Washington, D.C. Statute of Limitations

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death action must be brought within two years after the date of death. In cases where the action is based upon exposure to asbestos, however, the action must be filed within two years from the date of death or within two years 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, or within three years of the date when the plaintiff had knowledge, or reasonably should have had knowledge, of the injury.

Products Liability Actions

Products liability actions must be brought within three years of the date of the injury, or within three years of the date when the plaintiff has either actual or inquiry notice as to the cause of the harm.

Special Rules for Minors

Except in cases of wrongful death, the limitations period begins to run on the minor's 18th birthday.

Workers' Compensation

A workers' compensation action must be filed within one year after injury or death. You must also inform your employer within 30 days of the accident.

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Note: Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia. This information is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, although if you are injured in an accident, we have relationships with other personal injury attorneys and lawyers throughout the United States.