Why is it Important to Understand the Statute of Limitations When Filing a Personal Injury Case in Seattle?

Washington state law dictates that personal injury victims generally have three years from the injury date to file a claim. The statute of limitations sets a maximum time limit for personal injury victims to initiate a compensation claim.

The purpose of Washington’s statute of limitations concerning personal injury is to ensure that legal disputes are resolved promptly after the accident occurs.

The three-year statute also assures potential defendants that a legal claim will not be filed against them after the time limit has expired.

However, the statute of limitations can be overly complex, and certain exceptions exist for some personal injury cases.

If you have suffered injuries due to negligence, contact our Seattle law office and ask to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation so that we may discuss your legal options.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Claims?

As with any legal standard, there are often exceptions that can extend, or “toll,” the time limit for Seattle personal injury claims.

For example, Washington state’s discovery rule may apply if the injury does not immediately manifest itself. However, claimants must be able to prove when the injury was discovered for the rule to apply.

Similarly, if the case involves medical malpractice, the statute of limitations may also begin when the injury or fraud was discovered or should have reasonably been discovered.

If the case involves a minor, the statute may be paused until the individual becomes an adult at age 18 and can make legal decisions.

Finally, if the defendant responsible for the injuries is incapacitated or absent from the jurisdiction, the three-year time limit may be tolled.

However, if a government employee or entity is involved in a personal injury case, the time limit to file a claim is usually significantly shorter than in other cases. In some instances, injury victims may only have up to 60 days or one year to file a claim.

Why Do I Need Legal Representation When Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

Due to the varying time limits associated with filing personal injury claims, injured victims must hire a knowledgeable attorney who can inform them of their legal rights.

Because the statute of limitations often varies depending on who caused the injuries or when they were discovered, injured victims need skilled legal representation to ensure they do not miss critical deadlines to file claims.

A personal injury lawyer will thoroughly assess your case to determine who should be liable for the harm you have suffered and how much time you have to initiate legal action.

If you fail to file a claim within the prescribed time limits, the court will refuse to hear your case and throw it out. As a result, you will lose all legal ability to recover compensation for your injuries.

For this reason, personal injury victims should never wait to file a claim. To ensure that you protect your ability to seek compensation, it is always in your best interest to hire an experienced personal injury attorney immediately.

Why Should I Hire Your Personal Injury Law Firm to Help Me File a Compensation Claim?

Our Seattle personal injury law firm has a proven track record of obtaining favorable client results. Our years of experience handling personal injury cases have taught us what it takes to obtain full and fair compensation for our clients.

Therefore, anyone injured by another person’s negligence must seek legal representation immediately so their attorney can begin the claims process.

Our dedicated team of legal professionals can assist you with every aspect of filing a compensation claim to ensure it is filled out completely and correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.

Our injury attorneys realize that no amount of money can make up for the emotional distress and pain you have endured due to being injured. However, filing a compensation claim is often the only way to hold the liable parties responsible for their negligence.

If you have suffered a personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence, do not allow the statute of limitation to expire before you can file a claim. Instead, contact Buckley and Associates of Seattle, WA, at 206-558-8441 and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.