Statute of Limitations
Washington has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of discovery under RCW 4.16.080.
3 years from discovery of injury and PFAS connection
Where to File in Washington
Washington personal injury claims are governed by RCW 4.16.080, providing a 3-year limitations period from discovery. Federal PFAS claims proceed in MDL 2873 (D.S.C.). Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Pierce County is the primary military PFAS contamination source — the largest military base west of the Mississippi with extensive AFFF history from Army and Air Force operations. PFAS plumes from JBLM have been documented affecting Tacoma-Pierce County groundwater. Whidbey Island NAS in Island County is an additional military PFAS contamination site.
Exposure in Washington
Source: DoD PFAS Installation Database; WA Ecology PFAS Reports 2021–2022
Source: DoD PFAS Installation Database 2023