Our Practice
Insurance Defense | Construction Defect | Water Damage | Coverage Issues | Product Liability | Professional Liability
Auto Accident Defense | Extra-Contractual Claims | Arson Claims | Subrogation
Wathen, Leid, Hall & Rider, PC handles cases in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Hawaii. Our firm represents clients in the Superior Courts, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court of Washington, the courts of other Northwest states, the Federal Courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
First & Third Party Insurance Defense Litigation
Our firm has been representing insurance companies since 1908. These clients range from large insurers to regional carriers and self-insured entities. We also represent underwriters and adjusting firms. We are routinely retained as liability defense counsel in various third party cases, including construction, professional liability, product liability, and automobile accidents. The firm provides opinions and evaluations in insurance coverage matters, often resulting in the avoidance of litigation.
Construction Defect
Our firm works extensively in the litigation of construction claims. We work closely with our clients to resolve construction defects, on-site workman injury or death, financial loss, contractual interpretations, and property damage. The firm's clients include project owners, architects, engineering firms, construction managers, subcontractors, and general contractors. In addition to our work in the litigation of these matters, we also provide counsel and advice on risk reduction and interpretation of local statutes to help prevent compliance issues or potential litigation.
Water Intrusion, Collapse, Toxic Mold
Our firm is experienced in complex issues involving water intrusion and the resultant damage that can lead to possible collapse or permanent damage to personal or commercial structures. The firm also has expertise in the related hazards involved with the growth of the toxic Stachybotrys mold, which can accompany water intrusion problems. Our knowledge of the construction industry and insurance coverage allows us an overview that interweaves multiple disciplines and overlapping areas of litigation.
Personal & Commercial Lines Coverage Issues
Our firm represents clients across a wide range of commercial and personal coverage. We have expertise in coverage for large shopping centers, commercial retail malls, small businesses, condominium associations, homeowner associations, and apartment buildings. We understand and can defend against the issues of premises liability, trip-and-fall claims, battery, assault, and false imprisonment.
Product Liability
Our firm has extensive knowledge of product liability claims and litigation. These claims can arise from consumer products, construction materials, medical devices, industrial processes, pharmaceuticals, and environmental contaminants. The firm's expertise in multiple disciplines provides us with a level of understanding of technical issues, allowing us to move efficiently and quickly to anticipate challenges and successfully serve our clients.
Professional Liability
Our firm can review, advise, and monitor changes in local, state, and federal laws and litigate and defend in professional liability cases. In addition to helping companies and individuals to stay current and avoid issues of liability, we also litigate and defend them against charges and complaints brought by governmental entities, private individuals, professional associations, and disciplinary agencies. The firm represents a wide range of professions, including those in the technical, service, and financial industries.
Automobile Accident Defense
Our firm defends our clients against claims originating from automobile accidents. These include private motorists, company fleets, commercial trucking, and property loss resulting from vehicular incidents. Claims for injuries can involve complex medical treatment issues, damage extent and potential for recovery, responsibility, and liability. The firm regularly represents individuals, businesses, insurers, and healthcare providers in handling these matters.
Extra-contractual Claims
Our firm has extensive experience regarding the defense of extra-contractual claims. We have successfully represented numerous insurance companies defending claims of bad faith and violations of the Consumer Protection Act. We have also successfully represented numerous insurance companies regarding the new claims being filed under the Insurance Fair Conduct Act. We continue to provide advice to our clients regarding compliance with the new Insurance Fair Conduct Act.
Arson Claims
Our firm has handled litigation where arson claims have been made. We have represented individuals and commercial interests in matters where homes or businesses have suffered fires of suspicious natures. The firm has worked with investigators, fire and police officials, insurers and property owners, in the review and discovery of information on fires suspected of being arson. Where property damage, criminal charges, injury or loss of life have resulted from these man-made events, we assist our clients in reaching a resolution to these difficult issues.
Subrogation
Our firm represents insurance firms and litigates on their behalf when subrogation rights run into difficulties. We provide solutions for our clients in complex matters of insurance law within the jurisdictions that we serve. The firm offers advice and service in reaching remedies for insureds, insurers, and parties responsible for damages in disputed insurance matters. When lawsuits are required, we help our clients understand their available options and initiate litigation when other remedies are exhausted.