Multiple defendants - one didn't answer

[mizlyn]

What is the name of your state? Washington

In a multiple defendant civil lawsuit, if one of the defendants does not answer the complaint can the plaintiff seek a default judgement against that defendant and continue to trial against the other?

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally posted by mizlyn
What is the name of your state? Washington

In a multiple defendant civil lawsuit, if one of the defendants does not answer the complaint can the plaintiff seek a default judgement against that defendant and continue to trial against the other?

My response:

Yes.

IAAL

[AmosMoses]

Can you be a little more specific?

[JETX]

"Can you be a little more specific?"
*** Really pretty simple....
If a plaintiff names multiple defendants and one (or more) of those defendants do not respond to the lawsuit, the plaintiff can request a default judgment be rendered against the non-answering defendant(s). The plaintiff(s) can then proceed with their claims against the remaining (answering) defendants.

[AmosMoses]

I apologize. I was just joking with IAAL due to his VERY specific, and proper answer of "Yes". Sorry about that! It was my moronic attempt at a little humor.

[JETX]

I do have to admit, I was beginning to wonder about why you asked what appeared to be an obvious question.


But, heck, we are here to serve the multitude of 'wondering' folks out there!!

[AmosMoses]

It loses some of his value as humor with me asking it, because I am guilty of really asking some very stupid questions! Especially when it wasn't that funny, anyway!