Yes. You must complete a claim form if you feel King County/Metro is responsible for your loss, injury or damages.

You may obtain a copy of the claim form from this web site at www.kingcounty.gov/property/risk/ or contact Risk Management at 206-263-2250 to have a claim form mailed to you. The claim form must be completed, signed, and then mailed or delivered to the King County Clerk of the Council's Office to be filed and assigned a claim number. It will then be transmitted to the Risk Management Office and assigned to a tort claims investigator.

No. Workers compensation claims are handled by the Human Resource Division. Safety and Claims has its own FAQ to help answer your questions about workers compensation claims.

A tort claims Investigator will generally contact you in writing within two to three business days after the assignment of your claim. This typically occurs within two weeks after a claim is submitted. Your assigned tort claims investigator will identify the claim number and other documentation needed to investigate your claim.

The length of time the investigation takes is dependent upon the type of claim filed. Some claims are fully resolved in several weeks while the investigation of other claims may take a number of months. All claims are investigated through a process which may include the contact of various departments, witnesses, scene investigations, recorded statements, and document review.

You are responsible for all medical care and expenses you incur. If you believe King County is responsible for your injuries you must file a claim, and the circumstances surrounding your injury will be investigated. If a settlement is warranted it may consider your medical bills.

Before a claim is filed and investigated, King County can not authorize reimbursement for a rental vehicle. If you need to rent a vehicle it is your own decision. Please understand that the tort claims investigator must complete an investigation to determine responsibility prior to any authorization of a rental vehicle. You may consider contacting your own automobile insurance for assistance in the meantime. Should you choose to rent a vehicle prior to authorization, you may be responsible for all or part of that expense.

Yes. Estimates or receipts to support your claim may be necessary to establish your loss or damages.

At your discretion, you may want to inquire about coverages provided by your own insurance company.

Most claims are resolved without the necessity of an in person meeting. However, if you want to meet in person with the assigned tort claims investigator please call first to make an appointment. The tort claims investigators are not available for drop-in visits as they are frequently out in the field.

After a claim is approved and we have received the original, properly executed release and W-9 form, it will normally take five to 10 working days for the check request to be processed and the check mailed to you.

The considerations in evaluating a claim include the particular facts of the alleged loss, the applicable law, the nature and extent of damages claimed, whether King County has legal responsibility and the claimant's role in the situation.