Opinion ID: 2205475
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Takings and Due Process

Text: ¶ 27 Tobin argues that his pain and suffering damages, as the liquidated form of a chose in action, are his private property. Resp't Tobin's Suppl. Br. at 16; Resp't's Answer to Pet. for Review at 12-13 (citing RCW 4.08.080; Woody's Olympia Lumber, Inc. v. Roney, 9 Wash.App. 626, 513 P.2d 849 (1973); In re Marriage of Brown, 100 Wash.2d 729, 675 P.2d 1207 (1984)). He further argues if the statute subjects his private property to the distribution calculation it is a regulatory taking without due process of law in violation of the United States Constitution and Washington State Constitution. Resp't Tobin's Suppl. Br. at 16 (citing CONST. art. I, § 16; U.S. CONST. amend. 14, § I). ¶ 28 Tobin's takings argument is in the alternative. He states that the Department's interpretation of the statute is what renders the statute unconstitutional. Since we hold that the Department lacks authority under the statute to include Tobin's pain and suffering damages in its distribution calculation, and must reimburse Tobin for any funds wrongfully withheld, we need not reach Tobin's takings claim. ¶ 29 Nevertheless, we think one point with regard to the Court of Appeals' discussion of due process is important enough to require clarification. The Court of Appeals held RCW 51.24.060 violates due process because it provides the injured worker with inadequate notice that his recovery from a third party tortfeasor may be subject to department distribution. Even if the Court of Appeals were correct, ambiguity in a statute triggers the need for court interpretation, not a finding that the statute violates substantive due process. E.g., State v. J.P., 149 Wash.2d 444, 450, 69 P.3d 318 (2003).