What is the statute of limitations on employment law claims?

It's important to be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the time limit within which you must file a lawsuit.  In Washington State, the statute of limitations for most employment-related claims is typically three years from the date of the alleged violation, but it's advisable to consult with an attorney to confirm the applicable deadline for your specific case. Every case is different, so the running of the statute of limitations may start at different points in time and could be less than the typical three years.

There may also be different time limits for other matters, such as filing with the EEOC, with the shortest filing deadline of 180 days. If you are part of a union, there may be provisions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that requires you to take certain actions within a preset deadline.