District of Columbia Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in District of Columbia. The statute of limitations varies by claim type. Once the deadline passes, you generally cannot file suit.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Written Contracts: 3 years (D.C. Code § 12-301(7)).
- Oral Contracts: 3 years (D.C. Code § 12-301(7)).
- Personal Injury: 3 years (D.C. Code § 12-301(8)).
- Property Damage: 3 years (D.C. Code § 12-301(3)).
District of Columbia Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) | Accrues on the date of injury. Discovery rule may apply. |
| Property Damage | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(3) | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) | 3 years from the injury or discovery. Discovery rule extends the period when the injury is not immediately apparent. |
| Debt Collection | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(7) | 3 years for all debt claims. |
| Fraud | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(8) | 3 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for District of Columbia
The District of Columbia uses a uniform 3-year statute of limitations for most civil claims, including contracts, personal injury, and property damage. The discovery rule applies to medical malpractice and fraud claims. Tolling is available for minors and persons under legal disability.
Related Resources
- Small claims court in District of Columbia
- Free legal aid in District of Columbia
- Consumer complaints in District of Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the general statute of limitations in D.C.?
D.C. applies a 3-year statute of limitations for most civil claims, including contract disputes, personal injury, property damage, and debt collection.
-
Does D.C. have a discovery rule?
Yes. For claims like medical malpractice and fraud, the statute does not begin to run until the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
-
Are there tolling provisions in D.C.?
Yes. The statute of limitations is tolled for minors and persons who are mentally incompetent until the disability is removed.