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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 3 years under D.C. Code § 12-301(8).

3 YEARS
Personal Injury · District of Columbia
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Personal injury Deadlines in District of Columbia

How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 3 years under D.C. Code § 12-301(8).

When does the clock start for personal injury in District of Columbia?

Three years, running from when the plaintiff knew, or by reasonable diligence should have known, of three things: the injury, its cause, and some evidence of wrongdoing.

Can the District of Columbia deadline for personal injury be extended?

The three-part discovery test is stricter than most states' — a claimant must have notice of wrongdoing, not merely of injury. Note that intentional torts drop to one year under § 12-301(4). A claim against the District requires written notice to the Mayor within six months under § 12-309.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in District of Columbia?

Often, yes. Written notice to the Mayor within 6 months under D.C. Code § 12-309. Section 12-309 requires written notice to the Mayor of the District of Columbia within six months of the injury or damage before any action for unliquidated damages may be maintained against the District. A police report may satisfy the requirement in some cir…

How does District of Columbia compare to other states for personal injury?

District of Columbia's 3 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 51 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for personal injury ranges from 1 year to 6 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Personal Injury Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the personal injury deadline in District of Columbia:

01 Car and motorcycle accidents
02 Slip-and-fall and premises injuries
03 Dog bites and animal attacks
04 Injuries from another's negligence
05 Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
06 Workplace injuries not covered by workers' comp
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Other Filing Deadlines in District of Columbia

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed District of Columbia attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in District of Columbia, or compare personal injury across all states.
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