Washington § 7.96.090 - Offer to correct or clarify.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 7.96.090 — Offer to correct or clarify., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 7.96.090. Offer to correct or clarify.

(1) If a timely correction or clarification is no longer possible, the publisher of an alleged defamatory or otherwise actionable statement may offer, at any time before trial, to make a correction or clarification. The offer must be made in writing to the person allegedly harmed by the publication and:
(a) Contain the publisher's offer to:
(i) Publish, at the person's request, a sufficient correction or clarification; and
(ii) Pay the person's reasonable expenses of litigation, including attorneys' fees, incurred before publication of the correction or clarification; and
(b) Be accompanied by a copy of the proposed correction or clarification and the plan for its publication.
(2) If the person accepts in writing an offer to correct or clarify made pursuant to subsection (1) of this section:
(a) The person is barred from commencing an action against the publisher based on the statement; or
(b) If an action has been commenced, the court shall dismiss the action against the defendant with prejudice after the defendant complies with the terms of the offer.
(3) A person who does not accept an offer made in conformance with subsection (1) of this section may not recover damages for injury to reputation or presumed damages in an action based on the statement; however, the person may recover all other damages permitted by law, together with reasonable expenses of litigation, including attorneys' fees, incurred before the offer, unless the person failed to make a good faith attempt to request a correction or clarification in accordance with RCW 7.96.040 or failed to disclose information in accordance with RCW 7.96.050.
(4) On request of either party, a court shall promptly determine the sufficiency of the offered correction or clarification.
[ 2013 c 294 s 9.]

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 7.96.090

What does Revised Code of Washington § 7.96.090 cover?

Section 7.96.090 ("Offer to correct or clarify.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 7.96.090?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 7.96.090" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 7.96.090 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.