Washington Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Washington. The statute of limitations varies by claim type. Once the deadline passes, you generally cannot file suit.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Written Contracts: 6 years (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.040).
- Oral Contracts: 3 years (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080).
- Personal Injury: 3 years (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080).
- Property Damage: 3 years (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080).
Washington Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.040 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 3 years | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Personal Injury | 3 years | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080 | Accrues on the date of injury. Discovery rule applies. |
| Property Damage | 3 years | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.350 | 3 years from the act or 1 year from discovery, whichever is later. 8-year statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | Wash. Rev. Code §§ 4.16.040, 4.16.080 | Written debts: 6 years. Oral debts: 3 years. |
| Fraud | 3 years | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080 | 3 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Washington
Washington provides 6 years for written contract claims and 3 years for most other civil claims. Medical malpractice has a unique structure providing the later of 3 years from the act or 1 year from discovery, with an 8-year statute of repose. The discovery rule applies broadly in Washington.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the statute of limitations for debt in Washington?
Written debts have a 6-year statute of limitations, while oral debts have a 3-year limit.
-
How long do I have for a personal injury claim in Washington?
You have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington.
-
How does Washington handle medical malpractice statutes of limitations?
Washington provides the later of 3 years from the act or 1 year from discovery, with an 8-year statute of repose as an outer limit.