What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit?
In Washington State, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. This means that you must file a lawsuit against the person responsible for your injury within three years of the date of the incident or you will be barred from doing so. It is important to note that the three-year period may start earlier or later depending on the circumstances, such as when the injured person discovers the injury or when the owner of the property on which the injury occurred has knowledge of the injury. Additionally, minors under the age of 18 may have an extended deadline to file their personal injury claim. It is important to note that the statute of limitations generally does not apply to claims filed against the government. If you are contemplating filing a personal injury claim against the government, you must adhere to the strict deadlines outlined in the applicable laws. Furthermore, if a person dies due to the injury, their surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim, which has an even shorter statute of limitations in Washington State. If you think you may have a personal injury claim, it is important to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to prepare and file your claim before the applicable statute of limitations expires.
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