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“Tort law” in business means the legal liability to others because of a business’s or its employees’ negligence or intentional acts. Someone is injured, property is damaged, or income is lost as a result. “Negligence” and “intentional” have special meaning in the law. Negligence (carelessness) can result from simple inattention or indifference, and an intentional act does not actually require intent to harm. For almost all types of tort claims, Washington law does not allow the jury to award damages just to punish the business. On the other hand, there are very few rules limiting how much money someone can win in a tort lawsuit.

Cornerpoint helps prevent and reduce your company’s exposure to tort claims and lawsuits. Torts are based on principles of predictability, so risks that result in torts are almost always identifiable. We look at business operations and any current risk control techniques to find potential areas of injury to others — not only customers and associates, but also the public. We also examine any past claims and lawsuits against the business, as they can help us identify risks. A review of existing policies, procedures, and systems; surveys, checklists, and questionnaires; feedback from employees;¹ and a visit to your premises can all lead to the discovery of risks that result in tort liability.

Once we know the risks to your business, then we can prevent and reduce the risk of injury to others and their property while encouraging safety and responsibility. Cornerpoint may recommend improvements to processes and systems, help educate employees, draft contracts limiting tort liability and modifying default legal responsibilities, and advise as to insurance coverage. We work with clients in niche business ventures with unique legal needs, as well as those in larger industries seeking our popular services.

Finally, because of attorney Stacia Hofmann‘s extensive experience as a litigator representing businesses, we know the values, costs, and challenges of different types of tort claims. We know how juries, judges, and arbitrators apply the law to determine and analyze a business’s responsibilities. We have particular insight into the type of risks that are the most likely to lead to a lawsuit, and the best defenses to have at the ready if a claim is made.

Call 206-693-2718 or email us for a free 10 minute consultation.
For an example of tort law, check out one of the blogposts below!

What Business Owners Should Know About L&I's Workers' Compensation Reimbursement Rights

All small business owners, even those without employees, should understand Washington's workers' compensation reimbursement rights.

Flag on the Play! Intentional Interference With a Business Expectancy

When a third party intentionally interferes with someone else's business relationship, the law may provide a remedy. But the damaged

Washington Small Businesses & Coronavirus

Legal Resources for Washington Small Business Owners During the COVID-19 Pandemic By Stacia Hofmann, Small Business Attorney & Certified Risk Manager

"Dogs in the Workplace" Four Years Later - A Cornerpoint Case Pop

An Update on Employer Liability for Dog Bites By Stacia Hofmann Cornerpoint Case Pops are dedicated to summarizing relevant, new cases

Strict Liability for Timber Trespass - A Cornerpoint Case Pop

In Porter v. Kirkendoll, the Washington Supreme Court classified timber trespass as a strict liability tort and held that the

Washington's New Wrongful Death Laws: What Businesses Need to Know

2019 Statutory Beneficiary Changes Remove Contingencies for Parents and Siblings By Stacia Hofmann Death. Even though it may be an

Risk Mapping: Consider Chance and Consequence

Steer Your Sled By Stacia Hofmann In this blogpost, I cover the concept of risk mapping - a way of

The Coming and Going Rule: A Cornerpoint Case Pop

Employee-Caused Car Accidents and What They Mean for Employers By Stacia Hofmann Cornerpoint Case Pops are dedicated to summarizing relevant, new

Implied Assumption of Risk: A Cornerpoint Case Pop

What Washington Businesses Need to Know About Legal Liability for Injuries in Sports and Recreational Activities By Stacia Hofmann Cornerpoint

Cornerpoint Case Pops: Only Magicians Should Deceive

Only Magicians Should Deceive: The Washington Consumer Protection Act By Stacia Hofmann Cornerpoint Case Pops are dedicated to summarizing relevant, new

Cornerpoint Case Pops: What Businesses Need to Know About Negligent Parental Supervision

No Parental Fault for Negligent Supervision of a Child  - Smelser v. Paul By Stacia Hofmann Cornerpoint Case Pops are dedicated

Let It Snow: Premises Liability for Snow and Ice Accumulation

Let It Snow: Premises Liability for Snow and Ice Accumulation By Stacia Hofmann When the weather outside is frightful, Washington

Cornerpoint Case Pops: Boundary Tree Timber Trespass

Boundary Tree Timber Trespass - Herring v. Pelayo By Stacia Hofmann The Washington State Court of Appeals and Washington Supreme Court

Seller Beware: Conclusion

Navigating the Washington Product Liability Act Part Four: Conclusion by Stacia Hofmann In this concluding post in the blog series

Seller Beware: Rapids in the Product Pipeline

Navigating the Washington Product Liability Act Part Three: Rapids in the Product Pipeline by Stacia Hofmann As discussed in last month's

Seller Beware: The Buck Stops with the Manufacturer

Navigating the Washington Product Liability Act Part Two: The Buck Stops with the Manufacturer by Stacia Hofmann In this second installment

Seller Beware: Overview

Navigating the Washington Product Liability Act Part One: Overview by Stacia Hofmann The law loves to categorize the parties to

Retailer Liability: Self-Service? No Notice? No Problem.

When Customers Access Goods on Their Own, the Risk of Liability Increases by Stacia Hofmann A recent Eastern Washington case

The Company Holiday Party: Mixing Work and Play

Employer Liability for Post-Party Alcohol-Related Auto Accidents by Stacia Hofmann So you've decided to throw a company-sponsored holiday party. After all,

All Fall Down: Business Invitee Slip and Falls

Why Washington Businesses Should Manage the Risk of Premises Liability Claims by Stacia Hofmann Unless you have the grace and

If a Tree Falls in the Evergreen State

What Businesses Need to Know About Timber Trespass by Stacia Hofmann When must a Washington judge triple the amount of a jury verdict

The materials provided on this website and on social media, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+, are for informational purposes only and are not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or current, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Every business’s circumstances are different and no results are guaranteed. Cornerpoint Law does not provide accounting, engineering, or information technology services, but may recommend that your business consult with qualified professionals in those fields. Furthermore, patent law, environmental law, and bankruptcy law are not included in Cornerpoint Law’s practice areas, and Cornerpoint Law refers those legal services to other attorneys.