Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

Washington has no criminal statute of limitations for most felony sex offenses (Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.04.080). Prosecution may also be commenced within 1 year from the date the suspect’s identity is conclusively established by DNA testing.

Civil SOL

Washington enacted a major reform effective June 6, 2024, creating one of the most progressive civil SOL frameworks for childhood sexual abuse in the nation.

Child survivors – abuse occurring on or after June 6, 2024: NO civil statute of limitations. Survivors may file civil claims against perpetrators and enabling institutions at any time with no deadline whatsoever.

Child survivors – abuse occurring before June 6, 2024: 3 years from the date of the act OR 3 years from the date of discovering the injury or its causal connection to the abuse, whichever is later. The SOL is tolled until the victim turns 18.

Effectively, for abuse before 6/6/2024: survivors must file within 3 years of turning 18 (by age 21) OR within 3 years of discovering the abuse caused their injury.

Extended deadline for certain serious felonies / institutional abuse (prior law): Until the survivor’s 35th birthday for certain serious felonies or institutional abuse involving schools and churches.

Adult survivors: 3 years from the date of the incident.

No general lookback window for pre-2024 expired claims as of February 2026 beyond the existing discovery rule extension.

Institutional Liability

Washington allows civil claims against schools, churches, youth organizations, and other institutions. The Archdiocese of Seattle and Dioceses of Spokane, Yakima, and others have disclosed credibly accused clergy. The Diocese of Spokane filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and completed reorganization. Active institutional claims in Washington proceed under the same SOL framework as perpetrator claims.

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Attorney Firms

(1) Crew Janci LLP

Location: Oregon/Washington regional practice (Portland; serves Washington statewide)
Website: https://crewjanci.com

Nationally recognized firm handling Pacific Northwest institutional abuse claims. Active in Washington cases including claims against the Archdiocese of Seattle. Trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(2) Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC (PCVA)

Location: Seattle (Washington statewide)
Website: https://pcvalaw.com

Seattle-based plaintiff firm with dedicated sexual abuse practice. Handles claims against institutions and individual perpetrators in Washington. Experienced with Washington’s evolving SOL framework including the 2024 no-SOL amendment. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(3) Connelly Law Offices

Location: Tacoma/Seattle metro (statewide)
Website: https://connellylawoffices.com/sexual-assault/

Washington plaintiff firm handling sexual abuse survivor claims. Covers perpetrator and institutional claims statewide. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(4) Herman Law

Location: National practice (active in Washington)
Phone: 800-976-8552
Website: https://hermanlaw.com

Nationally recognized firm. Active against Archdiocese of Seattle and Washington Catholic dioceses. Tracks Washington’s 2024 no-SOL amendment. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(5) Levy Konigsberg LLP

Location: National practice (active in Washington)
Phone: 800-315-3806
Website: https://levylaw.com

Nationally recognized institutional abuse firm, $3B+ recovered. Active against Washington Catholic Church including Diocese of Spokane bankruptcy proceedings and institutional defendants. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

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Important Context

2024 reform: no SOL for post-June 6, 2024 child abuse. Washington is now among the most progressive states nationally for child survivors of future abuse. The elimination applies to abuse occurring on or after the effective date.

Pre-2024 abuse: discovery rule is key. Survivors of pre-2024 abuse who are only now connecting their psychological injuries to prior abuse may have 3 years from that discovery. An attorney can evaluate whether the discovery rule extends your window.

Archdiocese of Seattle: Credibly accused clergy have been disclosed. The Diocese of Spokane completed bankruptcy proceedings with survivor settlements. Active claims against the Archdiocese of Seattle and remaining Washington dioceses should be evaluated by an attorney.

Crisis resources: Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 360-586-1022 | Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs: 360-754-7583 | RAINN Hotline: 800-656-4673