What is a default judgment?

A default judgment is a type of court ruling given when a defendant does not respond or appear in court when summoned. In Washington, if a defendant does not answer or attend a court case for whatever reason, the plaintiff (the person who is filing the lawsuit) can ask the court for a default judgment. This means that the court will enter an order that is favorable to the plaintiff and against the defendant. Default judgments are usually used by plaintiffs in order to obtain a quick resolution to their case and to enforce an order against the defendant. For example, if a plaintiff is suing the defendant for financial damages due to a breach of contract, the plaintiff can ask for a default judgment so the court orders the defendant to pay the damages. Although default judgments can be used to quickly resolve disputes, they can also be disadvantageous for defendants. For example, if the defendant was unaware of the lawsuit or was unable to attend court due to extenuating circumstances, they may not be aware that a default judgment was entered against them. This can lead to serious financial repercussions, as the defendant can be liable for all of the damages awarded in the judgment. Overall, a default judgment is a court ruling that is imposed when a defendant fails to respond or appear in court when summoned. This ruling can be disadvantageous for defendants, as it can lead to serious financial repercussions. It is important for defendants to be aware of their legal rights and obligations when responding to a lawsuit.

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