Fraudulent Misrepresentation
A claim for fraudulent misrepresentation – also known as common law fraud – generally requires showing that a person knowingly made a false statement in reference to a material fact with the intention of deceiving another person and that the other person took action in reasonable reliance upon the statement and thereby suffered damages. A fraud claim must be pled with particularity and proven by clear and convincing evidence.
A victim of fraudulent misrepresentation may recover compensatory damages for pecuniary loss as well as other damages. Punitive damages may also be available in especially egregious cases.
A claim for fraudulent misrepresentation 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 § 23 (2014), and legal authorities cited therein.]