Injury Lawyer in Seattle, WA

What is the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Washington?

In Washington State, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you fail to do so within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

Washington Comparative Fault Laws

Washington follows a comparative fault system. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, your damages may be reduced by the percentage of your fault. However, as long as you are not found to be 100% at fault, you can still recover damages. Injured parties must accurately document the circumstances of their accident, as this information can significantly impact their potential recovery.

No-Fault Insurance

Washington is not a "no-fault" state when it comes to auto insurance. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Caps on Damages

Washington State does not have statutory caps on economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Economic damages include medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other subjective losses. This lack of caps allows for more comprehensive compensation for victims, as it enables them to seek full redress for the broad scope of impacts an injury can have on their lives.

Dog Bite Liability in WA

Washington follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that dog owners are typically responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of its aggressive tendencies. Engaging an attorney early can help compile evidence and effectively present your case to secure the compensation you're entitled to.

WA Dram Shop Laws

Washington has dram shop laws that can hold businesses liable for injuries caused by customers who were served alcohol when they were visibly intoxicated. These laws are designed to encourage responsible serving practices and mitigate the risk of alcohol-related incidents. If an establishment fails in its duty, victims have the right to pursue legal action against that entity in addition to the intoxicated individual.

Government Liability

If you are injured due to the negligence of a government entity or employee, you may be subject to specific rules and limitations. Claims against government entities often have shorter notice requirements.

Wrongful Death Cases in WA

If someone dies due to the negligence or wrongful act of another party, Washington State allows certain family members or representatives to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses. This can include expenses such as funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship, which can provide critical support to surviving family members following a tragic event.