Magnuson Lowell Blog
Each week we post a blog about relevant legal issues. Glance through our various topics to learn more about a particular legal situation.
These articles are for limited informational purposes only and are not, nor are they intended to be, legal advice. You should not rely on this information for your case and should consult with an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
Most Recent Posts ...
Posted on: 4/22/2024
Posted on: 4/15/2024
Posted on: 4/8/2024
Posted on: 4/1/2024
Search All Blog Posts
Blog Post Archive Categories
- Options for Dealing with Real Estate in Your Washington State Divorce
- Mandatory Arbitration - A Great Choice for Small Car Accidents
- Does it Matter that I was Hurt Before My Car Accident?
- Parenting Limitations under RCW 26.09.191 in Washington State
- Navigating Child Custody: A Guide for Parents in Divorce
- Determining Child Support in Washington State
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) Time Matters for a DUI
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) Field Sobriety Tests - What Not to Do
- (Redmond/Criminal Defense) - The (Redmond/Criminal Defense) - The Ability to Remain Silent
- Battling Father Time: Crafting Your Legacy with Precision
- Tips for Talking to Your Family About Your Estate Plan
- How to Choose Your Personal Representative for your Will
- Little Known Washington Driving Laws
- What`s the Deal with Prenuptial Agreements?
- What Happens If I`m Bit by a Dog in Washington?
- What Kinds of Evidence are Best for Parenting Disputes?
- Divorce Timelines in Washington State
- Co-Parenting 101: Tips for Co-Parenting During a Divorce
- Why Expediency is Important After Your Car Accident
- Understanding Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) in Washington State
- It only takes 3 seconds...
- Gotta love our court system!
- (Redmond/Crazy Lawsuit) The Walking Dead: or Not!
- (Redmond/Crazy Lawsuit) Here Comes Football - and Litigation
- What is a Contingency Fee?
- Happy New Year 2024!
- Pedestrian & Bicyclist Accidents
- Top 10 Tips You Need To Know Before Getting On A Motorcycle
- Top 10 Tips Riders Need To Know Before Getting On A Motorcycle
- In a Car Collision...Now What?
The real story on punitive damages
Punitive damages are the favorite of every prospective claimant throughout the United States. In essence, punitive damages are meant to penalize Defendants for actions that violated the rights of or injured another person. Usually, the Defendant's action must be grossly negligent, reckless or intentional in order to garner these exemplary damages.
Everyone remembers the spilled McDonald's coffee lawsuit from the 1990's - a New Mexico jury awarded the Plaintiff $160,000 in compensatory damages, but awarded $2.7 million in punitive damages. While the Washington legislature has allowed for several situations where punitive damages are allowed - our home state is one of only nine states that prohibit a Plaintiff from recovering punitive damages when bringing a claim for personal injury. That means if the New Mexico McDonald's case took place in Washington, the total damages would have been much less.
This law is important for all potential Plaintiffs to understand because in Washington, damages are not as they seem in the Hollywood dramas. At Magnuson Lowell, we will always give you a fair analysis of your claim and make sure you are armed with all the necessary information before making these important decisions.