Breach of Fiduciary Duty

A claim for breach of fiduciary duty generally requires showing the existence of a fiduciary relationship, a breach of a duty arising from that relationship, and a resulting injury. A fiduciary relationship exists in many different circumstances, such as where there is an employer-employee relationship.

A victim of breach of fiduciary duty may recover compensatory damages for pecuniary losses. Punitive damages may also be available in especially egregious cases.

A claim for breach of fiduciary duty 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: Douglas C. Melcher, Tort Claims and Defenses in the District of Columbia § 26 (2014), and legal authorities cited therein.]