Washington: consumer-protection statute

Private right of action

Whether a person may bring a civil action under the statute.

yes

19.86.090

Any person who is injured in his or her business or property by a violation of RCW 19.86.020

Actual damages

Recovery for the loss a person actually suffered.

recover the actual damages sustained

19.86.090

to recover the actual damages sustained by him or her

Statutory minimum damages

A stated minimum or fixed amount of damages.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Multiple or punitive damages

Damages multiplied or increased to punish unlawful conduct.

court may increase award up to three times actual damages, capped at $25,000 for RCW 19.86.020 violations

19.86.090

increase the award of damages up to an amount not to exceed three times the actual damages sustained

Attorney fees

Rules for recovering the cost of legal representation.

to prevailing party in AG action (discretionary); to plaintiff in private action (mandatory)

19.86.080, 19.86.090

the prevailing party may, in the discretion of the court, recover the costs of said action including a reasonable attorney's fee

Notice or demand before suit

Notice or a demand that must be sent before bringing an action.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Class action limits

Restrictions on bringing claims on behalf of a class.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

FTC interpretation clause

Directions to consider FTC or federal interpretations when applying the statute.

Not found in the statute text reviewed

Time limit for a claim

The period in which an action must be brought.

four years

19.86.120

shall be forever barred unless commenced within four years after the cause of action accrues

Injunctive relief

Court orders requiring conduct to stop or change.

yes

19.86.090

may bring a civil action in superior court to enjoin further violations

Attorney general civil penalties

Civil monetary penalties sought by the attorney general.

up to $7,500 per violation of RCW 19.86.020; up to $125,000 for violation of injunction; up to three times unlawful gains for RCW 19.86.030/040; enhanced $5,000 for targeted violations

19.86.140

Every person who violates RCW 19.86.020 shall forfeit and pay a civil penalty of not more than $7,500 for each violation