This page is about wrongful death law in the District of Columbia. The purpose is to explain how wrongful death lawsuits work in Washington, D.C., and who is eligible for either settlement compensation or a jury payout. We also explain the second and sometimes equally important cause of action in death cases in the District, a survival action. This claim provides a second path of compensation for the victim’s loved ones.
⚖️ DC Wrongful Death Law – At a Glance
✍️ In Simple Terms: A wrongful death claim focuses on the family’s losses, like emotional grief and lost support, while a survival action is about what the person who died went through before passing, including their pain, suffering, and medical expenses.