Defense of claims against volunteers.
Seattle Mun. Code § 4.64.100
in effect4.64.100 - Defense of claims against volunteers.
To encourage the participation of volunteers in carrying out City projects and activities for the public, the City shall appear and defend a claim or action made against a volunteer personally and pay the claim if judgment is rendered against the volunteer or a settlement is made requiring a payment from the volunteer when all these conditions are met:
A. The department head determines that the claim arises out of the actions or omissions of the volunteer in the scope and course of carrying out an assignment for a City project or activity or out of the actions or omissions of the volunteer in carrying out an assignment under the direction of a City officer for a joint project or activity of the City and another association or corporation;
B. The volunteer has registered in writing with the responsible City department and has been authorized to perform the assignment or such assignments;
C. The volunteer gives the City information about the accident or claim as soon as practicable. This includes the time, place and circumstances of the damage or injury, the persons or property involved, the extent of the injuries or damages, the names of witnesses, and other facts requested by the City Attorney; and
D. The volunteer authorizes the City to defend the claim on his or her behalf and to represent him or her in any litigation that may arise; and the volunteer cooperates fully and assists the City Attorney in its defense. This condition includes forwarding to the City Attorney any and every demand, notice, summons or other process received which may relate to the incident or lawsuit; attending interviews, depositions, hearings and trials; assisting in securing evidence and the attendance of witnesses; filing and enforcing claims against others who may be liable; and obeying instructions of the City Attorney related to the defense of the claim.
The City's defense of a claim made against a volunteer includes claims made against a volunteer and his or her marital community on account of the volunteer's actions or omissions in the scope and course of carrying out a City assignment and it covers claims or lawsuits made against the City and the volunteer jointly.
(Ord. 112997 § 1, 1986.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT4PE_CH4.64DEOFEM_4.64.100DECLAGVOFetched: 11/1/2026