promissory estoppel doctrine (Washington) · Go Syfert
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promissory estoppel doctrine in Washington

29 Washington opinions name it 2 courts 1962–2025 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Washington courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (5)

CaseFollowedCited
Bulman v. Safeway, Inc.green
wash · 2001 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
1 sentence

2002Note, the basis for Bulman's justifiable reliance element appears to be the standard promissory estoppel analysis as found in Klirike v. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Inc., 94 Wash.2d 255 , 259 n. 2, 616 P.2d 644 (1980). [26] Thompson, 102 Wash.2d at 230-31 , 685 P.2d 1081 . [27] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 532 , 826 P.2d 664 . [28] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 530-31 , 826 P.2d 664 . [29] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 528, 534 , 826 P.2d 664 ; see also Bulman, 144 Wash.2d at 350 , 27 P.3d 1172 .

11
Bulman v. Safeway, Inc.green
wash · 2001 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
1 sentence

2002Note, the basis for Bulman's justifiable reliance element appears to be the standard promissory estoppel analysis as found in Klirike v. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Inc., 94 Wash.2d 255 , 259 n. 2, 616 P.2d 644 (1980). [26] Thompson, 102 Wash.2d at 230-31 , 685 P.2d 1081 . [27] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 532 , 826 P.2d 664 . [28] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 530-31 , 826 P.2d 664 . [29] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 528, 534 , 826 P.2d 664 ; see also Bulman, 144 Wash.2d at 350 , 27 P.3d 1172 .

11
Swanson v. Liquid Air Corporationgreen
wash · 1992 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2002–2002
2 sentences

2002Note, the basis for Bulman's justifiable reliance element appears to be the standard promissory estoppel analysis as found in Klirike v. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Inc., 94 Wash.2d 255 , 259 n. 2, 616 P.2d 644 (1980). [26] Thompson, 102 Wash.2d at 230-31 , 685 P.2d 1081 . [27] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 532 , 826 P.2d 664 . [28] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 530-31 , 826 P.2d 664 . [29] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 528, 534 , 826 P.2d 664 ; see also Bulman, 144 Wash.2d at 350 , 27 P.3d 1172 .

2002Note, the basis for Bulman's justifiable reliance element appears to be the standard promissory estoppel analysis as found in Klirike v. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Inc., 94 Wash.2d 255 , 259 n. 2, 616 P.2d 644 (1980). [26] Thompson, 102 Wash.2d at 230-31 , 685 P.2d 1081 . [27] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 532 , 826 P.2d 664 . [28] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 530-31 , 826 P.2d 664 . [29] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 528, 534 , 826 P.2d 664 ; see also Bulman, 144 Wash.2d at 350 , 27 P.3d 1172 .

11
In Re Tveekrem's Estategreen
wash · 1932 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1989–1989
2 sentences

1989See In re Estate of Tveekrem, 169 Wash. 468 , 14 P.2d 3 (1932). 3 The unsigned notes fulfill no requirements of the statute and prove nothing whatsoever. 4 The doctrine of promissory estoppel, injected into the case sua sponte by the trial judge, is inapplicable.

1989See In re Estate of Tveekrem, 169 Wash. 468 , 14 P.2d 3 (1932). 3 The unsigned notes fulfill no requirements of the statute and prove nothing whatsoever. 4 The doctrine of promissory estoppel, injected into the case sua sponte by the trial judge, is inapplicable.

11
Chrysler Corporation v. Quimbygreen
del · 1958 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1988–1988
2 sentences

1988Chrysler Corp. v. Quimby, 51 Del. 264, 283-84 , 144 A.2d 123, 885 (1958).

1988Chrysler Corp. v. Quimby, 51 Del. 264, 283-84 , 144 A.2d 123, 885 (1958).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Washington. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (25)

CaseCitedYears
Klinke v. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Inc. green
wash · 1980
2 sentences

2005There are five recognized elements of a promissory estoppel claim: “(1) a promise, (2) that promisor should reasonably expect to cause the promisee to change his position, and (3) actually causes the promisee to change his position, (4) justifiably relying on the promise, (5) in such a manner that injustice can be avoided only by enforcement of the promise.” Id.

2005There are five recognized elements of a promissory estoppel claim: "(1) a promise, (2) that promisor should reasonably expect to cause the promisee to change his position, and (3) actually causes the promisee to change his position, (4) justifiably relying on the promise, (5) in such a manner that injustice can be avoided only by enforcement of the promise." Id.

101993–2019
Havens v. C & D PLASTICS, INC. green
wash · 1994
2 sentences

2019Havens v. C & D Plastics, Inc., 124 Wn.2d 158, 173 , 876 P.2d 435 (1994).

2019Havens v. C & D Plastics, Inc., 124 Wn.2d 158, 173 , 876 P.2d 435 (1994).

31997–2019
Henschel v. Oregon Fire & Marine Insurance green
wash · 1892
2 sentences

2006Ed. 2d 365 (1987)). ¶13 The equitable nature of a promissory estoppel claim is illustrated in Henschel v. Oregon Fire & Marine Insurance Co., 4 Wash. 476 , 30 P. 735 , 31 P. 332 (1892).

2006Ed. 2d 365 (1987)). ¶13 The equitable nature of a promissory estoppel claim is illustrated in Henschel v. Oregon Fire & Marine Insurance Co., 4 Wash. 476 , 30 P. 735 , 31 P. 332 (1892).

22006–2006
Thompson v. St. Regis Paper Company green
wash · 1984
2 sentences

2002Note, the basis for Bulman's justifiable reliance element appears to be the standard promissory estoppel analysis as found in Klirike v. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Inc., 94 Wash.2d 255 , 259 n. 2, 616 P.2d 644 (1980). [26] Thompson, 102 Wash.2d at 230-31 , 685 P.2d 1081 . [27] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 532 , 826 P.2d 664 . [28] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 530-31 , 826 P.2d 664 . [29] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 528, 534 , 826 P.2d 664 ; see also Bulman, 144 Wash.2d at 350 , 27 P.3d 1172 .

2002Note, the basis for Bulman's justifiable reliance element appears to be the standard promissory estoppel analysis as found in Klirike v. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken, Inc., 94 Wash.2d 255 , 259 n. 2, 616 P.2d 644 (1980). [26] Thompson, 102 Wash.2d at 230-31 , 685 P.2d 1081 . [27] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 532 , 826 P.2d 664 . [28] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 530-31 , 826 P.2d 664 . [29] Swanson, 118 Wash.2d at 528, 534 , 826 P.2d 664 ; see also Bulman, 144 Wash.2d at 350 , 27 P.3d 1172 .

22002–2002
Drennan v. Star Paving Co. green
cal · 1958
2 sentences

1986Drennan v. Star Paving Co., 51 Cal. 2d 409 , 333 P.2d 757 (1958).

1986Drennan v. Star Paving Co., 51 Cal. 2d 409 , 333 P.2d 757 (1958).

21978–1986
Tradewell Group, Inc. v. Mavis green
washctapp · 1993
1 sentence

2025Id.

12025–2025
Stewart v. Cendant Mobility Services Corp. green
conn · 2003
2 sentences

2025Corp., 267 Conn. 96, 105 , 837 A.2d 736 (2003) (alterations in original) (quoting 3 A. Corbin, Contracts § 8.9, p. 29 (Rev.

2025Corp., 267 Conn. 96, 105 , 837 A.2d 736 (2003) (alterations in original) (quoting 3 A. Corbin, Contracts § 8.9, p. 29 (Rev.

12025–2025
Spectrum Glass Co. v. Public Utility District No. 1 green
washctapp · 2005
1 sentence

2021Similarly, “the doctrine of promissory estoppel does not apply where a contract governs.” Spectrum Glass Co., 129 Wn.

12021–2021
Hathaway v. Yakima Water, Light & Power Co. green
wash · 1896
1 sentence

2019Because the undisputed facts show that Hoy obtained a revocable license, he may not invoke the promissory estoppel doctrine. ~ Hathaway, 14 Wn. at 472 ; Showalter, 118 Wn.

12019–2019
Showalter v. City of Cheney green
washctapp · 2003
1 sentence

2019Because the undisputed facts show that Hoy obtained a revocable license, he may not invoke the promissory estoppel doctrine. ~ Hathaway, 14 Wn. at 472 ; Showalter, 118 Wn.

12019–2019
Belli v. Shaw green
wash · 1983
1 sentence

2017We assume for purposes of this decision that Karstetter was an employee of the Guild. 13 Barr, 124 Wn.2d at 328 ; Belli, 98 Wn.2d at 577 ; Kimball, 64 Wn.2d at 257 . -8- No. 75671-1-1 / 9 Karstetter relies on Corey v. Pierce County." There, a Pierce County deputy prosecutor made a promissory estoppel claim based on a representation that her employment contract contained a "just cause" provision.15 But our Corey decision does not help Karstetter because we were not asked to consider and did not decide whether the alleged contract violated public policy.16 Karstetter also relies on Chism v. Tri-

12017–2017
Barr v. Day green
wash · 1994
1 sentence

2017We assume for purposes of this decision that Karstetter was an employee of the Guild. 13 Barr, 124 Wn.2d at 328 ; Belli, 98 Wn.2d at 577 ; Kimball, 64 Wn.2d at 257 . -8- No. 75671-1-1 / 9 Karstetter relies on Corey v. Pierce County." There, a Pierce County deputy prosecutor made a promissory estoppel claim based on a representation that her employment contract contained a "just cause" provision.15 But our Corey decision does not help Karstetter because we were not asked to consider and did not decide whether the alleged contract violated public policy.16 Karstetter also relies on Chism v. Tri-

12017–2017
Kimball v. Public Utility District No. 1 green
wash · 1964
1 sentence

2017We assume for purposes of this decision that Karstetter was an employee of the Guild. 13 Barr, 124 Wn.2d at 328 ; Belli, 98 Wn.2d at 577 ; Kimball, 64 Wn.2d at 257 . -8- No. 75671-1-1 / 9 Karstetter relies on Corey v. Pierce County." There, a Pierce County deputy prosecutor made a promissory estoppel claim based on a representation that her employment contract contained a "just cause" provision.15 But our Corey decision does not help Karstetter because we were not asked to consider and did not decide whether the alleged contract violated public policy.16 Karstetter also relies on Chism v. Tri-

12017–2017
Ash v. Department of Labor & Industries neutral
washctapp · 2013
1 sentence

2015App. 559, 566-67 , 294 P.3d 834 (2013). -18- NO. 71114-8-1/19 But a party seeking damages based on an estoppel claim must assert a promissory estoppel claim, not a claim for equitable estoppel.40 While at least one Washington case recasts a claim for equitable estoppel as one for promissory estoppel,41 we decline to do so here.

12015–2015
Sofie v. Fibreboard Corp. green
wash · 1989
1 sentence

2006Sofie v. Fibreboard Corp., 112 Wash.2d 636, 649 , 771 P.2d 711 (1989) (citing Tull v. United States, 481 U.S. 412 , 107 S.Ct. 1831 , 95 L.Ed.2d 365 , (1987)). ¶ 13 The equitable nature of a promissory estoppel claim is illustrated in Henschel v. *982 Oregon Fire & Marine Ins.

12006–2006
Tull v. United States green
scotus · 1987
2 sentences

2006Sofie v. Fibreboard Corp., 112 Wash.2d 636, 649 , 771 P.2d 711 (1989) (citing Tull v. United States, 481 U.S. 412 , 107 S.Ct. 1831 , 95 L.Ed.2d 365 , (1987)). ¶ 13 The equitable nature of a promissory estoppel claim is illustrated in Henschel v. *982 Oregon Fire & Marine Ins.

2006Sofie v. Fibreboard Corp., 112 Wash.2d 636, 649 , 771 P.2d 711 (1989) (citing Tull v. United States, 481 U.S. 412 , 107 S.Ct. 1831 , 95 L.Ed.2d 365 , (1987)). ¶ 13 The equitable nature of a promissory estoppel claim is illustrated in Henschel v. *982 Oregon Fire & Marine Ins.

12006–2006
Shaw v. Housing Authority green
washctapp · 1994
1 sentence

1998App. 755, 760-61 , 880 P.2d 1006 (1994) (likening the cause of action based upon promises of specific treatment in specific situations to the equitable doctrine of promissory estoppel).

11998–1998
McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green green
scotus · 1973
2 sentences

1990Green and Shields, JJ., concur. 1 In opposing summary judgment, this latter cause of action gave way to a promissory estoppel claim. 2 RCW 49.60.180 provides: "It is an unfair practice for any employer: "(2) To discharge or har any person from employment because of age, sex, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin . . .”. 3 These elements are an adaptation of the elements set out in McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 36 L.

1990Green and Shields, JJ., concur. 1 In opposing summary judgment, this latter cause of action gave way to a promissory estoppel claim. 2 RCW 49.60.180 provides: "It is an unfair practice for any employer: "(2) To discharge or har any person from employment because of age, sex, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin . . .”. 3 These elements are an adaptation of the elements set out in McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 , 36 L.

11990–1990
Chrysler Corp. v. Quimby green
del · 1958
2 sentences

1988Chrysler Corp. v. Quimby, 51 Del. 264, 283-84 , 144 A.2d 123, 885 (1958).

1988Chrysler Corp. v. Quimby, 51 Del. 264, 283-84 , 144 A.2d 123, 885 (1958).

11988–1988
Corbit v. J. I. Case Co. green
wash · 1967
2 sentences

1979Case Co., 70 Wn.2d 522, 538-39 , 424 P.2d 290 (1967); Gorge Lumber Co. v. *609 Brazier Lumber Co., 6 Wn.

1979Case Co., 70 Wn.2d 522, 538-39 , 424 P.2d 290 (1967); Gorge Lumber Co. v. *609 Brazier Lumber Co., 6 Wn.

11979–1979
Gorge Lumber Co. v. Brazier Lumber Co. green
washctapp · 1972
1 sentence

1979Case Co., 70 Wn.2d 522, 538-39 , 424 P.2d 290 (1967); Gorge Lumber Co. v. *609 Brazier Lumber Co., 6 Wn.

11979–1979
Hellbaum v. Burwell & Morford green
washctapp · 1969
1 sentence

1972As noted in a footnote by the court in Hellbaum v. Burwell & Morford, 1 Wn.

11972–1972
East Providence Credit Union v. Geremia green
ri · 1968
1 sentence

1969Graddon v. Knight, supra; East Providence Credit Union v. Geremia, supra; Henderson, Promissory Estoppel and Traditional Contract Doctrine, 78 Yale L.J. 343 (1969). 2 The doctrine of promissory estoppel based on Restatement of Contracts § 90 (1932) has long been recognized in this state. *701 Central Heat Inc. v. Daily Olympian Inc., 74 Wn.2d 126 , 443 P.2d 544 (1968); Corbit v. J.

11969–1969
Central Heat, Inc. v. Daily Olympian, Inc. green
wash · 1968
2 sentences

1969Graddon v. Knight, supra; East Providence Credit Union v. Geremia, supra; Henderson, Promissory Estoppel and Traditional Contract Doctrine, 78 Yale L.J. 343 (1969). 2 The doctrine of promissory estoppel based on Restatement of Contracts § 90 (1932) has long been recognized in this state. *701 Central Heat Inc. v. Daily Olympian Inc., 74 Wn.2d 126 , 443 P.2d 544 (1968); Corbit v. J.

1969Graddon v. Knight, supra; East Providence Credit Union v. Geremia, supra; Henderson, Promissory Estoppel and Traditional Contract Doctrine, 78 Yale L.J. 343 (1969). 2 The doctrine of promissory estoppel based on Restatement of Contracts § 90 (1932) has long been recognized in this state. *701 Central Heat Inc. v. Daily Olympian Inc., 74 Wn.2d 126 , 443 P.2d 544 (1968); Corbit v. J.

11969–1969
Hill v. Corbett neutral
wash · 1949
1 sentence

1962In Hill v. Corbett, 33 Wn. (2d) 219, 204 P. (2d) 845 (1949), the essential elements of promissory estoppel are set out as follows: “ . . . (1) a promise which (2) the promisor should reasonably expect to cause the promisee to change his position and (3) which does cause the promisee to change his position (4) justifiably relying upon the promise, in such a manner that (5) injustice can be avoided only by enforcement of the promise.” Appellants designate the fourth element as the “crucial issue”: Did the evidence establish that S. A. Weitman was justified in relying upon the promises of Owen?

11962–1962

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 19.36.010 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 49.48.030 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 4.84.330 (3) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 49.60.180 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

OH 168 (1984–2026) CA 142 (1958–2026) TX 128 (1965–2025) NY 61 (1935–2026) IN 53 (1979–2025) IL 48 (1963–2026) MI 46 (1968–2025) CT 43 (1991–2021) PA 43 (1940–2026) WY 32 (1978–2024) GA 32 (1991–2025) DE 30 (1954–2025) FL 30 (1965–2019) WA 29 (1962–2025) CO 27 (1975–2025) MN 26 (1925–2026) NJ 22 (1956–2026) MO 22 (1984–2025) UT 21 (1953–2025) VT 19 (1986–2026) MA 18 (1994–2024) ME 16 (1953–2023) WI 16 (1965–2022) TN 15 (1994–2018) AZ 14 (1969–2024) IA 12 (1979–2024) NE 12 (1989–2019) RI 11 (1978–2021) AK 10 (1981–2017) ND 9 (1973–2013) KS 9 (1977–2026) SD 9 (1966–2020) DC 8 (1968–1995) ID 8 (1964–2023) SC 8 (2004–2025) KY 7 (1990–2026) OR 7 (1956–2013) AR 7 (1980–2025) OK 6 (1978–2021) HI 6 (1948–2025) MT 5 (1980–2024) MD 5 (1994–2017) VA 5 (1985–1997) AL 5 (1975–2009) WV 5 (2002–2022) MS 4 (1940–2006) NC 3 (1987–2015) NV 2 (1989–2021) NM 2 (1986–1999)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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