Statute of Limitations in District of Columbia
State-specific overview · Contract Law
D.C. generally allows 3 years for personal injury and contract claims, with some exceptions extending to 10 years.
How District of Columbia treats Statute of Limitations
The District of Columbia sets a 3-year statute of limitations for most personal injury and breach of contract lawsuits, running from the date of injury or breach. For certain claims—including fraud and some property damage—the period may extend to 10 years. D.C. also recognizes the "discovery rule," which delays the clock's start until the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury, particularly in medical malpractice cases. Minors and persons under legal disability receive extended time to file after reaching majority or regaining capacity.
The general definition of Statute of Limitations
A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.
Every type of legal claim has a deadline. Once that deadline passes, you lose the right to sue, even if you have a valid claim. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case—contract disputes might have a different deadline than personal injury claims, for example. These time limits exist to protect defendants from being sued years or decades after an event, when evidence may be lost and memories fade. Once the deadline expires, the claim is essentially dead, and courts will dismiss any lawsuit filed after that point.
Read the full Statute of Limitations entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.