than deadlines.
- Send preservation/notice letters where required (especially for District of Columbia government defendants).
- If the deadline is inside 6 months, treat it as urgent — filing suit is the only reliable way to stop the clock.
How District of Columbia Compares to Nearby States
| State | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Maryland | 3 yrs | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
| Virginia | 2 yrs | Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-243(A) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in District of Columbia?
You have 3 years from Date of injury, or when claimant knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause, under D.C. Code § 12-301(8).
Can I still sue after 3 years in District of Columbia?
Usually no — courts dismiss claims filed after the statute of limitations expires. Narrow exceptions (the discovery rule, tolling for minors, fraudulent concealment) can extend the deadline; whether one applies depends on your facts.
Does the discovery rule apply to personal injury lawsuits in District of Columbia?
Yes. DC courts apply the discovery rule; the 3-year period begins when the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known of the injury and its cause. Fraudulent concealment may further toll the period.
What if the victim was a minor?
District of Columbia generally pauses ("tolls") the deadline while the injured person is under 18, giving them time to file after reaching adulthood. Special limits can still apply, so check the statute.
Is the deadline different for claims against the government?
Written notice to the District of Columbia required within 6 months of injury before suit against the District (D.C. Code § 12-309); strict compliance required
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Sources
- Official D.C. Code § 12-301 — Limitation of time for bringing actions (DC Law Library)
- Corroborating Washington DC Personal Injury Laws and Statutes of Limitations (Nolo)
- Corroborating D.C. Code § 12-301 (Justia)
- Verified 2026-07 under our 4-step process — every line checked against the sources above. How we verify
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions that depend on your facts — confirm with a licensed District of Columbia attorney.