Slip and Fall 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, under D.C. Code § 12-301(8).
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If you're researching slip and fall injury claims in District of Columbia, the single most important number is 3 years. That's how long D.C. Code § 12-301(8) gives you to file a slip and fall lawsuit, counted from Date of injury. File even one day late and the court will almost certainly dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
District of Columbia Deadlines for Related Claims
| Claim type | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Slip and Fall | 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 |
| Personal Injury | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) |
| Dog Bite | 3 yrs | D.C. Code § 8-1808 (dangerous animal liability); SOL: 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 slip and fall injury claims generally begins on Date of injury. District of Columbia recognizes a discovery rule for this claim type: Discovery rule applies; SOL may be tolled until plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the injury.
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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 Mayor of DC within 6 months of injury required for claims against DC government (D.C. Code § 12-309); notice must describe approximate time, place, cause, and circumstances
DC has a 3-year SOL for personal injury. Falls on DC government property require written notice to the Mayor within 6 months. Failure to provide timely notice bars recovery 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 Ann., 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 slip and fall lawsuit in District of Columbia?
You have 3 years from Date of injury, 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 slip and fall injury claims in District of Columbia?
Yes. Discovery rule applies; SOL may be tolled until plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the injury.
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 Mayor of DC within 6 months of injury required for claims against DC government (D.C. Code § 12-309); notice must describe approximate time, place, cause, and circumstances
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Sources
- Official D.C. Code § 12-301 — DC Council
- Corroborating DC Personal Injury Laws — 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.