What kinds of damages can a plaintiff recover in a liquor liability lawsuit?

In Washington, a plaintiff in a liquor liability lawsuit can recover a variety of damages, depending on the facts of the case. Generally, a plaintiff may seek reimbursement for economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, a plaintiff may seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. In some cases, a plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish a defendant who has acted with willful misconduct, reckless indifference, or malice. Punitive damages are designed to discourage such behavior in the future. In Washington, the amount of damages a plaintiff can recover in a liquor liability lawsuit is not capped. The amount of damages awarded in any particular case will depend on the facts, the evidence presented, and the applicable laws. Finally, the court may award treble damages—that is, three times the actual damages—in certain cases. This type of award is intended to further punish the defendant for their wrongdoing.

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