News Category: Litigation
New Security System? Some Key Privacy Issues to Know Before Setting up that Camera
With the rise of smart security systems that can be placed inside and outside of the home, there are some key privacy issues to be aware of before you set-up that doorbell with a built-in camera that records video and sound. Washington State’s privacy act is considered one of the most restrictive in the nation.
Transportation Efficiency and Climate Change: Washington State Continues March Towards All-Electric Vehicles by 2030
Washington’s legislative bill ESHB 1793 was codified as RCW 64.90.51, effective June 9, 2022, and governs electronic vehicle charging stations in common interest communities. RCW 64.90.51 in part prohibits condominium unit owners’ associations (“COAs”) from placing unreasonable restrictions on the installation or use of an electric vehicle charging station at any newly-constructed condominium building in
When Animals Are More Than a Pet: Differences in Rights and Responsibilities for Service and Emotional Support Animals
What is the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal? A service animal is a dog which has been trained to perform a specific task or to do work directly related to a person’s disability. Service animals perform a wide variety of vital services such as allergen alerts, seizure response, and hearing
You Purchased Real Property Together, and Now You Want Out. Partition is an Option.
It is not uncommon for family members, friends, or business partners to jointly own commercial or residential real property. With property values skyrocketing and Covid-19 allowing so many of us to work remotely, we saw a steep rise in the numbers of partners (romantic and platonic) who made the choice to jointly purchase real property,
Warning to Washington Corporations: Refusal to Engage and Assist Customers in a Valid Dispute May Prove Costly in Court
In February 2022, Washington’s Court of Appeals for Division III reached a decision awarding attorney’s fees and costs for prelitigation bad faith in a matter of first impression for Washington courts. In Dalton v. North Cascade Trustee Services and U.S. Bank, the appellate court reversed the superior court’s judgment in favor of a homeowner in
The Price set on Ransomware – Avoiding the Cyber Sucker Punch
Most businesses today understand that the internet can be a dangerous place. As an organization grows beyond the very early stage of one or two employees and a few thousand dollars in sales, the cyber strategy of “security by obscurity” must give way to a balanced and nuanced approach to mitigating the risks posed by
Late or Untimely Discovery Responses in a Child Relocation Act Case: The Lawyer Escapes Sanctions (For Now)
Civil lawsuits can take a long time. After the complaint and other initial pleadings are filed, the next phase of the case will typically turn to what is referred to as “discovery.” Discovery is the mechanism the parties and their attorneys request and exchange information. For various reasons, it is often a slow and tedious
Buying a New Home? What To Know Before Making An Offer
Buying a home remains one of the largest financial commitments and personal goals in an individual’s life. However, in the current market buyers are moving quickly, making large cash offers above-asking value and waiving contingencies in a rush to snap up a new home. Unfortunately, a decision to waive the inspection contingency can cause a
Easements: Just for Now or Forever?
Easements are a right to enter and use land that may transfer with the ownership of the land. Easement issues usually arise when one property owner makes improvements on his or her property without first surveying the property to identify the boundary lines of the property. If the improvement goes over the property line into
Who Pays for Attorneys Fees in Litigation?
One of the first questions asked of me by clients when considering litigation is, “Can I make the other side pay for my attorney’s fees?” In Washington State, the answer to that question is generally no. This is referred to as the “American Rule.” Courts have reiterated their support for the American Rule because (1)