Medical Malpractice Rules in Washington
The deadline to file a medical malpractice claim in Washington, the discovery rule, and caps on damages.
Short answer: Three years from the act or omission, or one year from when the patient discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by it, whichever is later, but no more than eight years after the act or omission. Rev. Code Wash. § 4.16.350
| Medical malpractice deadline | Three years from the act or omission, or one year from when the patient discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by it, whichever is later, but no more than eight years after the act or omission. The time is tolled for fraud, intentional concealment, or a foreign object left in the body until the patient has actual knowledge, after which the patient has one year. For minors, a parent's or guardian's knowledge is imputed to the child. Source: Rev. Code Wash. § 4.16.350 |
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More Washington personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Washington
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Washington
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FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Washington?
Three years from the act or omission, or one year from when the patient discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by it, whichever is later, but no more than eight years after the act or omission. The time is tolled for fraud, intentional concealment, or a foreign object left in the body until the patient has actual knowledge, after which the patient has one year. For minors, a parent's or guardian's knowledge is imputed to the child.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.