Joint and Several Liability in Washington
State-specific overview · Tort Law
Washington maintains joint and several liability for all damages but allows defendants to recover comparative fault contributions from co-defendants.
How Washington treats Joint and Several Liability
Washington courts hold multiple defendants fully liable for the entire judgment, including both economic and non-economic damages. However, defendants can pursue contribution claims against co-defendants based on comparative fault percentages. This system protects plaintiffs' recovery rights while allowing defendants to seek reimbursement internally. Washington's approach balances plaintiff protection with fairness among multiple wrongdoers.
The general definition of Joint and Several Liability
Multiple defendants can each be held fully responsible for the entire judgment, not just their share.
When two or more people or companies are sued together for causing harm, the injured person can collect the full amount from any one of them, rather than having to split the recovery among all defendants. This means if you win a $100,000 judgment against three defendants, you can demand all $100,000 from just one of them, and that defendant can then try to recover their fair share from the others. It protects the injured person by ensuring they get paid even if some defendants can't pay.
Read the full Joint and Several Liability entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Washington.