Washington Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed March 18, 2025

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Statutes of limitations define the amount of time a person has to file a cause of action after an event. These limits are critical in civil cases and criminal cases. But this article focuses on civil claims. Under Washington statute of limitation laws for civil claims, personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations, as do fraud, injury to property, and trespassing. Debt collection has a six-year limit.

If the statutory amount of time has passed and there is no action taken, the cause of action may get barred. This means you may lose the right to compensation for your injuries.

This article provides an overview of Washington's statutes of limitations for civil cases.

Washington Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: At a Glance

Below are the basics of Washington's civil statutes of limitations, with links to related articles. To learn more, see Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims.

Injury to person

Three years (R.C.W. § 4.16.080)
False imprisonment

Three years (R.C.W. § 4.16.080)
Libel/slander (defamation)

Two years (R.C.W. § 4.16.100(1))
Fraud

Three years (R.C.W. § 4.16.080(4))
Injury to personal property (property damage)

Three years (R.C.W. § 4.16.080(2))
Professional malpractice

Medical: Three years of the injury or one year upon discovery (up to eight years) (R.C.W. § 4.16.350(3))
Trespass on real property

Three years (R.C.W. § 4.16.080(1))
Collection of rents

Six years (R.C.W. § 4.16.040(3))
Contracts
Collection of debt on account

Six years (R.C.W. § 4.16.040(2))
Judgments

10 years (R.C.W. § 4.16.020(2))

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

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Don't Miss a Filing Deadline: Get Help From a Washington Attorney

If you suffered an injury and are considering legal action, acting promptly is important. While this may seem daunting, you don't have to go it alone. A great first step in ensuring you are meeting the deadline to file in the state of Washington is to get help from a local personal injury attorney.

Before filing your first documents in Washington court, talk to an experienced Washington attorney near you.

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