Looking for the right Washington personal injury lawyer for your case? Call Accident Hotline today.
Washington is packed with beloved attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Mount Rainier National Park. These attractions draw thousands of visitors annually, and accidents are bound to happen where many people congregate.
If you’ve had a slip-and-fall accident in a grocery store or a car accident on one of our state’s scenic routes, Accident Hotline is here to help. We assist clients in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Spokane, Everett, and all other WA cities.
Have a look at some of our reviews from Washington clients, then call us for a free consultation.
What To Know About Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Washington
Does Washington have filing time limits for personal injury claims? What if you’re partially at fault for your accident? We answer these questions and others below.
How Long Do You Have To File in Washington?
In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of an accident to make a claim (Title 4, Chapter 16, § 4.16.080). This deadline applies to:
If a defective product hurts you, you have three years to sue the manufacturer. The discovery rule allows additional time if you didn’t immediately know you were injured. However, regardless of when you discovered the injury, you can only sue up to 12 years after first using the product (this is called the statute of repose).
For medical malpractice, you must sue within three years of the date of the malpractice or one year from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury.
For intentional injuries, including assault and battery, you have two years to file a claim.
The general statute of limitations may pause if:
- The injured person is under 18, mentally incapacitated, or imprisoned
- The defendant doesn’t live in Washington, goes into hiding, or flees the state
Washington’s Comparative Negligence Rule
If you think you may be partly responsible for the accident, you’ll be relieved to know about Washington’s comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, you can still recover damages as long as you’re not 100% at fault. For example, even if you’re 99% at fault, the law allows you to recover 1% of your damages. If you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages, and so on.
Does Washington Cap Damages?
Washington is one of the few states with no caps on personal injury damages. However, it’s also one of only four states that don’t allow punitive damages, which are intended to punish defendants for malicious actions.
How To File Your Claim in Washington
You can file a complaint in small claims court if your claim is worth less than $10,000. For claims of less than $100,000, you can file in the District Court that serves your county. Washington’s Superior Court handles all claims regardless of value.
For small claims, the filing fee is $35 or $50, depending on whether your county has a dispute resolution center. Other civil filing fees vary by county. In King County, for example, it costs $240 to file a civil action.
To start a lawsuit, you must file a complaint that includes:
- All parties involved in the case
- Your injuries and losses
- How, when, and where the accident happened
- Why you believe the defendant is liable
- The remedy you seek (typically financial compensation)
If you’re unsure how to file a complaint, have an attorney who’s a member of the Washington State Bar Association assist you.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury lawyer serving Washington, call 888-340-7454
Signs That You Need a Washington Attorney
Do you need a Washington personal injury lawyer? Here’s how to tell:
- Your damages exceed $10,000. Your attorney will calculate all economic and non-economic damages in your pursuit of suitable compensation.
- The insurance company gives you a low settlement offer, refuses to negotiate, or acts in bad faith.
- The party that caused the accident is blaming you for your injuries.
- You want to sue the State of Washington or a local municipality for your injuries. Governmental claims are complex and require assistance from a knowledgeable attorney.
- You want to know whether extending the filing deadline for your case is possible.
Learn more about our legal team, then call us to handle your claim.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 888-340-7454
What Types of Cases Do We Handle?
Our attorneys can assist with all types of personal injury claims in Washington, including:
- Premises liability (dog bites, slip-and-fall accidents, etc.)
- Auto accidents (car, bus, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle)
- Rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
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Contact a Washington Personal Injury Accident Lawyer Now
Accident Hotline is here for you if you need representation for a personal injury claim. Call Accident Hotline at (888) 340-7454 for a free consultation with a WA personal injury lawyer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about personal injury in Washington below.
What Is the Dog Bite Law in Washington?
Washington holds dog owners strictly liable for bites even if the animal has never bitten before. The law can hold owners liable for attacks on public and private property. The only exception is if the victim provoked the attack.
Is Washington Auto Insurance Fault-Based?
Washington uses a fault-based auto insurance system. Drivers must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person per accident, $50,000 in coverage for two or more persons per accident, and $10,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
What Is the Slip-and-Fall Law in Washington?
Washington property owners are responsible for ensuring their properties are safe for guests. If you fall on public or private property because of the owner’s negligence, you can hold them liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
Can You Sue More Than One Person in Washington?
You can sue more than one person in Washington. To do so, provide the name and address of each person you want to sue in your complaint. Your Washington personal injury lawyer can help with your complaint if you need assistance.
For a free consultation, call 888-340-7454