Washington Personal Injury Laws
Washington state uses pure comparative fault and has no statutory cap on non-economic or compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Seattle's thriving economy and large population generate significant personal injury litigation, particularly in construction, transportation, and maritime industries. Washington's dog bite statute imposes strict liability on owners, making those cases relatively straightforward to litigate.
Statute of Limitations
3 years
Fault Rule
Pure Comparative Fault
Non-Economic Damages Cap
No Cap
Fault Rule: Pure Comparative Fault
You can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Average Settlement Amounts in Washington
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, liability, and other factors. Below are estimated average settlements for common injury types in Washington.
| Injury Type | Average Settlement |
|---|---|
| Car Accident | $25,000 |
| Slip and Fall | $21,000 |
| Dog Bite | $40,000 |
Key Washington Personal Injury Statutes
- •Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080 (statute of limitations)
- •Wash. Rev. Code § 4.22.005 (pure comparative fault)
- •Wash. Rev. Code § 16.08.040 (dog bite strict liability)
Damage Caps in Washington
Washington does not impose a general cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no statutory limit on pain and suffering awards in most cases.
Washington does not have a specific medical malpractice damages cap.
Injury Claims in Washington
Learn more about specific injury types and how Washington law applies to each.
Major Cities in Washington
Personal injury attorneys in Washington serve clients in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, and surrounding areas. If you have been injured in any of these cities, the same state laws described above apply to your claim.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in your state.