The bill amends RCW 4.24.005 to allow any party responsible for attorney's fees in tort actions to petition the court within 45 days of receiving a final billing to determine the reasonableness of those fees. The court will consider various factors, including the time and labor required, the customary fees in the locality, and the terms of the fee agreement. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for tort actions involving class actions where a common fund is sought, requiring the court to establish the percentage of the fund to be awarded to class counsel as part of the class certification process.

Furthermore, the bill adds new sections to chapter 4.24 RCW, clarifying that a party alleging a violation of a statute that allows for statutory damages has sufficient standing to bring a complaint. It also mandates that when a court awards statutory damages, the amount must be adjusted based on the percent change in the consumer price index from the year of the award to the year prior. This adjustment applies to all final judgments entered after the effective date of the bill, which also applies to all lawsuits pending or filed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 4.24.005