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GENERAL CONTRACTORS HAVE EXPANSIVE COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY DUTIES TO PROVIDE A SAFE WORKPLACE

  • Posted by Paul R. Cressman Jr.
  • On December 9, 2019
On November 21, 2019, the Washington Supreme Court handed down its decision in Vargas v. Inland Washington, LLC.[1] At the time of the incident in May 2013, Mr. Vargas, the plaintiff, was helping pour the concrete walls for what would become a parking garage for an apartment building.  He was employed by Hilltop Concrete Construction.  […]

Landlord Duties of Repair and Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment

  • Posted by Lawrence S. Glosser
  • On December 9, 2019
A recent case from Division I Washington Court of Appeals addressed both a landlord’s duties of repair and maintenance and the Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment in commercial leases. Votiv, Inc. v. Bay Vista Owner LLC, No. 78289-4-I, 2019 WL 4419446 (Wash. Ct. App., Sept. 16, 2019). The Plaintiff in that case leased an office space […]

Certificates of Insurance May Confer Coverage

  • Posted by Brett M. Hill
  • On November 5, 2019
Certificates of insurance are a common tool used in the construction industry to provide proof of insurance coverage. The legal effect of certificates of insurance has been a source of debate in Washington. Insurance companies have argued that certificates of insurance are “informational only” and do not alter the terms of the applicable insurance policy. […]

Design-Assist, an Ambiguous Term Causing Conflict in the Construction Industry[1]

  • Posted by John P. Ahlers
  • On October 31, 2019
“Design-Assist” is one of the recent cost-saving trends being touted for construction projects and, in particular, construction projects utilizing alternative procurement methods.  If an internet search for the term, “design-assist” is made, the result will be numerous construction industry articles and white papers lauding “design-assist” as a recent cost-saving trend in construction procurement.  From a […]

Legislative Update: Bid Protest Law Changes to Benefit Contractors

  • Posted by Brett M. Hill
  • On September 4, 2019
By Brett Hill A new statute became effective July 28, 2019 that benefits contractors who have bid protests in Washington. A bid protest is the only way for disappointed bidders to challenge irregularities in the public bidding process on public works projects. Bid protests ensure the integrity of the public bidding system and are the […]

Washington State Enacts Law Restricting Non-Compete Agreements

  • Posted by Ellie Perka
  • On August 26, 2019
Washington State has enacted a new law that means big changes for employers.  The new law, in effect on January 1, 2020, will dramatically limit the enforcement of non-compete agreements in our state and imposes tough penalties on employers found to be in violation.  While the new law does not take effect for many months, […]

Ten Firm Members Recognized as Super Lawyers or Rising Stars

  • Posted by Jonathan Schirmer
  • On June 26, 2019
While we avoid using this blog as a platform for self-promotion, long-time readers will know we make an exception to recognize the Super Lawyers of the firm, each of whom is humbled to receive this peer-rated award. Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice as recognized by their peers. Attorneys […]

Major Change to Residential Landlord Tenant Law

  • Posted by Lawrence S. Glosser
  • On May 17, 2019
Governor Inslee has just signed SB 5600 which results in major changes to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) regarding the eviction process of residential tenants. The changes do not apply to non-residential tenancies which are still governed by RCW 59.12. The new law includes additional protections for tenants and limits the ability of landlords […]