Wash. R. Ct. Lim. Juri. CRLJ 63
As amended throough October 10, 2024
If by reason of death, sickness or other disability, a judge before whom an action has been tried is unable to perform the duties to be performed by the court under these rules after a verdict is returned or findings of fact and conclusions of law are entered, then any other judge regularly sitting in or assigned to the court in which the action was tried may perform those duties; but if such other judge is satisfied that he or she cannot perform those duties because the judge did not preside at the trial or for any other reason, the judge may in the exercise of discretion grant a new trial.
Wash. R. Ct. Lim. Juri. CRLJ 63