Personal injury lawsuits are a great way to get the compensation that you deserve. However, there are some laws that you should familiarize yourself with before proceeding. For instance, here are some examples of laws that you will have to deal with if you want to file in Washington:

The Statute of Limitations

Naturally, you also need to know how long you have to actually file your lawsuit. In Washington, this is 3 years, and that applies to suits against both private citizens and the government. If you do not file within that 3 years, then you case may simply be rejected unless you meet certain criteria.

For instance, if you are a minor or if you didn't discover your injuries until long after the incident, then you can be given an extension on the open window for filing.

Pure Comparative Negligence Washington also believes in pure comparative negligence, which means that your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your role in the incident. If you were 40% responsible for the events leading up to your injury, then your compensation will be reduced by 40%.

While some states have a rule that your case is dropped if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for your injuries, Washington does not. This can work out in your favor, especially if you think that there is evidence that might prove that you were more responsible than the other party for your injury.

Settlements

As with many types of lawsuits, you should be prepared for the possibility of a settlement. However, you don't necessarily need to take a settlement, especially if you believe that you will win the lawsuit.

On the one hand, settlements do provide you with a way to reliably secure some compensation. They will also essentially end the lawsuit and remove all of the associated stress from your life. You will no longer need to pay a lawyer (if you hired one), and you won't need to worry about whether or not you will win the lawsuit.

On the other hand, settlements will almost always offer you less money than you were asking for in your lawsuit. They will also drop the lawsuit, which might not be the effect that you are looking for. For instance, if you feel that the negligence of the defendant should be a public affair, then a settlement may not your best option.

For more information, contact Spiegal And Barbato LLP or a similar firm.