Business litigation can be broadly defined as the legal processes for resolving disputes involving a business, and may include lawsuits, arbitration, mediation, and administrative law proceedings. These business disputes may involve customers, vendors, other businesses, members of the public, insurance companies, or state and federal government agencies.
In Washington State, business litigation encompasses a variety of legal proceedings aimed at resolving disputes related to business activities. This includes traditional lawsuits filed in civil courts, as well as alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation. The disputes may arise between businesses and various parties including customers, suppliers, other businesses, the public, insurers, and government entities. Washington courts handle business litigation according to state statutes, rules of civil procedure, and case law precedents. Additionally, some business disputes may be governed by federal law, especially when they involve federal regulations or interstate matters. Administrative law proceedings, which often involve regulatory agencies at the state or federal level, are also a part of business litigation in Washington. These proceedings can address issues such as compliance with environmental regulations, licensing, taxation, and employment law disputes.