Under Washington state law, a claim for personal injury can be made against the state when one of Washington’s officers, employees, or volunteers commits an act that results in damages from “tortious conduct.” This phrase is a broad umbrella term that covers many types of acts, including car accidents, premises liability claims, medical malpractice claims, wrongful death, and more. If any injury or property damage was caused by a state employee or agency through negligent action, a lawsuit can be filed against the state for compensation