Statute of Limitations in Washington
State-specific overview · Contract Law
Washington imposes a three-year limit for most personal injury claims and a four-year limit for written contracts.
How Washington treats Statute of Limitations
Washington's statute of limitations for personal injury and tort actions is generally three years from the date of injury under RCW 4.16.080. Contract claims have a four-year window under RCW 4.16.040. Washington recognizes the discovery rule, allowing the statute to begin when the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should discover the injury. Medical malpractice claims follow a three-year rule but may be extended in limited circumstances.
The general definition of Statute of Limitations
A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.
Every type of legal claim has a deadline. Once that deadline passes, you lose the right to sue, even if you have a valid claim. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case—contract disputes might have a different deadline than personal injury claims, for example. These time limits exist to protect defendants from being sued years or decades after an event, when evidence may be lost and memories fade. Once the deadline expires, the claim is essentially dead, and courts will dismiss any lawsuit filed after that point.
Read the full Statute of Limitations entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Washington.