File a Tort Claim

Individuals who have been harmed or who have suffered a loss as a result of negligent actions by a state employee or agency can submit a tort claim to the Office of Risk Management (ORM). ORM is required by law (RCW Chapter 4.92) to receive these claims.  

ORM 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. ORM recognizes its stewardship role in protecting state resources by striving for efficient and timely service to citizens. Approved claims are paid out of the Self-Insurance Liability Program (SILP), which is funded by state agencies.

How to present a standard tort claim

  1. Complete the standard tort claim form - the standard tort claim packet includes the standard tort claim form.
  2. Present the completed form in person or mail it to ORM. ORM acknowledges receipt of a Standard Tort Claim by letter to the Claimant. For claim follow-up or acknowledgement questions, call 360-407-9199.

Office of Risk Management
Department of Enterprise Services
1500 Jefferson Street SE
MS 41466
Olympia, WA 98504-1466

Business hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ORM office is closed on weekends and official state holidays.

Important items to note when completing the form

  • 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).
  • 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.