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promissory estoppel

Promissory estoppel is an equitable theory of recovery that permits enforcement of a promise when one or more elements necessary to create an enforceable contract are missing.

The elements of promissory estoppel are generally: (1) a promise; (2) foreseeability of reliance by the promisor; (3) substantial and reasonable reliance by the promisee to its detriment; and (4) enforcing the promise is necessary to avoid injustice.

In Washington State, promissory estoppel serves as a legal remedy that allows a court to enforce a promise even when a formal contract does not exist or when certain elements of a contract are missing. The doctrine is based on principles of equity and fairness, aiming to prevent injustice that would result from the promisor's failure to fulfill a promise that the promisee reasonably and detrimentally relied upon. The elements required to establish promissory estoppel in Washington include: (1) a clear and definite promise, (2) the promisor should reasonably expect the promise to induce action or forbearance on the part of the promisee, (3) the promisee actually relies on the promise to their detriment, and (4) the promise must be enforced to prevent an injustice. If these elements are met, Washington courts may compel the promisor to fulfill their promise or provide compensation for the promisee's reliance damages.

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Contracts

promissory estoppel

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Contracts

promissory estoppel

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