Claims Against the District of Columbia

Individuals wishing to file claims against the District of Columbia Government for loss, damage, or injury, should read the following: Section 12-309, DC Official Code (2001) provides, in part:

An action may not be maintained against the District of Columbia for unliquidated damages to person or property unless, within six months after the injury or damage was sustained, the claimant, his agent, or attorney, has given notice in writing to the Mayor of the District of Columbia of the approximate time, place, cause, and circumstances of the injury or damage.

The Mayor has delegated to the Corporation Counsel his authority to accept such Notice of Claim letters. Notice of Claim letters MUST be RECEIVED by the Corporation Counsel within the six-month period and the Notice of Claim letter must contain ALL of the information required by the statute. Only the Corporation Counsel is authorized to accept such letters on behalf of the Mayor. If the statutory requirements are not satisfied, the claim will be denied. Under certain circumstances, reports of the Metropolitan Police Department may also satisfy the notice requirement provided that they contain all of the information required by the statute. The mailing address for claims is:

Office of Corporation Counsel

ATTN: Claims Unit, 6th Floor South
441 Fourth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

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