D.C. Civil Claims

Breach of Contract

A claim for breach of contract generally requires showing the existence of a valid contract, a duty arising out of the contract, a breach of the duty, and damages resulting from the breach.

A claim for breach of contract (other than certain contracts for the sale of goods) generally must be brought within three years of the date on which the claim accrues.

For information about other civil claims recognized in the District of Columbia, click here. For information about how to use this guide, click here.

[Sources: Francis v. Rehman, 110 A.3d 615, 620 (D.C. 2015) (elements of claim); Tsintolas Realty Co. v. Mendez, 984 A.2d 181, 187 (D.C. 2009) (elements of claim); D.C. Code § 12-301(7) (limitations period).]