Key facts: Washington
- When the clock starts
- Generally the date of injury for personal injury claims; the date of death for wrongful death. Washington follows the discovery rule for most negligence claims, which delays accrual when the injury was not, or could not reasonably have been, discovered at the time.
- Last verified
- 2026-05-22
- Source type
- Primary (state code or court opinion)
Details and exceptions for Washington
Three years for both PI and wrongful death (from date of death). Only the personal representative of the estate may file a wrongful death suit. Government tort claims require a 60-day pre-suit notice under RCW § 4.96.020.
Related: Washington comparative negligence rule
Washington follows a pure comparative rule. Pure comparative fault; contributory fault diminishes damages proportionally but does not bar recovery at any percentage.
Read the full Washington comparative negligence rule →This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Notice deadlines for claims against governmental units, medical malpractice, intentional torts, and other special categories run on separate tracks and can be much shorter. Confirm the controlling rule with a licensed Washington attorney before relying on it.