Kitsap County Personal Injury Attorney

What Are the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in WA?

In Washington (WA), the statute of limitations for personal injury cases can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. It's important to be aware of these time limits, as missing the deadline can result in the loss of your right to pursue a personal injury claim. Here are the general statutes of limitations for different types of personal injury cases in Washington:

1. General Personal Injury: The standard statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Washington is three years from the date of the injury. This includes cases involving car accidents, slip and falls, and other types of personal injury claims.
2. Medical Malpractice: For medical malpractice cases, you generally have three years from the date of the alleged malpractice or one year from the date the malpractice was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered), whichever is later. There is also a hard cap of eight years from the date of the act or omission, regardless of when it was discovered.
3. Wrongful Death: In wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is typically three years from the date of the deceased person's death.
4. Product Liability: Cases involving injuries caused by defective products generally have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury. However, there may be exceptions and special rules depending on the circumstances.

It's important to consult with an attorney to understand the specific time limits that apply to your case, as there can be exceptions and nuances in the law. Additionally, it's crucial to begin the legal process well before the statute of limitations expires to allow sufficient time for case investigation, negotiations, and potential litigation.