Getting hurt in an accident can flip your whole life upside down. Between medical appointments, time off work, and just trying to keep things together, thinking about a lawsuit might feel like the last thing on your list. But here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: you don’t have forever to file a personal injury claim. Legal deadlines are one of the biggest Limitations for Personal Injury Claims.
In Washington, DC, you usually have three years from the date of your injury—or when you first noticed the injury—to take legal action. Miss that window, and your chance to recover money for your injuries could disappear.
So Why the Time Limit?
It might feel unfair at first, but the law puts deadlines in place for a reason. Evidence fades, people forget details, and it’s hard to build a solid case years down the road. These rules are meant to keep things fair and help the courts run smoothly.
Still, not every case follows the same timeline. In fact, some situations give you more time, while others give you even less.
When the Rules Are Different
Let’s break it down simply:
You might have more time if:
● You were under 18 when it happened. The clock doesn’t start until your 18th birthday.
● You were incapacitated or in jail at the time. The clock starts once you're legally able to take action.
● You didn’t realize you were injured right away. (This is common in medical cases.) If you discover something went wrong months or years later, the discovery rule may kick in and give you more time.
You might have less time if:
● You’re making a claim against the DC government. That one’s tricky—you’ve got just six months to notify them.
● It’s a wrongful death case. In that situation, you’ve got two years from the date of death to file a claim—and the discovery rule doesn’t apply.
Real Life Example
Let’s say you had surgery, and things didn’t feel right afterward. But doctors told you it was just part of the healing process. A few years later, you learn something was actually left inside your body during that operation. Believe it or not, you might still be able to file a claim—because the law counts from the day you discovered the issue, not the day the surgery happened.
Why Legal Help Makes a Big Difference
If all of this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. That’s why talking to a personal injury lawyer early on is a smart move. They’ll help you figure out how much time you really have and guide you through the whole process—while you focus on recovering.
A firm like Marks & Harrison has been doing this for more than a century. They’ve handled everything from car crashes to medical errors, and they don’t charge you a penny unless they win your case. That means no upfront fees, no pressure—just support when you need it most.
There’s More to Gain Than Just Money
Sure, financial compensation can help cover your bills, lost wages, or therapy. But filing a personal injury claim also brings something deeper: accountability and peace of mind.
And while you go through recovery, know that DC has community resources that can help:
● Legal Aid DC for free legal advice
● Bread for the City for food, clothing, and health services
● Catholic Charities DC for housing support and case management
You don’t have to go through it alone.
Bottom Line: Don’t Let Time Run Out
Whether your injury happened yesterday or you just recently discovered something’s wrong, don’t wait too long to ask questions. The legal clock may already be ticking—and once the deadline passes, it’s usually final.
Reach out to Marks & Harrison now and find out what your options are. It could be the most important call you make this year.
