Seeking Justice After the Unthinkable: Wrongful Death Claims in Washington, D.C.

How Congruence Law Supports Families in the District Following Preventable Loss

Losing a loved one is always devastating—but when the death is caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the grief is compounded by a deep sense of injustice. In Washington, D.C., the law provides a pathway for surviving family members to hold wrongdoers accountable through a wrongful death claim.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we represent D.C. families who have lost loved ones due to fatal car crashes, medical errors, construction accidents, and other preventable events. We focus on helping clients navigate D.C.’s specific wrongful death statutes with clarity and compassion, pursuing the compensation they need and the closure they deserve.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim Under D.C. Law?

Under D.C. Code § 16–2701, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the “wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another, and the deceased would have had a personal injury claim had they survived.

The District allows a civil lawsuit for monetary damages, separate from any criminal charges that may or may not be filed.

Importantly, D.C. law requires that the claim be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate—not individual family members—for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in D.C.

• Fatal motor vehicle collisions (including pedestrians and cyclists)

• Medical malpractice, including misdiagnosis or surgical error

• Dangerous property conditions (premises liability)

• Construction site or workplace accidents

• Fatal injuries caused by excessive police force or criminal violence

• Defective consumer or industrial products

What Damages Are Recoverable?

Under D.C. law, the estate may recover pecuniary (economic) losses suffered by the surviving spouse and next of kin. These may include:

• Loss of financial support and expected future earnings

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of services (e.g., child care, household contributions)

• Loss of care, education, guidance, and companionship

• Emotional distress (only in survival actions—not wrongful death actions)

Note: D.C. does not allow punitive damages in wrongful death cases unless the survival statute is also invoked and gross negligence is proven.

Our Strategic Approach to D.C. Wrongful Death Cases

At Congruence Law, P.C., we bring a Washington, D.C.–focused strategy to these complex and emotionally charged cases:

• We act quickly to open an estate. In D.C., the wrongful death claim must be brought by the estate’s personal representative. We help surviving family members through probate court and prepare the estate for litigation.

• We identify the full class of beneficiaries. D.C. law limits recovery to the spouse and next of kin. We clarify who qualifies, including minor children, parents, and others financially dependent on the decedent.

• We build a damages narrative tailored to D.C. standards. We partner with economists, life planners, and grief counselors to quantify lost income, caregiving, and guidance—while also centering the story of the person who was lost.

• We align timelines with D.C.'s statute of limitations. In most cases, wrongful death claims in D.C. must be filed within 2 years of the date of death. We manage all deadlines to protect your rights.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid Under D.C. Wrongful Death Law

1. Filing Without Probate Authority. Only the personal representative of the estate can file. Attempting to file directly as a spouse or child without opening an estate will result in dismissal.

2. Assuming All Family Members Share Equally. D.C. law governs who may recover and in what proportions. Without clear legal guidance, this can create conflict among survivors.

3. Failing to Act Within Two Years. . D.C.’s two-year statute of limitations is strictly enforced. If the case isn’t filed in time, it may be permanently barred.

4. Missing Survival Action ClaimsA survival claim (under D.C. Code § 12-101) may be filed in addition to a wrongful death claim to recover for pain and suffering experienced before death. Many firms overlook this.

Why Choose Congruence Law.

We understand that wrongful death litigation is about more than compensation—it’s about justice, recognition, and securing your family’s future. We guide clients through the D.C. legal system with care and precision, always focused on aligning your goals with effective strategy.

If you have lost a loved one in Washington, D.C. due to negligence or wrongdoing, contact us at injury@congruencelaw.com.

Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable while protecting the dignity of your family’s legacy.