District of Columbia Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Quick answer
In District of Columbia, the deadline that generally applies to personal injury claims is 3 years from the date of injury, under D.C. Code § 12-301. Certain circumstances can pause or extend this window. This is general legal information, not a personal deadline determination for your situation.
District of Columbia
Personal Injury
General statute of limitations
3
years to file
In District of Columbia, a personal injury claim must generally be filed within 3 years of the date of injury. Filing after this window typically bars the claim permanently.
Governing statute: D.C. Code § 12-301

What starts the clock, and tolling exceptions

Clock typically starts
Date of injury or incident
The general rule is that the SOL begins running on the date the injury occurred. Some states apply a discovery rule if the injury was not immediately apparent.
Government defendants
Notice of claim may be required
If your claim is against a government entity (a city, county, state agency, or public employee), most states require a separate notice of claim within 30 to 180 days. Missing this notice deadline can bar your claim entirely, independent of the SOL.
Tolling: when the clock may pause
Common tolling exceptions include minority (the clock may pause until a minor turns 18), mental incapacity, the defendant's absence from the state, and fraudulent concealment of the injury. Government defendants may require a separate notice of claim within a shorter window.

Filing deadlines by claim type in District of Columbia

Claim typeDeadlineStatute
Personal Injury3 yearsD.C. Code § 12-301
Car Accident3 yearsD.C. Code § 12-301
Slip & Fall / Premises3 yearsD.C. Code § 12-301
Medical Malpractice3 yearsD.C. Code § 12-301
Wrongful Death2 yearsD.C. Code § 16-2702

What cases like this have ranged for

Illustrative · national · not case-specific
$10,000 – $300,000+
General personal injury claims vary widely by liability clarity, injury severity, and documented economic damages.
What is my case worth? →How these ranges are compiled →
Educational information only: not legal advice
This result reflects the general statutory period for personal injury claims in District of Columbia based on publicly available statutes. Your actual deadline may differ based on the specific facts of your case, applicable tolling rules, discovery rule application, government defendant requirements, and other circumstances. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Caseworth makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia before making any decisions about your claim.
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Common questions

What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years under D.C. Code § 12-301. This is general educational information; the deadline that applies to matters like yours may differ based on the specific facts of the case. Consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia to confirm the deadline for your situation.

What starts the clock on the District of Columbia personal injury deadline?

The general rule is that the SOL begins running on the date the injury occurred. Some states apply a discovery rule if the injury was not immediately apparent.

Are there tolling exceptions in District of Columbia?

Yes. Common tolling exceptions include minority (the clock may pause until a minor turns 18), mental incapacity, the defendant's absence from the state, and fraudulent concealment of the injury. Government defendants may require a separate notice of claim within a shorter window. Tolling rules vary by state and case type, so it is worth confirming with a licensed attorney in District of Columbia whether an exception applies to matters like yours.

What have cases like this ranged for?

Nationally, cases like this have historically ranged $10,000 – $300,000+ (illustrative, not specific to District of Columbia or to any individual case). General personal injury claims vary widely by liability clarity, injury severity, and documented economic damages. See the Settlement Data & Methodology hub for how these ranges are compiled.

Learn more: Settlement Data & Methodology · Statute of Limitations Checker · What is my case worth?

Other claim types in District of Columbia

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