STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
- Personal Property/Intentional Act2 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.100
- Personal Property/Negligence3 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.080
- Personal Injury/Death/Intentional Act2 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.100
- Personal Injury/Death/Negligence3 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.080
- Personal Injury/Medical Malpractice/Date of Act3 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.350
- Personal Injury/Death/Medical Malpractice/Discovery Date1 YearR.C.W.A. § 4.16.350
- Breach of Contract/Written6 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.040(1)
- Breach of Contract/Oral3 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.080(3)
- Breach of Contract/Sale of Goods4 YearsR.C.W.A. § 62A.2-725
- Statute of Repose/Products12 YearsR.C.W.A. § 7.72.060*
- Statute of Repose/Real Property6 YearsR.C.W.A. § 4.16.310**
- Breach of Warranty/U.C.C.4 YearsR.C.W.A. § 62A.2-725
- Workers’ Compensation3 YearsR.C.W.A. § 51.24.030
- Strict Product Liability3 YearsR.C.W.A. § 7.72.060(3)
Statute of Limitations Exceptions
*After 12 years, rebuttable presumption that useful safe life has expired.
**6 years from substantial completion of construction on improvement to real property. This specifically does not apply to product manufacturers. R.C.W.A. § 4.16.310; R.C.W.A. § 4.16.300.
Contributory Negligence/Comparative Fault
Pure Comparative Fault: Damaged parties can recover even if 99% at fault. Plaintiff’s negligence will be allocated their own percentage portion, for which defendants will not be held responsible. R.C.W.A. §§ 4.22.005-015.
Med Pay/PIP Subrogation
Med Pay: Yes. Safeco Ins. Co. v. Woodley, 8 P.3d 304 (Wash. App. 2000). The three year personal injury statute of limitations runs from the date of the insured’s accident. R.C.W.A. § 4.16.410.
PIP: Yes. PIP carrier has right to be reimbursed for PIP payments made to fault-free insured where the policy so provides. Mahler v. Szucs, 957 P.2d 632 (Wash. 1998). A PIP carrier can also recover from an insured’s UIM benefits (usually UIM carrier and insured agree that PIP carrier will only pay common fund fees). Winters v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 994 P.2d 881 (Wash. App. 2000). This right of reimbursement also extends to UM benefits. Hamm v. State Farm, 88 P.3d 395 (Wash. 2004).
“Add-On” PIP State. No limitations on tort claims. $10,000 medical coverage/$10,000 income continuation PIP coverage must be offered and can be rejected in writing. R.C.W.A. § 48.22.085.
Deductible Reimbursement
Automobile and Property: Reimburse deductible (less pro-rata expenses) first; then carrier’s subrogation interests. W.A.C. § 284-30-393 provides: “The insurer must include the insured’s deductible, if any, in its subrogation demands. Any recoveries must be allocated first to the insured for any deductible(s) incurred in the loss, less applicable comparable fault. Deductions for expenses must not be made from the deductible recovery unless an outside attorney is retained to collect the recovery. The deduction may then be made only as a pro-rata share of the allocated loss adjustment expense. The insurer must keep its insured regularly informed of its efforts related to the progress of subrogation claims. ‘Regularly informed’ means that the insurer must contact its insured within 60 days after the start of the subrogation process, and no less frequently than every 180 days until the insured’s interest is resolved.”
In Daniels v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 2019 WL 2909308 (Wash. 2019), the court said that the amount of the deductible reimbursed to the insured may be reduced based on the comparative fault of the insured. It is unclear if this comparative fault must be judicially determined. A footnote in this case suggests that future courts may question that approach. Subrogation practitioners are advised to reimburse their insured’s deductible 100% following this decision, absent a ruling of comparative fault (court or arbitration).
Deductible must be included in any subrogation demand.
Made Whole Doctrine
Washington adheres to the Made Whole Doctrine. Mattson On Behalf of Mattson v. Stone, 648 P.2d 929 (Wash. App. 1982); Mahler v. Szucs, 957 P.2d 632 (Wash. 1998). An injured party must be made whole before the injured party’s insurer may require the injured party to reimburse the insurer for a subrogation or reimbursement claim. Skiles v. Farmers Ins. Co., Inc., 814 P.2d 666 (Wash. App. 1991). Known as the Thiringer Doctrine, the general rule is that while an insurer is entitled to be reimbursed to the extent that its insured recovers payment for the same loss from the tortfeasor responsible for his damage, it can recover only the excess which the insured has received from the wrongdoer, remaining after the insured is fully compensated for his loss. Thiringer v. American Motorist Co., 588 P.2d 191 (Wash. 1978). However, the Thiringer case indicates the Thiringer Doctrine may be overridden by specific Plan or policy language to the contrary. Id. In order to determine if the insured is “made whole”:
The proceeds of the settlement should be applied first toward the payment of the insured’s general damages and then, if any excess remained, toward the payment of his special damages covered by the PIP provision. The principle upon which this holding was based was that the insured was entitled to be made whole, and that only after he had made a full recovery for his damages did the insurer’s right of subrogation arise.
The insurance policy in Thiringer reserved to the insurer a right of subrogation and provided that the insured should do nothing to prejudice such right. The Supreme Court agreed with the trial court’s conclusion that in the context of a general settlement involving automobile personal injury protection the proceeds should be first applied toward the payment of the insured’s general damages and then, if any excess remains, toward the payment of the special damages covered by personal injury protection insurance.
An insured may be considered fully compensated by a less-than-limits settlement with a tortfeasor, despite reduction of its final recovery by his attorney’s fees, where he has settled with full knowledge of his obligation to pay fees, and thus he had an obligation to reimburse his insurer for its subrogated interest. Peterson v. Safeco Ins. Co. of Ill., 976 P.2d 632 (Wash. App. 1999). It also appears an insured must only be made whole for the particular category of damages being sought by the insurance company, in order to allow the insurance company’s subrogation rights. Mahler, supra. The property damage subrogation does not relate to the right of reimbursement for personal injuries under the policy.
Disputes between insureds and subrogating carriers with regard to the Made Whole Doctrine are resolved on a case-by-case basis upon a consideration of “the equitable factors involved, guided by the principle that a party suffering compensable injury is entitled to be made whole but should not be allowed to duplicate his recovery.” Leader Nat’l Ins. Co. v. Torres, 779 P.2d 722, 723 (Wash. 1989). Washington law provides a number of factors to be considered when resolving a subrogation or reimbursement dispute between an insurer and its insured where the insured executes a general release with the tortfeasor: (1) knowledge of insureds and tortfeasors as to outstanding subrogation claims; (2) extent of the prejudice to insurer’s subrogation interests; (3) desirability of encouraging settlements; (4) possibility of sharp practices by tortfeasors, insureds or their insurance carriers; and (5) general public policy that persons suffering compensable injuries are entitled to be made whole. Torres, supra. While the insured is entitled to recoup his general damages from the tortfeasor before subrogation is permitted, in doing so it may not do anything to prejudice the rights of the insurer. B.C. Ministry of Health v. Homewood, 970 P.2d 381, 386 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999) (concluding that general settlement involving health insurance should be apportioned first to general damages and then any excess to special damages). As explained by the court of appeals in British Columbia Ministry of Health v. Homewood:
[T]o establish prejudice [the insurer] must show (1) the percentage of negligence of [each of three tortfeasors]; (2) the total losses the plaintiff suffered; [and] (3) that the settlement as a percentage of plaintiff’s total injuries was less than the percentage of the settling entities’ comparative negligence. Only if the latter percentage exceeds the former will [the insurer’s] subrogation rights have been prejudiced…. Homewood, supra.
The holding in Thiringer was also construed by the Court of Appeals in Fisher to allow the parties to the contract to modify subrogation standards developed at common law. Fisher v. Aldi Tire, Inc., 902 P.2d 166 (Wash. App. 1995). However, the language purporting to change the common law standards must be clear and unambiguous.
A self-insured retention (SIR) of $100,000 paid by an insured under a CGL policy does not constitute “primary insurance” for purposes of subrogation, according to the Washington Court of Appeals. Bordeaux, Inc. v. American Safety Ins. Co, 186 P.3d 1188 (Wash. App. 2008). Therefore, the CGL carrier was not be entitled to any portion of a third-party subrogation recovery unless and until the insured was “made whole” under Thiringer for the SIR payment it had made.
Economic Loss Doctrine
Intermediate Rule. In 1976, Washington adopted a minority view and permitted a plaintiff to recover damages in tort for purely economic damages (lost profits) after a defectively manufactured engine malfunctioned during a commercial fishing trip. Berg v. General Motors Corp., 555 P.2d 818 (Wash. 1976). The Berg decision was short-lived, however, as the Legislature effectively overruled Berg in 1981 with the enactment of the Washington Products Liability Act (WPLA), R.C.W.A. § 7.72. Under the WPLA, the Legislature specifically excluded a recovery in tort for economic losses, deferring such claims instead to the U.C.C. Architectural services, engineering services, and inspection services are not “products” under the WPLA. Washington analyzes interrelated factors such as the nature of the defect, the type of risk, and the manner in which the injury arose. These factors bear directly on whether the safety-insurance policy of tort law or the expectation-bargain protection policy of warranty law is most applicable to the claim in question. Washington Water Power Co. v. Graybar Elec. Co., 774 P.2d 1199 (Wash. 1989). Washington recognizes an exception to the ELD, known as the Independent Duty Doctrine. Under this Doctrine, an injury is remediable in tort if it traces back to the breach of a tort duty arising independently of the terms of the contract. Affiliated FM Ins. Co. v. LTK Consulting Servs., Inc., 2010 WL 4350338 (Wash. 2010). Washington courts apply this Doctrine rather than superficially classify the plaintiff’s injury as economic or non-economic. Washington recognizes a “Sudden and Dangerous Event” exception to the ELD. Washington Water Power Co., supra. Courts must consider the nature of the defect, type of risk, and manner the injury arose.
Landlord/Tenant Subrogation
A landlord is presumed to carry insurance for the tenant’s benefit, as an implied co-insured, absent express lease provision to the contrary. Therefore, without more, the landlord’s fire insurer has no subrogation rights against the tenants for loss to leased premises. Cascade Trailer Court v. Beeson, 749 P.2d 761 (Wash. App. 1988). A mutual understanding that a tenant will be relieved of liability for his own negligence may be inferred from provisions of the parties’ lease. For example, the lease may expressly require the lessor to carry fire insurance covering the leased building, or it may prohibit the tenant from performing any acts which would raise the cost of insurance. Other circumstances may also give rise to an inference that the parties have mutually understood that the lessor would provide the insurance. Rizzuto v. Morris, 592 P.2d 688 (Wash. App. 1979). In Trinity Universal Ins. Co. v. Cook, 276 P.3d 372 (Wash. App. 2012), the Court held that a tenant is a co-insured under its landlord’s policy for the entire building, not only the unit she occupies. It also held that a tenant’s spouse is a co-insured under the landlord’s insurance policy.
Spoliation
Adverse Inference/Rebuttable Presumption: In Cook v. Tarbert Logging, Inc., 360 P.3d 855 (Wash. App. 2015), the court held that actions with regard to evidence committed before a lawsuit is filed do not amount to spoliation if done in good faith, even if that behavior results in destruction of evidence. Raymond Cook was in an accident with an employee of Tarbert Logging. Cook’s expert took photographs and measurements but did not access the truck’s airbag control monitor, which might have provided information about the speed of the truck at the moment of the crash. Two years later, Cook filed suit against Tarbert Logging and the county, who was unable to inspect the truck because it had been sold. The county argued that Cook had breached a duty to preserve the truck as evidence and asked the court to impose an inference that the truck’s airbag-control monitor would have shown that Cook was speeding at the time of the accident. The court concluded that there is no general duty to preserve evidence before a lawsuit is filed. Even when litigation is foreseeable, destruction or loss of documents in itself is not spoliation. For the court-sanctionable act of spoliation to occur before a lawsuit is filed, there must be some bad-faith intent to “get rid of the evidence.” The spoliation here was found not to be purposeful and intentional so the court held that the destruction was not spoliation.
In Pier 67, Inc. v. King County, 89 Wash.2d 379, 573 P.2d 2 (Wash. 1977), the Court held: “where relevant evidence which would properly be a part of a case is within the control of a party whose interests it would naturally be to produce it and he fails to do so, without satisfactory explanation, the only inference which the finder of fact may draw is that such evidence would be unfavorable to him.” 89 Wash.2d at 385-86, 573 P.2d 2. To remedy spoliation the court may apply a rebuttable presumption, which shifts the burden of proof to a party who destroys or alters important evidence. In deciding whether to apply a rebuttable presumption in spoliation cases, two factors control: “(1) the potential importance or relevance of the missing evidence; and (2) the culpability or fault of the adverse party.” Marshall v. Bally’s Pacwest, Inc., 94 Wash. App. 372, 381-383, 972 P.2d 475, 480 (Wash. App. Div. 2, 1999). In weighing the importance of the evidence, the court considers whether the adverse party was afforded an adequate opportunity to examine it. Culpability turns on whether the party acted in bad faith or whether there is an innocent explanation for the destruction. Id.
Parental Responsibility
Willful Misconduct. Liability imposed on parents when child willfully or maliciously injures person or defaces or destroys property. R.C.W.A. § 4.24.190.
The limit of liability is $5,000.00. Child must be under 18-years-old.
Contribution Actions
Modified Joint and Several Liability. Joint and several liability where plaintiff is not at fault, cases of vicarious liability, and where the defendants act in concert – otherwise several liability. R.C.W.A. § 4.22.070.
A vehicle’s diminution in market value due to additional mileage and the marketplace perception that a fully repaired vehicle was inferior was not part of the insurer’s obligation to repair the vehicle after a theft under the policy. Because the vehicle was fully repaired, the insurer was not required to pay its inherent diminished value, i.e., the difference between the value before the loss and after repair. Where an insurer has fully, completely, and adequately repaired or replaced the property with other of like kind and quality, any reduction in market value of the vehicle due to factors that are not subject to “repair or replacement” cannot be deemed a component part of the cost of repair or replacement. Carlton v. Trinity Universal Ins. Co., 32 S.W.3d 454 (Tex. App. 2000).
The one (1) year statute of limitations is from the date of judgment. If no judgment has been rendered, the contribution plaintiff must have (a) discharged by payment the common liability within the period of the statute of limitations applicable to the claimant’s right of action against him or her and commenced the action for contribution within one (1) year after payment, or (b) agreed while the action was pending to discharge the common liability and, within one (1) year after the agreement, have paid the liability and commenced an action for contribution. R.C.W.A. § 4.22.050.
Suspension of Drivers' Licenses
Administrative Suspension: If the person required to deposit security fails to do so, the Department will suspend the driver’s license of such persons. R.C.W.A. § 46.29.110. Suspension will end once the person deposits the required security, or after three years, provided no action for damages has been filed. R.C.W.A. § 46.29.170.
Judgment: If a person fails to pay a judgment within 30 days, the clerk/judge will immediately forward a certified copy of the judgment to the Department. They will immediately suspend the license of the judgment debtor. R.C.W.A. § 46.29.310; R.C.W.A. § 46.29.330. License suspension will continue until the judgment is stayed or satisfied, and until proof of financial responsibility is shown. R.C.W.A. § 46.29.370.
Contact Information: State of Washington, Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030, (360) 902-3900, http://www.dol.wa.gov/.
Anti-Indemnity Statutes
Prohibits Intermediate Indemnity. Applies to Construction Contracts or Agreements. Wash. Rev. Code § 4.24.115.
Diminution of Value
First Party: The Washington Supreme Court in the dissent of a non-auto case, on subjects not involving diminution, stated the general rule that: “Damages for injury to property are measured in terms of the amount necessary to compensate for the injury to the property interest… Therefore, damages for injury to property are limited under Washington law to the lesser of diminution in value of the property or the cost to restore or replace the property.” Certification From United States Dist. Court for Western Dist. of Wash. v. Aetna Casualty & Surety Co., 784 P.2d 507 (Wash. 1990). The Washington Supreme Court has also stated that, where the damage to real property is permanent, a plaintiff is entitled to recover, not only for the costs of restoration and repair, but also for the property’s diminished value. Kurtis R. v. Sto Industries, Inc., 132 P.3d 115 (Wash. 2006).
Third Party: Washington Practice Series, Pattern Jury Charges states that the measure of damages to personal property is: The lesser of the following: (1) The reasonable value of necessary repairs to any property that was damaged; or (2) The difference between the fair cash market value of the property immediately before the occurrence and the fair cash market value of the unrepaired property immediately after the occurrence. 6 Wash. Prac., Wash. Pattern Jury Instr. Civ. WPI 30.11 (6th ed.). No other court decisions, statutes, administrative regulations or other authority regarding allowing or disallowing claims for diminution in value of a damaged vehicle in a third-party claim.
Recording Conversations
All-Party Consent: It is unlawful for an individual to record and or disclose the content of any electronic of in-person communication without the consent of all parties. Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 9.73.030.
Criminal Restitution
Under the Washington statute on restitution, a court will determine the amount of restitution after its application has been ordered. R.C.W.A. § 9.94A.753. According to applicable case law, an insurer will qualify as a “victim” under the statute, and therefore, be entitled to restitution. State v. Barnett, 675 P.2d 626 (Wash. Ct. App. 1984).
Health and Disability Insurance
Statute of Limitations: Intentional Acts – 2 Years. R.C.W.A. § 4.16.100. Negligence Claims – 3 Years. R.C.W.A. § 4.16.080. Medical Malpractice – Later of 3 years from date of act or 1 year from discovery of injury. R.C.W.A. § 4.16.350.
Subrogation of Medical and Disability Benefits are allowed. Fisher v. Albi Power, Inc., 902 P.2d 166 (Wash. App. 1995). Made-Whole and Common Fund apply. Mahler v. Szucs, 957 P.2d 632 (Wash. 1998); Hamm v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 88 P.3d 395 (Wash. 2004).
Funeral Procession Traffic Laws
There are no state laws governing funeral processions, however, the Supreme Court of Washington held that a vehicle that is separated from the procession is no longer in the procession, and as such, has no rights of the procession, assuming there were rights. Smith v. Ashmore, 413 P.2d 651 (Wash. 1966).
Workers’ Compensation
Statute of Limitations: 3 Years. R.C.W.A. § 51.24.030.
Can Carrier Sue Third Party Directly: Yes.
Intervene: Yes.
Recovery from UM/UIM Benefits: Yes, possibly Employer’s Policy Only.
Subrogation Against Medical Malpractice: Yes?
Subrogation Against Legal Malpractice: Yes.
Recovery Allocation/Equitable Limitations: (1) Fees, Expenses; (2) 25% to Plaintiff; (3) Carrier Reimbursed Fully, Less Pro-Rata Fees/Costs; and (4) Net to Plaintiff. No recovery from pain and suffering damages.
Employer Contribution/Negligence: No.
Attorney’s Fees/Costs: Pro-Rata.
Future Credit: Yes.
Auto No-Fault: No.
Dog Bite Laws
Dog owner will be held liable for damages, regardless of prior knowledge of dog’s vicious propensities, absent provocation. Wash. Rev. Code § 16-08-040.
Employee Leasing Laws
Neither the Washington Workers’ Compensation Act nor case law directly give us guidance on employee leasing situations, and such questions will be answered by common law under Washington case decisions.
Condominium Waiver of Subrogation Laws
Associations shall maintain property insurance and liability insurance. Additionally, insurers must waive rights of subrogation against any unit owner, member of their household, or lessee of unit owner. R.C.W.A. § 64.34.352.
Automobile Total Loss Thresholds
Total Loss Formula (See HERE for definition).
Insurer determines whether cost of parts and labor plus salvage value has made it uneconomical to repair and vehicle must be more than six-years-old. R.C.W.A. § 46.04.514.
Sudden Medical Emergencies While Driving
Unavoidable Accident Instruction or Sudden Mental Incapacity Defense. A driver who becomes suddenly stricken by an unforeseen loss of consciousness, and is unable to control the vehicle, is not chargeable with negligence. Presleigh v. Lewis, 534 P.2d 606 (Wash. 1975).
Washington recognizes Sudden Mental Incapacity as a defense and precludes liability for negligence while operating a vehicle. The Breunig test has two parts: (1) the person has no prior notice or forewarning of his or her potential for becoming disabled, and (2.) the disability renders the person incapable of conforming to the standards of ordinary care. Ramey v. Knorr, 124 P.3d 314 (Wash. 2005).
State Sovereign Immunity And Tort Liability
Tort Claims Act: Actions and Claims Against State.R.C.W.A. § 4.92.090, et seq. (1963).
Whether acting in governmental or proprietary capacity, State and its employees liable for torts the same as private person. R.C.W.A. § 4.92.090. One of the broadest waivers of sovereign immunity in the country.
Notice Deadlines: Verified Notice of Claim form must be filed with Washington Office of Risk Management prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations for the claim (running of statute of limitations not affected). R.C.W.A. § 4.92.100. Must describe time, place, conduct and circumstances of injury, names of all witnesses and relevant persons, amount of damages, and address of claimant.
Suit cannot be filed until 60 days after standard tort claim form filed. R.C.W.A. § 4.92.110.
Claims/Actions Allowed: There is no immunity and State is liable if:
(1) police high speed chase;
(2) discharge of raw sewage into river: and
(3) operating motor vehicle.
Rahman v. State, 1246 P.3d 182 (Wash. 2011), overturned due to legislative action. No immunity for discretionary activities, unless the government could show that a “policy decision.” King v. City of Seattle, 525 P.2d 228 (Wash. 1974).
Comments/Exceptions: No liability can be imposed against State for “discretionary acts” of State. Evangelical United Brethren Church of Adna v. State, 407 P.2d 440 (Wash. 1965).
Guidelines used to determine if act “discretionary”:
(1) involve basic government policy, program, or objective?;
(2) is act essential to realization of that policy, program or objective?; and
(3) does act involve judgment?
Policy-making is immune. Evangelical Church of Adna v. State, 407 P.2d 440 (Wash. 1965). Discretionary decisions must be made at a “truly executive level” rather than an operational level. Mason v. Bitton, 534 P.2d 1360 (Wash. 1975).
Damage Caps: No caps or limitations. State liable for damages arising out of tortuous conduct, whether acting in governmental or proprietary capacity, to same extent as if it were a private person or corporation. R.C.W.A. § 4.92.090.
Recovery of Sales Tax After Vehicle Total Loss
First-Party Claims: Insurer may (1) offer a comparable vehicle, including all applicable taxes, license fees, or other fees, or (2) offer cash settlement including all applicable taxes, license fees, or other fees. Wash. Admin. Code § 284-30-391. License fees, weight-based fees, and other regional fees (urban areas of King, Pierce, or Snohomish counties, an insured may be required to pay Regional Transit Authority (RTA) tax to pay for their local transit-related projects) are calculated on a pro-rata basis so that the insured is compensated for the “unused” portion of the annual taxes and fees. After the ACV, sales tax and applicable pro-rated taxes and fees are added together, the insurer deducts the salvage value from the total amount.
First-party coverage under clear ACV provision does not include sales tax because replacement cost considerations apply only when the property is actually replaced. Holden v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Wash., 175 P.3d 601 (Wash. App. 2008). However, if ACV provision is ambiguous, policy must be read to include sales tax in calculating the FMV of damaged property, regardless of whether insured replaced the damaged property. Holden v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Wash., 239 P.3d 344 (Wash. 2010).
Third-Party Claims: As part of the settlement amount, include all applicable government taxes and fees that would have been incurred by the claimant if the claimant had purchased the loss vehicle immediately prior to the loss. These taxes and fees must be included in the settlement amount whether or not the claimant retains or subsequently transfers ownership of the loss vehicle. Wash. Admin. Code 284-30-391(4)(e).
Sales tax must be dealt with by insurers “in good faith.” Wash. Office of Ins. Comm., Bulletin No. 89-3 (Apr. 5, 1989). The bulletin notes that in ACV claims, “the cost of repairing and restoring a building or other object to the condition it was in before the loss is not only material, but is the most persuasive evidence of the amount of loss for which the insurer is liable. Obviously, such costs will include sales tax.” WA Bulletin 89-3, 1989; See Holden, supra.
Damage to Property Without Market Value
Service Value: “Accordingly, we hold that Puget Power is entitled to recover the full replacement cost of a new pole.” Puget Sound Power & Light Co. v. Strong, 816 P.2d 716 (Wash. 1991).
Intrinsic Value: “…if destroyed property has no market value but can be replaced or reproduced, then the measure is the cost of replacement or reproduction; if the destroyed property has no market value and cannot be replaced or reproduced, then the value to the owner is to be the proper measure of damages…” McCurdy v. Union Pac. R. Co., 413 P.2d 617 (Wash. 1966).
Sentimental Value: “Recognizing that value to the owner encompasses a subjective element, the rule has been established that compensation for sentimental or fanciful values will not be allowed.” Mieske v.Bartell Drug Co., 593 P.2d 1308 (Wash. 1979).
Municipal/County/Local Governmental Immunity and Tort Liability
Legal Authority:
Actions Against Political Subdivisions, Municipal and Quasi-Municipal Corporations: R.C.W.A. §§ 4.96.010 to 50 (1967). “Local governmental entity” means a county, city, town, special district, municipal corporation.
Notice Deadlines: Notice of claim on standard form must be presented to appointed agent of local government within applicable statute of limitations. R.C.W.A. § 4.96.020. Suit can be filed sixty (60) days after filing of Standard Notice of Claim Form.
Claims/Actions Allowed: Local governmental entities liable for both governmental and proprietary acts to the same extent as if they were a person. R.C.W.A. § 4.96.010(1).
Comments/Exceptions: No liability for discretionary functions (planning or operational level). R.C.W.A. § 4.96.010(2); Evangelical United Brethren Church of Adna v. State, 407 P.2d 440 (Wash. 1965).
Damage Caps: None.
Laws Regarding Using Cell Phones/Headphones/Texting While Driving
Cell Phone/Texting: Drivers may use a cell phone if it is used in a hands-free manner. R.C.W.A. § 46.37.480.
Hand-held phone use while driving is prohibited. Exceptions include emergency situations, reporting illegal activity, and preventing injury to a person or property. R.C.W.A. § 46.61.667 (1)(a).
No driver may operate a motor vehicle while texting. Exceptions include when a vehicle is parked and off the road, reporting illegal activity, summoning emergency personnel, or to prevent injury to a person or property. R.C.W.A. § 46.61.668.
Other Prohibitions: No driver while operating a vehicle may use headphones, earbuds or a headset if it is for listening to a radio or to receive a radio broadcast. R.C.W.A. § 46.37.480.
Workers’ Compensation Claims by Undocumented Employees
Y/N/U: U
Statute: The statute is silent on illegal aliens as employees. Wash. Rev. Code § 51-08-185.
Case Law: Undecided
Comments/Explanation/Other: The statute broadly defines worker/employee. It is any person in the state who is engaged in the employment of an employer. Wash. Rev. Code. §§ 51-04-030-2 and 51-32-110 state that a non-resident alien is covered for medical benefits and exams under these statutes.
Admissibility of Expert Testimony
Admissibility Standards: Frye
Case/Statutory Law: State V. Riker, 869 P.2d 43 (Wash. 1994).
Imputing Contributory Negligence of Driver to Vehicle Owner
Imputed Contributory Negligence Law: A tortfeasor cannot impute the contributory negligence of the permissive user of a vehicle, in a suit by the owner for damages to the vehicle, unless there was more than a mere “right to control” the driver – there must be a valid contract between the driver and the owner. Poutre v. Saunders, 143 P.2d 554 (Wash. 1943).
Vicarious Liability/Family Purpose Doctrine: No Vicarious Liability Statute.
Washington recognizes the Family Car Doctrine. Liability is established under the Family Car Doctrine when (1) the car is owned, provided, or maintained by the parent, (2) for the customary conveyance of family members and other family business, (3) and at the time of the accident, the car is being driven by a member of the family for whom the car is maintained, and (4) with the express or implied consent of the parent. Kaynor v. Farline, 72 P.3d 262 (Wash. App. 2003).
Sponsor Liability for Minor’s Driving: No sponsorship liability statute. However, R.C.W.A. § 4.24.190 imposes liability on parents when a child willfully or maliciously injures s person or defaces or destroys property.
Product Liability Law
Statute of Limitations/Repose: 3 years for personal injury and wrongful death. R.C.W.A. § 4.16.080.
Liability Standards: Negligence, Strict Liability, Warranty.
Fault Allocations: Pure Comparative. R.C.W.A. §§ 4.22.005-015.
Non-Economic Caps/Limits On Actual Damages: No.
Punitive Y/N and Limits: No.
Heeding Presumption?: Yes. Luttrell v. Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp., 894 F. Supp.2d 1324, 1345 n.16 (E.D. Wash. 2012).
Innocent Seller Statute: Yes (With Exceptions).
Joint and Several Liability: Several Only (With Exceptions). R.C.W.A. § 4.22.070.
Available Defenses: Assumption of Risk; Presumption; Misuse; Alteration; Learned Intermediary; State of the Art; Government Contractor Defense; Compliance With Government Standards; Seatbelts; Alcohol/Drugs.
Restatement 2nd or 3rd?: Both.
Owner Liability For Stolen Vehicles
Key In The Ignition Statutes: R.C.W.A. § 46.61.600.
Common Law Rule: Although generally a vehicle owner is not liable for the conduct of a thief after stealing a car, the right set of circumstances can create a duty for the driver. Pratt v. Thomas, 80 Wash.2d 117, 491 P.2d 1285 (1971); Sailor v. Ohlde, 71 Wash.2d 646, 430 P.2d 591 (1967); Parrilla v. King County, 157 P.3d 879 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007) (holding that a duty was created where a bus driver left keys in the bus and the bus running when a “visibly erratic” passenger was on the bus).
Additionally, R.C.W.A. § 46.61.600 did not represent intent by the legislature to create a duty for owners to prevent theft of their vehicles, nor did the statute apply to vehicles on private property. Kim v. Budget Rent a Car Systems, Inc., 15 P.3d 1283 (Wash. 2001).
Anti-Subrogation Rule
An insurer has no right of subrogation against their own insured since, by definition, subrogation exists only with respect to rights of the insurer against third persons to whom the insurer owes no duty. Sherry v. Financial Indem. Co., 160 P.3d 31 (Wash. 2007). It is well established in Washington that “the insurance company, having paid a loss to one insured, cannot, as subrogee, recover from another of the parties for whose benefit the insurance was written even though his negligence may have occasioned the loss, there being no design or fraud on his part.” General Ins. Co. of America v. Stoddard Wendle Ford Motors, 410 P.2d 904 (Wash. 1966). Co-insured status for any loss under a builder’s risk policy does not automatically insulate the co-insured from subrogation by the insurer for damage to all property covered therein; instead, the first question is whether the owner and the contractor agreed that the owner would purchase insurance to cover damage to the project caused by the contractor’s negligence. See Western Washington Corp. of Seventh Day Adventists v. Ferrellgas, Inc., 7 P.3d 861 (Wash. Ct. App. 2000). An insurer that issued separate policies to the subrogor and target may not subrogate. Royal Exchange Assur. of America, Inc. v. SS President Adams, 510 F.Supp. 581 (W.D. Wash. 1981). In Royal Exchange Assurance v. SS President Adams, 510 F.Supp. 581 (W.D. Wash. 1981), machinery, which the Lee Torgerson Machinery Company (“Torgerson”) had hired the American President Lines (“American”) shipping company to transport across the ocean, was damaged during transport. Torgerson’s insurer, the Royal Exchange Assurance of America, attempted to subrogate against American for the money they had paid to Torgerson for the damaged machinery. The court blocked subrogation though, as American had an unrelated liability policy from Torgerson for American’s stevedoring operations. In Ferrellgas, a partially completed church was destroyed by a fire negligently caused by Art & Sons, Inc., and the propane supplier, Ferrellgas, Inc. The court found that Ferrellgas was a co-insured on the Church’s policy because the policy extended protection to Ferrellgas’ propane tanks, but the court rejected the doctrine that the policy extending protection to Ferrellgas’ property made Ferrellgas a co-insured for damage to all insured property. The court instead ruled that the first question the court should ask is “whether the owner and the contractor agreed that the owner would purchase insurance to cover damage to the project caused by the contractor’s negligence.” The court found that Ferrellgas presented no evidence that the Church had intended to purchase builder’s risk insurance on behalf of Ferrellgas and, therefore, Ferrellgas was not protected from subrogation for damage done to the Church’s property.
Use of Non-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Aftermarket Crash Parts in Repair of Damaged Vehicles
Authority: R.C.W.A. § 46.71.025.
Summary: A written estimate must be provided to the insured or the designee before any repairs are performed. The insured must also be informed of the use of any non-OEM parts in keeping with the standards of the statute.