7.68.050 - Right of action for damages -- Election -- Effect of election or recovery -- Lien of state. - Washington Statutes

Right of action for damages — Election — Effect of election or recovery — Lien of state.

(1) No right of action at law for damages incurred as a consequence of a criminal act shall be lost as a consequence of being entitled to benefits under the provisions of this chapter. The victim or his beneficiary may elect to seek damages from the person or persons liable for the claimed injury or death, and such victim or beneficiary is entitled to the full compensation and benefits provided by this chapter regardless of any election or recovery made pursuant to this section.

     (2) For the purposes of this section, the rights, privileges, responsibilities, duties, limitations, and procedures contained in RCW 51.24.050 through 51.24.110 apply.

     (3) If the recovery involved is against the state, the lien of the department includes the interest on the benefits paid by the department to or on behalf of such person under this chapter computed at the rate of eight percent per annum from the date of payment.

     (4) The 1980 amendments to this section apply only to injuries which occur on or after April 1, 1980.

[1998 c 91 § 1; 1980 c 156 § 3; 1977 ex.s. c 302 § 3; 1973 1st ex.s. c 122 § 5.]

Notes: Legislative intent -- "Public or private insurance" -- 1980 c 156: See note following RCW 7.68.020.