2.95.060 Claims handling procedures.

(1)    Service and Filing. In accordance with state law, claims must be filed with the risk manager utilizing the county supplied tort claim form. Service of any summons and complaint must be with the county auditor.

(a)    All claims may investigate any incidents or conditions, for the purpose of possible litigation and/or preventing future incidents.

(2)    Transmittal. The auditor shall immediately forward copies of all summons and complaints to the prosecuting attorney’s office, the risk management office, and the clerk of the council.

(3)    Service on Office or Employee. Any county official or employee other than the auditor or deputy auditor who is served with a summons and/or complaint in a lawsuit against the county or any officer or employee of the county acting in their official capacity shall immediately deliver such process to the prosecuting attorney, who will transmit a copy to the risk manager.

(4)    Independent Adjuster. The risk manager may use the service of an independent adjuster for the investigation and settlement of claims whenever it is deemed to be in the best interest of the county to do so. The independent adjuster will be licensed in the state of Washington and will carry professional liability coverage in an amount set by the risk manager and approved by the county manager. (Sec. 4 of Ord. 1987-07-27; amended by Sec. 1 of Ord. 2015-07-05; amended by Sec. 5 of Ord. 2025-10-09)