Tort Claims

Instructions  for completing a Standard Tort Claim form

Before presenting a Standard Tort Claim form, please read these instructions, the Standard Tort Claim form, and other appropriate forms in their entirety.

• Type or print clearly in ink and sign the Standard Tort Claim form.
• Provide all requested information and any available documents or evidence supporting your claim, such as medical records or bills for personal injuries, photographs, proof of ownership for property damages, receipts for property value, etc.

• If the requested information cannot be supplied in the space provided, please use additional blank sheets so your Standard Tort Claim form can be easily read and understood.

The following are examples on how to complete the Standard Tort Claim Form:
Click here, to download the Standard Tort Claim Form

1. Smith, Karen Michelle
2. 1234 College Way NW, Apt. 56, Vancouver, WA  98665
3. PO Box 910, Vancouver, WA  98665
4. Same (or residence at the time of incident)
5. 360-123-4567
6.  kms@aol.com
7. 8:00 a.m., August 9, 2008
8. If the incident that caused the damages occurred over a period of time, please provide the beginning time and the ending time in item 7
9. Washington, Clark, Vancouver, Campus of Clark College, Building number 22
10. I-5, Southbound, Milepost 4, near the 39th Street Exit
11. Smith, Thomas Arthur, 1234 College Way NW, Apt. 56, Seattle,  WA 98178, (360) 456-3456; Tow Truck Driver, Nisqually Towing
12. Unknown
13. List all other witnesses having knowledge of the incident in question, with their names, addresses, and telephone numbers that are not listed within items 11 and 12.  Also include a description of their knowledge.  For example, if your sister was with you, when the alleged incident occurred, please include her name, address, telephone number, and indicate she witnessed the incident.
14. Please provide all of your medical providers with their names, address, telephone numbers, and the type of treatment.  If you were treated for a personal injury, please include your medical records and bills.
15. Please describe the incident that resulted in the injury or damages, specifically answering the questions who, what, where, when and why.
16. If you reported this incident to law enforcement, safety, or security personnel, please provide a copy of the report or contact information to the person you spoke with.
17. Please provide the dollar amount for your damages, including your time loss, medical costs, property damage loss, etc.  This amount should represent your opinion of total compensation.

• If you are presenting a personal injury claim, please sign and attach the Medical Release form.
• If your claim involves a motor vehicle accident, please complete, sign, and attach the Vehicle Collision Form.

Tort Claim Notice Instructions

Presenting Standard Tort Claims to the State of Washington
Chapter 4.96 RCW requires the Port of Vancouver (POV) to receive and process citizen's standard tort claims against POV. POV objectively determines the state's liability for claimed injuries. It fairly compensates claimants for damages when liability is supported, and denies claims when liability is unsupported. POV recognizes its stewardship role in protecting port district resources by striving for efficient and timely service to citizens.

Presenting a Standard Tort Claim to Port of Vancouver
Completing the Standard Tort Claim form:
The Standard Tort Claim Packet includes the Standard Tort Claim form which must be presented to Port of Vancouver.  You can present it in person at the Port of Vancouver office or mail it to Port of Vancouver.  The Port of Vancouver acknowledges receipt of a Standard Tort Claim by letter to the Claimant.  For claim follow-up or acknowledgement questions, call 360-693-3611.

Important

• State law requires an original signature on the Standard Tort Claim form.  This means Standard Tort Claim forms cannot be submitted electronically (fax or e-mail).  See presenting information below.
• The Standard Tort Claim form must be signed by the Claimant; or by a person holding a written power of attorney from the Claimant; or by the attorney in fact for the Claimant; or by an attorney admitted to practice in Washington State on the Claimant's behalf; or by a court-approved guardian ad litem on behalf of the Claimant.
• The length of the Standard Tort Claim investigation varies greatly depending on the complexity of the issues and the availability of documents and witnesses to support causation and damages.  A Standard Tort Claim can be resolved and closed quicker when all relevant information and documents are provided initially for the investigator's consideration.

Present in person or by mail the Standard Tort Claim Form and supporting documents to:
Port of Vancouver
Attn:  Margaret A. Smith, CPA
Port Auditor
phone: 360-693-3611
Address" 3103 Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA  98660
Business hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m.-5p.m.
The port office is closed on weekends and official state holidays.