By: Capital Injury Law
Don’t Miss Your Window to File a Personal Injury Claim
When faced with an unexpected and debilitating personal injury, it’s important that someone looking to file a personal injury claim or learn more about the possibility of filing a claim to understand that there is a time limit to file.
In Washington, there is a three-year time limit, or “statute of limitations,” within which you must file your lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. If you do not bring your claim within the time limit, you may be permanently barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries, lost wages and other impacts from an accident.
While this may seem like a long period of time, it’s important to remember that waiting too long, or simply putting off an evaluation of a personal injury claim, could hurt your final settlement or create a steeper hill to a final claim settlement.
As a team that has worked with thousands of clients to represent their interests – financial and otherwise – in a personal injury claim, we know that it can be overwhelming to know what steps to take to start a claim evaluation.
We also know that symptoms and physical impacts of an accident can show up days or even weeks after the incident. That’s why we always encourage anyone involved in an accident to seek immediate medical care and get a thorough evaluation by a medical professional.
Why You Want to Act Fast with Your Personal Injury Claim
Personal injury claims can be a complicated and time-consuming process, and it’s not uncommon for people to put off filing a claim. However, waiting on your personal injury claim is not a wise decision. Here’s why:
- Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. This is a deadline by which you must file your claim, or you risk losing your right to compensation. Waiting too long to file your claim can lead to missed deadlines, and you could lose the chance to receive compensation for your injuries.
- Evidence
The longer you wait to file a claim, the more difficult it becomes to gather evidence to support your case. Memories fade, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical evidence may be lost or destroyed. By filing your claim as soon as possible, you give yourself the best chance of obtaining the evidence you need to support your case.
- Medical Treatment
After a personal injury, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Not only will this help ensure that you receive the appropriate medical care, but it will also create a record of your injuries. Delaying medical treatment can raise questions about the seriousness of your injuries and the extent of the damages you suffered.
- Financial Burden
Delaying your personal injury claim can also create a financial burden. You may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury. By filing your claim as soon as possible, you can begin the process of seeking compensation to help cover these costs.
- Emotional Stress
Personal injuries can be traumatic experiences, and the emotional toll can be significant. Waiting to file a claim can add to the emotional stress, as you are left dealing with the aftermath of the injury without any sense of closure or resolution. By filing a claim as soon as possible, you can take steps to start the healing process and move forward with your life.
By filing your claim as soon as possible, you can protect your rights, obtain the evidence you need to support your case, and begin the process of seeking compensation to cover your expenses. If you have been injured, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Schedule Your Free Personal Injury Claim Consultation
It’s never too soon to schedule a free consultation with a skilled attorney at Capital Injury Law to see if a personal injury claim is possible and next steps to get the wheels in motion.
We’re here to help you navigate the legal system to seek full cost recovery and additional damages after an accident caused by a third party. But, it’s important that you don’t miss your window to file.
Reach out today through our online form or call or email us at (360) 209-3360 and [email protected].