District of Columbia Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Quick answer
In District of Columbia, the deadline that generally applies to wrongful death claims is 2 years from the date of death, under D.C. Code § 16-2702. Certain circumstances can pause or extend this window. This is general legal information, not a personal deadline determination for your situation.
District of Columbia
Wrongful Death
General statute of limitations
2
years to file
In District of Columbia, a wrongful death claim must generally be filed within 2 years of the date of injury or death. Filing after this window typically bars the claim permanently.
Governing statute: D.C. Code § 16-2702

What starts the clock, and tolling exceptions

Clock typically starts
Date of death
The SOL for wrongful death runs from the date of the decedent's death, not the date of the underlying injury or negligent act.
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
Wrongful death deadlines typically run from the date of death, not the underlying injury. Estate representatives must bring the claim. Some states require the estate to be opened before the clock begins.

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
$100,000 – $2,000,000+
Wrongful death claims reflect lost income, companionship, and other statutory damages, and vary sharply by jurisdiction and dependents.
What is my case worth? →How these ranges are compiled →
Educational information only: not legal advice
This result reflects the general statutory period for wrongful death 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 wrongful death claim in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, the general statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is 2 years under D.C. Code § 16-2702. 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 wrongful death deadline?

The SOL for wrongful death runs from the date of the decedent's death, not the date of the underlying injury or negligent act.

Are there tolling exceptions in District of Columbia?

Yes. Wrongful death deadlines typically run from the date of death, not the underlying injury. Estate representatives must bring the claim. Some states require the estate to be opened before the clock begins. 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 $100,000 – $2,000,000+ (illustrative, not specific to District of Columbia or to any individual case). Wrongful death claims reflect lost income, companionship, and other statutory damages, and vary sharply by jurisdiction and dependents. 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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