In all states, there is a time limit beyond which you cannot seek legal redress for your damages after a personal injury. The timeframe may vary, depending on your jurisdiction and the cause of your injuries.
Below is the position of Washington state laws regarding the legal deadlines that apply for medical malpractice cases.
How much time do you have in Washington to file a claim?
The law recognizes that some medical malpractice injuries are hard to detect right away. The damage may take months or years to manifest.
Under Washington state laws, you have three years after the medical malpractice occurred or one year after you either discovered or should have reasonably discovered the injury.
It is important to note that a blanket deadline of eight years prevents anyone from filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. It applies even when you discover your injuries much later, beyond this stipulated time.
Because of the time limits that could bar you from making a claim forever, it’s always wise to take action as soon as you suspect malpractice.
Understand your rights
A medical malpractice injury can bring untold pain and suffering to the victim. Therefore, it is crucial to know and protect your legal rights. You can hold the doctor or healthcare provider liable, and if the court establishes their fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
However, you must do it on time and with the necessary legal knowledge needed to pursue your case. It can make all the difference for you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
