You got injured in a car accident. You slipped and fell at a grocery store. A defective appliance caught fire and burned your hand.
These are situations in which you can file a lawsuit for compensation. If you have been injured or suffered financial damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, you can get repaid for these losses. However, suing someone is not an easy task. There are a lot of legal components that apply, including deadlines. You have a limited time in which you can file a lawsuit and obtain compensation. This is called the statute of limitations and it varies from state to state.
Types of Personal Injury
What is a personal injury case? It refers to a legal dispute that arises when one person is injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Premises liability
- Dog bites
What is the Statute of Limitations?
In Washington, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. The three-year limit applies to any action for “taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including an action for the specific recovery thereof, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another not hereinafter enumerated.” This is outlined in Washington State Legislature, RCW 4.16.080.
However, there are exceptions that apply. For example, when a person is injured by medical malpractice, they may not discover the injury until after the three-year period. In these cases, they have one year from the date of the discovery to file a claim. Contact a lawyer to understand the statute of limitations in your case.
What if the Deadline Has Passed?
In a personal injury case, time is of the essence. You must abide by the deadlines. Even if you are just one day late, you will be barred from any type of financial recovery. Even if you have a compelling case, you won’t be able to receive a penny.
Courts follow the statute of limitations strictly, so don’t assume that you know the laws. There may be exceptions that apply to your case. After you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer right away. Your lawyer can assess your case and help you understand the deadlines involved so you can maximize your compensation.
Contact Us Today
Personal injury claims can be complicated. There is a lot of paperwork involved, plus there are time limits that apply. If you file your claim too late, you could be barred from recovery forever.
Don’t let this happen to you. From day one, Alliance Law Group will help you develop a strong strategy so you can obtain the highest amount of compensation available under Washington State law. Get started with a free consultation. Contact us today by calling 253-300-2055 or filling out the online form.