District of Columbia's (Washington DC) Statute of Limitations
Preliminary Note: Statutes of limitations restrict the time period that a person can file a lawsuit. These statutes not only vary by state, but they also vary by cause of action. The following guide provides limitations periods for each state, but only for particular causes of action; specifically, those related to personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability claims. The sections discussing special rules for minors only apply to the causes of action listed for that particular state.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death action must be brought within one year after the date of death. In cases where the action is based upon exposure to asbestos, however, the action must be filed within one year from the date of death or within one year from the date the plaintiff knew, or should have known, that exposure to asbestos caused or contributed to the death.
Personal Injury Actions
Personal Injury Actions must be brought within three years of the date that the injury occurred.
Medical Malpractice Actions
Actions against health-care providers must be filed within three years of the date that the act giving rise to the injury occurred.
Products Liability Actions
Products liability actions must be brought within three years of the date of the injury.
Special Rules for Minors
Except in cases of wrongful death, the limitations period begins to run on the minor's 18th birthday.
Please note: State law information collected from LexisNexis™ electronic database in 2005. All of our lawyers are licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. We also have lawyers licensed to practice in Ohio, and West Virginia and we associate with experienced attorneys in other states.
The materials at this web site have been prepared by our Law Firm for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. These materials do not, and are not, intended to constitute legal advice. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. The information provided at this site is subject to change without notice. Although we try to keep our site current and accurate, you should not rely on this information or its applicability to any specific circumstances without speaking with an attorney.
