Pure Comparative Negligence
Washington follows pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if plaintiff is 99% at fault. Damages are reduced by plaintiff's percentage of fault. No bar to recovery regardless of fault percentage.
No Cap
No limit on non-economic damages
3 years for personal injury
Deadline to file your lawsuit
Washington follows pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if plaintiff is 99% at fault. Damages are reduced by plaintiff's percentage of fault. No bar to recovery regardless of fault percentage.
Example:
If plaintiff is 30% at fault for $100k damages, they recover $70,000. Even at 99% fault, plaintiff can recover 1% of damages.
Washington does not impose caps on compensatory damages
$0
Based on reported cases in Washington
34,863
Personal injury lawsuits per year
Washington follows pure comparative negligence, allowing plaintiffs to recover even when more than 50% at fault. The Godfrey v. State (1987) case established important government liability standards.
Washington's Boeing and aerospace industry has produced significant product liability and workplace injury litigation. Aircraft defects and manufacturing injuries create complex cases.
The state has seen substantial maritime injury cases, with Seattle's port operations creating Jones Act and longshore worker claims.
Washington personal injury cases are filed in Superior Court, with 39 counties. King County (Seattle) handles the most civil litigation.
Washington follows the Washington Superior Court Civil Rules. The state uses case management and mandatory arbitration for smaller claims.
Washington courts have mandatory arbitration for cases under $50,000. Settlement conferences are encouraged for larger cases.
Washington attorneys are licensed by the Washington State Bar Association. Washington's pure comparative negligence makes it more plaintiff-friendly than many states.
The Washington State Association for Justice is the state's primary plaintiff attorney organization. Maritime and aerospace industry experience is valuable.
Contingency fees typically range from 33-40%. Washington has no general damage caps on personal injury claims.
Washington's statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years under RCW § 4.16.080. This applies to most negligence claims.
Medical malpractice also has a 3-year limit with an 8-year statute of repose. Claims against Washington government entities require 60-day notice under RCW Chapter 4.96.
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Laws in Washington are complex and individual case results vary. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for advice specific to your case.