Statute of Limitations in Washington
| Claim Type | Deadline | Clock Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years | Date of diagnosis |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years | Date of death |
Important: Missing the statute of limitations permanently eliminates the right to file a lawsuit. Trust fund claims generally have different (often more lenient) deadlines. Contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney immediately after diagnosis to preserve all your legal options.
Industrial Exposure History
Washington state has major asbestos exposure from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton), Todd Shipyards (Seattle), Boeing aircraft manufacturing, and aluminum smelting (Spokane area). The region has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related disease in the country.
Key Courts for Mesothelioma Cases
- King County Superior Court (Seattle)
- Pierce County Superior Court (Tacoma)
Filing Considerations
Washington uses the discovery rule for asbestos cases. Navy veteran cases from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard are a significant category.
How to File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Washington
- Confirm your diagnosis: Obtain confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis with pathology report from a qualified physician. If diagnosed at a general oncology practice, consider a second opinion at a specialized mesothelioma center.
- Document your exposure history: Gather work records, union documents, military service records, and any evidence of asbestos exposure. Make notes of products, employers, and job sites where exposure may have occurred.
- Check the Washington statute of limitations: In Washington, you have 3 years from diagnosis for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims have 3 years from date of death. Missing these deadlines permanently ends your right to file.
- Consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney: Free consultations are standard. Mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency — no fees unless you recover compensation. An experienced attorney identifies all eligible claims including trust funds and lawsuits.
- File claims and pursue compensation: Your attorney files the lawsuit in the appropriate Washington court and simultaneously pursues asbestos trust fund claims. VA benefits can be pursued in parallel for veterans.