What is the Statute of Limitations?

The Statute of Limitations is a law that limits the amount of time a person has to file a legal claim. In Washington, this law provides a deadline for when a person must file their lawsuit, or else the other party cannot be held responsible. The law is meant to protect people from having to defend themselves against a lawsuit long after the incident or issue happened. The Statute of Limitations for civil suits in Washington is usually three years, meaning that any lawsuit must be brought within three years of the incident or the occurrence of the problem in order to be valid. Claims that involve personal injury, property damage, or contract disputes are all subject to the three-year statute of limitations, with a few exceptions. The Statute of Limitations for criminal cases is much shorter than for civil suits. Most criminal cases must be brought within one year of the incident, but the exact time will depend on the specific crime and the laws in Washington. In addition to the Statute of Limitations, Washington courts have a list of "discovery" rules that dictate when a party needs to know about the incident or problem before they can bring a lawsuit. This list of rules also needs to be followed to ensure that the lawsuit is valid. It is important to remember that the Statute of Limitations and the discovery rules can be complex, and it is best to consult with an experienced lawyer if you have any questions.

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What is the Statute of Limitations?

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