How long is the statute of limitations for filing an asbestos-related claim?

In the District of Columbia, the statute of limitations for filing an asbestos-related claim is three years from the date of discovery or when the claimant should reasonably have discovered their injury. This means that a claimant must file suit within three years of the date they knew or should have known that they were injured, or that someone else was responsible for the injury. It is important to note that the date of discovery or when the claimant should reasonably have discovered their injury may not be the same as the date of the actual incident. For example, if the victim was exposed to asbestos and injured in 1990, but did not discover the injury until 1995, then the three year statute of limitations would begin to run from 1995. Additionally, there is a discovery rule in the District of Columbia that sets an outer limit of 10 years from the date of the injury for the claimant to file suit. This rule applies if the claimant does not discover their injury within the three year period. However, if the claimant discovers their injury within the three year period, then the 10 year outer time limit does not apply. It is important for any potential plaintiff to remember that the statute of limitations for filing an asbestos-related claim in District of Columbia is three years from the date of discovery or when the claimant should reasonably have discovered their injury. Once those three years have passed, the claimant is typically prohibited from filing a lawsuit.

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