Legal Calculators

Washington Medical Malpractice Damage Cap

Track statutory limits on noneconomic damages and calculate your potential recoverable amount.

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Legal Nuances & Exceptions

Applicability

All Medical Malpractice Cases

Statutory Reference

Wash. Rev. Code § 4.56.250 (Ruled unconstitutional)

No statutory cap on noneconomic damages in Washington. The Washington Supreme Court struck down noneconomic damage caps in 1989 (Sofie v. Fibreboard Corp.) as violating the right to trial by jury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington cap noneconomic damages?

No. The state Supreme Court ruled that statutory caps on noneconomic damages violate the Washington Constitution.

Are punitive damages allowed in Washington?

Washington generally prohibits punitive damages in almost all civil cases, including medical malpractice.

What can a plaintiff recover in Washington?

Plaintiffs can recover fully uncapped economic damages and uncapped noneconomic damages.

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