District of Columbia law
Wrongful Death Laws in District of Columbia.
D.C.’s wrongful-death statute allows the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to bring an action for wrongful death within 2 years of the death. D.C. also has a separate Survival Act that allows the estate to pursue claims the decedent could have brought.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Statute of Limitations
D.C. wrongful-death actions must generally be filed within 2 years of the date of death.
State law
Key District of Columbia Statutes
D.C.’s wrongful-death statute governs who may bring the action and the damages available to statutory beneficiaries.
D.C.’s survival statute allows the decedent’s estate to pursue certain claims that the decedent could have brought if they had lived.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.
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