Washington Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Don't Miss Your Deadline

Time limits matter in personal injury cases. Miss the deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

The General Rule: 3 Years

In Washington State, you have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under RCW 4.16.080. This applies to:

• Car accidents
• Slip and falls
• Motorcycle accidents
• General negligence claims

Exceptions to Know

• Government claims: Only 60 days to file a claim against a government entity under RCW 4.96.020
• Medical malpractice: Generally 3 years, but complex rules apply under RCW 4.16.350
• Minors: The clock may not start until they turn 18
• Discovery rule: Sometimes the clock starts when you discover the injury

Maritime Cases Are Different

Jones Act claims (46 U.S.C. § 30106) have a three-year statute of limitations, but general maritime claims (like unseaworthiness) may only have a one-year limit. This is why consulting a maritime attorney quickly is crucial.

Don't Wait

Even though you may have years to file, evidence fades, witnesses forget, and documents get lost. The sooner you start building your case, the stronger it will be.

Official Resources

For the official text of Washington State personal injury laws, visit the Washington State Legislature - Revised Code of Washington (RCW).