Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 33

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 1 of 33

EXHIBIT 1

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 2 of 33

F I LE D
CLA-LLAM COUNTY

IIEGEWED

jAN 12 Z015

FEB 2 7 2015

1NSURANCE
CpMM1SStONER

BARBARA CHF36ST'ENSEN CLER4C

a
S
G
IN TI-iE SUPERIOR COURT OF TI;IE STATE OF WASHINGTON
7
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY Or CLALLAM
8
9
10

'1'HE PORT OF POR7' ANGrLES,


a Washington municipal corporation,

I1
Plaintiff,
12
V.
13

14

F;

E'

CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS AT LLOYD'S,


LONDON AND CERTA.IN LONDON
15
MARICET' COMPANIES, BRI'I'ISH LAW
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.,
16
COMMERCIAL IJNION ASSURANCE
COMPANY P,L.C., CONTINENTAL
17' ASSURANC,k: OF I.,ONDON, LTD.,
EDINBURGI-i ASSURANCE COMPANY,
18
L.TD., EDINBURGI-i ASSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD. NO, 2, EDINBURGH
19
ASSURANCE COMPANY, L'1'I). N0. 3,
EXCESS INSURANCE COMPANY, L'1'D.,
20 INDEMNITY MARINE INSURANCL
COMPANY, LTD. "T"A/C, INSURANCE
21
COMPANY OF NORTH AMERICA, LA
RCUNION FRANCAISE S.A.
22 D'ASSURANCES ET DES
ItEASSURANCES, LA REUNION
23
FRA.NCAISE S.A. D'ASSURANCES ET
DES REASSUR-ANCES "PL" A/C,
24

PORT OF PORrI' ANGELES'


COMPLAIN`i' FOR DAMAGES AND
DECLARATORY JUDGMEN'1'

25

TE-IE;NADi.f:[t LAW GROUPi>i,i,c


PACIfIC EiUIL.11ING

POR'.C'S COMPLAINT - I

720 Third Avcuuc, Suitc 1400


SLA"I`CLL:, WASHING'I'ON 48104
206621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 3 of 33

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

LII3ER'I'Y MUTUAL INSURANCE


COMPANY, NORTHERN ASSURANCE
COMPANY LTD., NORTI-IERN MARITIML
INSURANCE COMPA.NY, LTD., OCLAN
MARINL' INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.,
0C1;AN MARINE INSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD. T A/C, ONEBEACON
INSURANCE COMPANY, PHOENIX
ASSURANCI: PUI3I.IC COMPANY LTD.,
PROVINCIAI., INSURANCE COMPANY,
LTD., 'I'HRI:ADNErDLE INSURANCE
COMPANY, THE TRAVELERS
INDEMNITY COMPANY

8
The Port of Port Angeles (the "Port"), by and tlirougli its attorneys, by way of

9
10

complaint alleges as follows:

INTRODUCTION

ll
1.

12
13

This is an action for (a) contract damages based on the defense and

indeninifieation provisions of the liability insurance policies sold by the defendants and/or

14, their predecessors in interest to the Port, sucll damages consisting of property damage
15

including environ>nental response costs irleurred by the Port in respond'zng to alleged

16

enviroiimental contamination at the MTA Sitc, K Ply Site, and West Hatbor Site

17

(collectively "sites") and other related activities; (b) a declaratory judgment adjudicating

18

the iespective rights, duties, and obligations of the parties under the liability insuranee

19

policies sold by the defendants or their predecessors to tlte Port; and (c) costs and

20

attorneys` fces incurred by

21

of law.

24

Port in bringing this action pursuant to additional provisions

TIIE PARTIES

22
23

tlYe

2.

The Port is a Washington municipal corporation in good standing with its

principal placc of busincss in 1'ort Angeles, Washington. The Port is the owner of

25 i

T'1-!C NADLL'R LAW GROUP ri-i,c


PACII7IC LiIJIL.UING
920 Ttkird Avenue, Suite 1400

STsATTLIi, WASI-IINGTON 98104

POR'I''S CQZvIPLAINT - 2

206-621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 4 of 33

substantial rcal property including property fronting on the Port AtigeIcs Harbor in

Clallam Cotlnty, Waslaington,

3.

Thc defcndants ai-e insuiance carriers, whicll at all times relevant to this

action were engagcd in the business of selling primaly, umbrella an.d/or excess liability

insurance polices.

4.

In consideration of substantial premiums paid by the Port, the defendants or

their predecessors issued prinlaly, umbrella and/or excess liability insurance policies to

the Port. Ccrtain Underwriters at Lloyd's, Lonclon and Ccrtain London Market Insurers

("LMI") issued primaly, umbrella and/or excess liability policies to the Port from 1966

10

througla 1988. General Accident Fire & Life Assurance issued primary, umbrella and/or

11

excess liability policies to the Port from May 16, 1961 to 1969. Travelers Indemnity

12

Colnpany ("'f'ravelers") issued prinlazy, umbrclla and/or excess liability policies to the

13

Port from 1969 to 1972. General Insurance Company of Anierica issued priinary,

14 . wnbrella and/or exeess liability policies to the Port fiom Januaiy 7, 1979 to 1982.
15

5.

On iliformation aiid belief, Liberty Muttlal Insurarlce Coinpany ("Liberty

16

Mutual") is the successor in interest to General Insui-arlce Company of Anierica. On

17

information and belief, Onel3eacon insurance company ("4nel3eacon") is the successor in

18

interest to General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation.

19

6.

rxhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated by reference, sets forth the

20

nacnes of the defendants presently known to the Port and, to the extent the Port has

21

1<nowledge, their states or countrles of lIlco2poration, and principal places of busincss.

22

Upon iliformation and belief, iione of the defendants are residents of or are dorrlicilcd

23

within the state of Washington, but all have ti-ansacted business within the state. There may

24

be otlier applicable policies which have been isstued by the defendants or their

25

'i'1IG NAllLER LAW GI2UUP ri,t,c


PACI[=1C BUILDING

PORT'S COMPLAINT - 3

720 Third Avcnuc, Suite 1400


SHATTLG, WASI-IINo'rON 98104
206-621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 5 of 33

predecessors to the Port fiom time to time, which are presently unlcnown to fihe 1'ort,
2

Exhibit A may be amended as additional applicable policies are discovered and as the

currently known states or countries of incorporation and the principal places of business

are determined.
,IURISDICTION AND VENUE

5
6

7.

'1 his Court lias suhject matter jurisdiction over this declaratoiy judgment

action under RC W 7.24.010, et seq. because a real and ,justiciable controversy exists.

FuIther, this Court has.personal jurisdiction because the defendants or their predecessors

each sold insurance to the Port in Washington.

10

8.

Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to RCW 48.05.220 because a

11

substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims brought in this action

12

occurrcd in Clailam County, which is also the situs of the dainaged property that has giveli

13

rise to tlie liability alleged herein.


T)EIE POLICIES

14!
15,

9.

From at least 1966, defcndants or their predccessors sold to the Port celtain

16

prinlary, umbrella and/or excess liability insurance policies, including those policies set

17.

forth in I;xhibit T3, and possibly otliers ("Policies). I;xhibit B, attached hereto and

18

incorporated herein by rcference, sets fortll the applicable policy nuxnbers and periods of

19

coverage foi- each defendant.

20
21

10.

with all applicable conditions of cacli of the Policies.

THE ENVII20NMENTAL LIABILITIES

22
23
24

'I'he Port paid all premiums due and owing under the Policies and complied

11.

Certain environmental liabilities have been asserted against the Port (the

"Environmental Liabilities") by the federal and/or statc governments and\or other parties

25
TI-il:?NnDL1;R LAW GROUI'hl1c

PORT'S COMPLAINT - 4

t'AC:II'ic 13U11.,DING
720 "fhircl Avenite, Suite 1400
SI=A7'11.13, WASI-IING"1'ON 98104
206-621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 6 of 33

(collectively, the "Environtnental Claimants"). These parties assert that the Port is liable

for the invcstigation and remediation of property damage resulting froin environmental

contamination at the sites referred to by the Port as Marine Trades Area Site ("MTA

Site"), tlie K Ply Site, and the Western Harbor Sedimcnts Site, located in Port Angelcs,

Washington.

12.

Thc Environmental Claimants allege property damage caused by among

othel tliings, chemicals, minerals, waste, by-products and/or other substances (eollectively

"I-Iazardous Substances") allegedly produced, generated, deposited or disposed on property

owned or operated by the Port. The Environmental Claimants allege that the I-Iazardous

10

Substances have damaged or threatcn to damage the groundwater, sediments, surface

11'

waters, and/or natural resources, and that the actual or potential contaminatioti resulting

12

fiona the prescnce of and migration of Hazardous Substances at or near thc sites may

13'

plesent an ilnlninent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare.

14

13.

The Cnvironmental Claimants souglit and still seek to require the Port to

15

investigate, monitor, survey, test and gather information to identify and evaluate the

16

existence of property damage including daniage to the environment and danger to the

17

public hcaltli or welfare, and to remediate eiivironinental contaniination and property

18

damage whicli was uncovered.

19

14,

'I'lie I;nvironmental Liabilities and the sums expended to date by the Port in

20

contlectlon Wlth the Erivlronmental Liabilities fall within the coverage of the Policies

21

wliich the defendants or their predcccssors sold to the Port.

22

15.

The dcfendants brcached obligations that they undertook in the Policies by

23

failing to comply with Washington regulations regarding such matters, and by failing to

24

fillfill their duties to timely investigate the Port's claims, determine coverage and

25

TE-IL'NADLE,R LAW C;RCIUPrt.i.c


PACIPIC t3UtLDiNG

PORT'S COMPLAINT - 5

720 Tliird Avenuc, suitc 1400


sLn'1`I'LC, WAs1lING'rON 98104
206-621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 7 of 33

indemnify t.he Port for ccllain expenses it lias incurred as a result of the Environmental

2 II Liabilities.

DrFENDANTS' LIABILITY FOR EXPENSES OF SUIT

3
4

16.

In aecordancc with the poliey terms and conditions, the Port notified the

defendants and/or their predecessors of claims with respect to certain insurance policics.
17.

In responsc to the Port's claim for its environtnental liabilities at the MTA

site, 'Travelers denied coverage. The MTA site was later divided into two sites, the MTA

site and the K Ply site. Travelers has not Lnade a coverage determination with respect to

the K Ply site. The retnaining defendants accepted the Port's tender of the defense of its

10

environmental liabilities at the MTA site and the K Ply site under reservations of rights,

11

incli+ding thc rights to deny coverage and to seel< reimbursement of payments made to or

12

on the POrt's behalf. Despite being provided notice of the Port's claims more thaii twenty

13

years ago, these defendants have failed to make coverage deternlinations regarding their

14

indemnity obligations with respect to the MTA and K Ply sites. In response to the Port's

15

elairn fol its environmental liabilities at the Wcstern Harbor site, all of the defendants

16

accepted the Port's tender of defense under reservations of rights, including the riglits to

17

dcny coverage and to seek reinibursement of payments made to or on tiie Port's behalf

18

llespite being provided notice of the Port's claims inore t11an three years ago, all of the

19

defendants have failed to nlake coverage determinations regarding their indemnity

20

obligations with respect to the Western 1-larbor site. All of the defendants have breached

21

their enhanced duty of good faith to their insured by failing to promptly conduct an

22

adequate and reasonable investigatioli, by failing to niake a coverage determination, and by

23

giving greater consideration to their own interests than those of their insured

24

18.

The Port was foreed to bring this lawsuit to obtairl the benefits o its

25

POR"I''S COMPLAINT - 6

Tl IE NADL,GR LAW GROUPri,i.c


PACIFIC IIUILDINC3
720 9'Itird Avenue, Suile 1400
SL:nT'i1.E, WASH1NG'rON 98104
206-6211433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 8 of 33

insurance policies issued by the dcfendants because the defendants breached their

obligations to investigate, defend, and/or inderruiify the Port pursuant to the terms of the

Policies.

FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIrF

(Damages)

6
7
8

19.

'1"he Port incol-porates the allegations of paragraplls 1 tluough 18, as if fully

set folrth herein.


20.

The Port was required to expend, and continues to bc required to expend

substantial sums to respond to the Environmental Liabilities. "I'he Port's response costs

10

include, but are not limited to, the cost to investigate and respond to the )nvironmental

11

Liabilities.

12

21.

The defendants assumed duties pursuant to the Policies to deferid the Port

13

and to indemnify it fol- certain costs and liability incurred by reason of the Environmental

14

Liabilities. By denying coverage, by failing to pay all of the Port's response costs, and/or

15

by failing to make a coverage determination, the defendants llave breached these dtlties. ,

16

SFCOND CLAZM FOR RELIFF

17

(Declaratory ReIieQ

18
19
20

22.

The Port incorporates the allegations of paragraphs I lhroug1121, as if fillly

set forth herein.


23.

The Port assei- ts that the defendants have obligations to defend and

21

indemnify the Port and to pay in full the costs which are being incurred and wliieh will

22

eontinue to bc incurred by the Port in connection with the Environmental Liabilities. By

23

its coverage denial witli respect to the M1'A site, and by its failure to malce a coverage

24

determinatiolt with respect to thc K Ply and Western Harbor site, Travelers denies that it is

25 '

- PHE NAI)1.ER L,AW GROUPi>u.c


i'ACII'IC [3UIi.DING
720'1'hird Avenue, Suile 1400

SI.iATTLE, VdASHING'rolJ 98104

PORT'S COMPLAINT - 7

206-621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 9 of 33

1 I bound by the obligations asserted by the Port. By their failure to make a covelage
2

determination, the remaining dcfendants also deny that they are bound by the obligations

asserted by the Port with respect to all the sites.

24.

Accordingly, an actual and justiciable controversy presently exists between

the Port and the defendants as to the defendants' obligations to defend and to pay the costs

arising out of the Environmental Liabilities.

TIIIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF

(Attoriiey Fees)

9
10
11

25.

The Port incorporates thc allegations of paragraphs I through 24, as if fully

set forth herein.


26.

As a consequence of the Port having to bring suit to obtain the benefits of its

12

insurance coverage under the Policies, the defendants are liable to thc Port for its

13

reasoiiable attorney fees and costs in bringing this suit.

REOUEST FOR RELIEF

14
15

Whereforc, the Port of Port Angeles requests relief as follows:

16

l.

h'or judgnient in favor of the Port and against the defendants, jointly and

17

severally, awarding damages in an alnount sufficient to conlpensate the Port for alI costs,

18

fees, and expecises incurred in responding to and defending the Environmental Liabilities

19

tliroiugli the date of tlial in this action.

20

2.

For a deciaratoiy judgment confirming the defendants' joint and several

21

obligafiion to defeiid and indemnify the Port against all filture claims, costs, daniages, and

22

adverse judgments and awards arising fiom the Lnvironmental Liabilities.

23
24

3.

For a judgment in favor of the Port and against the defendants, jointly and

severally, for attorneys' fees, expenses and costs incurred in this action; for prejudgment

25

PORT'S COMPLAINT - 8

TI-16 NAULI:R LAW GROtJPt11.LC


PACIFIC RUfLI)ING
720'1'hird Avcnue, Suito 1400
SGIATTLE, WASf I ING'rON 98104
206-621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 10 of 33

and post judgment interest on all sulns awarded the Port; and for such other and further

relief as may be allowed by any provision of law or that this Court deems just and proper.

3
4

DATED this

t'
day of January, 2015.
'I'I-IE NAllLL;R LAW GROLJP PL.I_.0

5
6
7

IV,jark N. Nacller, W NliA No. 1zs 126


Liberty Waters, WSIIn No. 37034
John S. Dolese, WSBA No. 18015, of Counsel
Attorneys for Plaintiff, Port of Port Angeles

8
9
10

12
13 I
14
15
16

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

PORT'S COMPLAINT - 9

'rt-iENADL,ER LAW GROUPni.r.


I'ACII'IC QUIL.DING
720'I'hird Avenue, Suite 1400
SI:AT'1'LC, WASIIINGTON 98104
206-621-1433

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 11 of 33

EXHIBIT A
Place of .
Iixcorporation

Prirtcipal Place of
Business

Commercial Union Assurance Company


P.L.C.

England

London, England

Continental Assurance of London, Ltd.

England

London, England

England

London, England

Erance

Paris, France

I3oston,
Massachusetts

Dover, New
I-iampshire

1-Iarrisburg,
Pennsylvania

Canton,
Massachusetts

Defendant

13ritisli Law Insurancc Company, Ltd.


Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London

r;dinburgh Assurance Company, Ltd.


rdinburgh Assurance Coinpany, Ltd. No. 2
I?d1nbLlrgh Assurancc Company, Ltd. No. 3
Excess Insurance Cornpany, Ltd.
Indemnity Marine Insurance Company, Ltd.
"T"A/C
lnsuranee Company of Nortll America
La Reunion Francaise S.A. d'Assurances et
des Reassurances
La Reunion Francaise S.A. d'Assurances et
des Reassurances "PL" A/C
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Northern Assurance Cotnpany Ltd.
Northern Maritime Insurance Coinpany, Ltd.
Occan Marine Insurance Company, Ltd.
Ocean Marine Insurance Coinpany, Ltd. T
A/C
OneBcacon Insurance Conipany

I.N

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 12 of 33

Place of
Principal Place of
Incorporation Basiness

Defendant

Plioenix Assurance Public Coinpany Ltd.


Provincial Insurancc Company, Ltd.
7'llreadneedle Insurance Company
ITartford,
Connecticut

'1'he Travelers Indennnity Company

11-2

Hartford,
Connecticut

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 13 of 33

EXI-IIBIT B
Port of Port Angeles Primlr,y Covera,;e
Policy/ Certificate No.

Effective Dates

Insirrer

CG 366433

5/16/1961-5/16/1962

General Accident I'ire and


Life Assurance Company

CG 366712

5/16/1 962-5/16/1963

Gencral Accident Pire and


Life Assurance Company

CG 384259

5/16/1963-5/16/1964

General Accident Fire and


Life Assurance Company

CG 370877

5/16/1964-5/16/1965

General Accident Fire and


Life Assurance Company

CG 451052

5/1 6/1965-5/16/1966

General Accident i'ire and


Life Assuranee Company

CG 450793

5/16/1966-5/16/1967

General Accident rire and


Life Assurance Conipany

GLA 36-728-14

5/16/1967-5/16/1968

General Aecident Pire and


Life Assuranee Company

GLA 37-758-04

5/1 6/1968-5/16/1969

General Accident rire and


Life Assuranee Coinpany

650-2689023-IND

11/1/1972-11/1/1973

The Travelers Indeintlity


Company

650-188A227-9-IND

1 l/1/1973-1 i/1/1974

The Travelers Indemnity


Coinpany

650-188A227-9-IND-74

11/1/1974-11/1/1975

The Travelers Indemnity


Company

650-188A227-9-IND-78

11/1/1978-11/1/1979

The Travelers Indeinnity


Company

Cl' 922901

I/1/1979-1/1/1982

General Insurance
Company of Ainerica

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 14 of 33

MC 5984

1/1/1982-t/1/1984

Certain Underwriters at
Lloyd's, London

MC 6023

1/1/1984-1/1/1988

Certain Underwriters at
Lloyd's, London

Poxt of Port Aiiiieles Excess Coveragc


Policy/ Cei-tificate No.

Effective Dates

Insuier

ST 13938

12/31/1966-12/31/1969

Certain Undex-writers at Lloyd's,


London and Certain London
Market Companies

ST 13937

12/31/1966-12/31/1969

Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's,


London and Certain London
Market Companies

S"I' 13934

11/18/1966-12/31/1966

Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's,


London and Certain London
Market Companies

CtIP-189A750-A

I l./1/1973-11/1 /1 974

'I'he Travelers Indezn.nity


Company

CUP-189A750-8-74

11/1/1974-11/1/1975

The Travelers Indernnity


Cornpany

JSL 1025

12/31/1977-12/31/1979

Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's,


London and Certain London
Maricet Companies

JSL1070

12/31/1979-12/31/1980

Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's,


London and Certain I,ondon
Market Companics

JS1_. 1091

12/31/1980-12/31/1983

Ccrtain Underwriters at Lloyd's,


I,ondon and Certain London
Market Companies

JSL 1142

12/31/1983-12/31/1986

Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's,


London and Certain L.ondon
Market Coanpanies

13-2

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 15 of 33

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR CLALLAM COUNTY


THE PORT OF PORT ANGELES,
a Washington municipal corporation,

i 9

Plaintiff,

10
1"11

NO.

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS AT
LLOYD'S, LONDON AND CERTAIN
LONDON MARKET COMPANIES,
BRITISH LAW INSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD., COMMERCIAL
UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY
P.L.C., CONTINENTAL ASSURANCE
OF LONDON, LTD., EDINBURGH
ASSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.,
EDINBURGH ASSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD. NO. 2, EDINBURGH
ASSURANCE COMPANY, LTD. NO.
3, EXCESS INSURANCE COMPANY,
LTD., INDEMNITY MARINE
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD. "T"
A/C, INSURANCE COMPANY OF
NORTH AMERICA, LA REUNION
FRANCAISE S.A. D'ASSURANCES
ET DES REASSURANCES, LA
REUNION FRANCAISE S.A.
D'ASSURANCES ET DES
REASSURANCES "PL" A/C, LIBERTY
MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
DECLARATION REGARDING EMAIL TRANSMISSION
Re: PORT OF PORT ANGELES' COMPLAINT FOR
DAMAGES AND DECLARATORY JUDGMENT

DECLARATION REGARDING
E-MAIL TRANSMISSION
GR 17(a)(2)

PLATT IRWIN LAW FIRM

403 South Peabody St.


Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 457-3327

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 16 of 33

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

NORTHERN ASSURANCE
COMPANY LTD., NORTHERN
MARITIME INSURANCE COMPANY,
LTD., OCEAN MARINE INSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD., OCEAN MARINE
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD. T A/C,
ONEBEACONINSURANCE
COMPANY, PHOENIX ASSURANCE
PUBLIC COMPANY LTD.,
PROVINCIAL INSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD., THREADNEEDLE
INSURANCE COMPANY, THE
TRAVELERS INDEMNITY
COMPANY

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

The undersigned SIMON BARNHART declares and states as follows:


On the 12`h day of January, 2015, I received the PORT OF PORT
1.
ANGELES' COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES AND DECLARATORY JUDGMENT,
via email transmission, signed by Mark S. Nadler.
I have examined the document to which this Declaration is attached, and it
2.
consists of 15 pages including this Declaration.
3.

It is complete and legible.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that
the foregoing is true and correct.
DATED this 12th day of January, 2015, at Port Angeles, Washington.

20
21 j
SIMON BARNHART

22
23
24
25
26
27

DECLARATION REGARDING EMAIL TRANSMISSION


Re: PORT OF PORT ANGELES' COMPLAINT FOR
DAMAGES AND DECLARATORY JUDGMENT

PLATT IRWIN LAW FIRM '


403 South Peabody St.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 457-3327

r t
'"

~ -i - .. i
'

~4~' 3TATg~ -

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS
Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 17 of 33

.!

. . -

. .

_ '.'.

"-,. '

. -'

.'

:, 1

.-^~..

'

'" ,ti0` ~

~ QFFIC~
0F THE INSURANCE
,
x COMMISSIOXER ' :

~-

~"

~. . -

. '

' ~ F _

.:l

..}'. .7~
'

,J '

,}

' ..

. .

: i

' t. .

. .
a~

.f

._ _

`_

.- `
J.

,
-

.
,.,

'

.
,

. '

..

~ - .

,,~'
_

t\

'~

.
y

: }.
.

.
`l. ~

'-

"
_

'

_
_

__

"

:i -.

'

`_

_-

s:

. -

. . . _

..
^-r ', i

"`~.

-3 T

'

'

,'t.

-t

_
. .

._
,
.. . .. .

..

.. '

i- ' .

. ~_

_.

- .

~ _~.,

_
.-t -- ~

'

]..

_.

"

y.

-.~`~
i
"
-

T- -

;~7

.
,

' '

r
-+>r

. .~^

.J

. _

_
_
J
."-.~.
.~~? - _ `r
'

'~.

'~

ti

..
.

-r'

-~

-~ ' -_ " - ,a. ~i`'


'
` .-.. . `T> .. '-~,~~

~_
.

_. -. ~ .

'

,~ .
.

_- .>'

~t.

i ._

..

1 F_

t.a~ ;'`.

...

. ~'

"
. -

-_

_ -.

' -

. -'

.d

. , ~ '~`
~ ~.7
`.

-y

I.

~,`__

, ~~ .

..

.
. . - .

'

'r ~

.F

- r .
.J_~

- ~_ .
_
~~

~~

'

..~_.~

, - }
T^
.

~r ~.

~l. r

_.

t _
'
~
_ '
~,
,
Y. , ..
_
l~
, _,
'
' .\
_ ' '
j~ tT ~LY
:.
.
..
`;r _ . 4'^ .
_
.. .
-

'-

. ___

.t
-

v~\

..

.. ~

-~.

,
.
~
.
`~

t . . , _ _
_
...
'

'-'r_ ..'.~

`
k

~t

,
,

. = '~~_
:<
_

.'Y. -

' ..
,

_. .
.

..

_. -

'

_
~~

'

. ~

..

~ t-

'-i "

. . ,~

. . _

.f_

....'

'

-.'

L:`

-..

^~

i`

~`

~, .

- '

'

.3 ;~i

. ,

_
.,t

_
_, . .

0. 2_~t~ ~ ~~
26 lfg84
tL~~- ~R~~ zC~aa7~ sa~o~ - , ' ;.

. _ _ _ . _
_
~ ' .

- ~yO Q ~~~

'

. .

,1 _

,~

-- .

'

, J 'c ~r

~ ._

'.1.,

. .

_`

~
.

~r:

~
'

_
"^_;

.~`

_ _

_ '
~

.~

,
. .

'

-~~.

:y'

- .
' ~~
. . - '
.

-`

.~_

'~
''
_

~ : a oo~

l f

'

,'. .

. .

_ .
_ . "~i;

. , -

'

.r

.l

..

._..

;
.

_~~-

'

,
~ s;`
,44
~ T

.
5[ '
_..
_ . .-_

.;L

_ ' ..

`t'

. .
. . .

-
;4%. .

. -

r' ~
_ , .~.. .
,~"
a i
s
'a} .~
-_'\'
_,',-r:t" )'
;
'c
c .' ~''
..
}'
_ - ,
1
'
i
_.
~i
'l'
I
~
,
_.
_
.,
:~-l+
~^~
.
_
~' .
_
J
'.

- _
. t.

--

i yQ'

_ _

~-~

~,;

-.-~' . a

, -_
_ ~ <

._

. .

_~

~.

. .

-. _

:
- F+:

. 1.

.F - - -

.. .

_
.

'

..y

s-.

- t
T

~\
'l. ~.li_

"
_

' .
" .

__- ~

-.
' ..~: _ r. 11

--' .

- '

.. .

'

_ .

`,,,-

4-

v_

`t

~~' ~

'1

- .t~M
.~

~- .
' '
t
:

__

..

. ..

- .
`

;J~
~
.
.
__

f . . l
\- .

~i'

~
.

. '

~.~

,:

-.

. ! ' ~ .. ~ [ ~ -

t ;1= :

_ _ ,

+y , ,

- ''

'

S ,

'

_.J

'

:~.

_:
' ' , t

___
... .r

..;

..

. '

, ` T . '~- ~~~~~ '

8410 8153

0000

- -

_~
L,! . .. _
~~J_
-__
i_
"
. ,;t
`
..
,.~'_ : t-.-- f'

~.
.1~
_ _ - ai '; _
. -

--

~-a- ,

, a _.
_

7005 0 3 9 0

-' 1.

.t ' T

i
.-..

_ /~ __

f!' rl

~`

_ '

.. .

~
_-

.'s~
. ..

_~

, .}.'

. ."

~a

. .

.-

_-

~ `,

_ " ~

~_r,;

"

7 ~, -

;.- .-

BOX 40255" ^ .. .
`,
OLYIVIPIA, WA 98504-0255:
-

'~~~
~

--

' ~

S.

- - -~-

-S_A

' - _

?-;
.
. . . .

.-

_
jr
~'~ ,

~
.
.

TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY THE


CORPORATION SERVICE CO
300 DESCHUTES WAY SW STE 304
TUMWATER WA 98501
_ J ._-

"

'

.
'

_ . -

..

_.

`
.

..

~ `

_ _

.' J

.. '

,,

~.

'~~. ~-

'

'

_-

_
'

_ l
I . .~

'

~_

. .

.~

',

,,-:

;
.

.
_.

-~

"

.tt ~,

".

.
.

.
;

',

Y>

_~
'

~ ~`

'

..._

k
1 . -\.`

_'

` ~,.-~. . .
>
. .
.

.
.
r
-. ,

-, _

``l
' ,l . -?V
t;

. :J- . .-! -

.. .

. i.

~-

'

_r

~'

'
'

~
.

._
`

+
'
. _-.. ' =`.i,

'

- ~
i.t:'

~ `f. t - -' ,
_ ~. - '
~

_,
~ . .

._t.

. ..Y'

.:

'

~- ,
.

'
-

, . .

~ .:'';.

.}

~t
:

%-

. l-

'

'
_

..

-.

- _ ~_~. i

.i+

'7

:` =

~ -~

.r
_ ~ : '
~\..
_ r

` ` - y _~

"

~-

.
,-

, ~

`'

~-.~_'
.

...

--

_
_

. _

__

~ .t'i.4
6

{r `;~
-s'
,

"v-

. :

...

-yer,

S .

.--'

..
'

- r`
- ~}:;

...

'A

. .

'G

\>_

- _ , - -

1' '
' '..8-

_.

'

._ -

. _

, c

` '~ t. .\ _1 -~
.1~ !T - __'4 ,

~_

_
`
- ' ` ~.
~

'

- , ~

~', t

`t - ..

_~

. .

_ __

' ;~

t.

-_

`
'

~,
_~

':s: -

'

;~ ,

,.
~

.- Y `
_

` .

t, +~ ,

.
i

-,7~:~`
_
t

-1 ~ \' ~ 1 ^

~
.

.
.

'
,'\
' . .. _~ +
~
_ t,~ '
- t'~ I. ' -~~
-

-_
"

,~_

i~
y.

`-

.
_ .-~ _ .

- .
.-,

-' T ~

'

.,

'

^'i:-

._
f

.Rr_. ,.

. -

;F : -

~
__

~, _

_ :j ^

---

r
_ ~

. - ~ ,K ~

R-

'" t .

- ( ~:

~
'

,j: ; -

~""
;t . - ~ __ .. .

't,`
~~_'

.
-_

.
. _

~l c ~ .
_. -

' ''

"

~ .-

. ,

~'

~_

i. .'; .
. .. Z

_.

n.

~ ;'' _-~
y.. ~i:

'

--

`+

..'~

-~

- .
-

`,~ _ .,1~ _~_


'

t a.

- . .
_

- '

,._

. ti

,~` ~ -

^-

,.-_

.4- ~ :
.

` .

' '

..

_ ~- ,a

',
-

. .
.

_
.

' -

.
.. _

>.

`_ '
. .

. .- ~ .
.--

~
.

~ . .- . . .
.
^

'

~
-

-.

~ _

?
.

. _ ~
-

,
- .-

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 18 of 33

PFliEIVED

F8 2 7 2015
INSURANCE

C.OMMfSSIONER
4
5
6
7
8

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF TIIE STATE OF WASHINGTON


9

IN AND FOR TIIE COUNTY OF CLALLAM


10
11

'1'HE PORT OF PORT ANGELES,


a Washington municipal corporation,

12

Plaintiff,
13

NO. 15-2-00027-9

V.
14

CERTAIN tJNDF..,RWRITERS AT
LLOYD'S, LONDON, ASSICURAZIONI
GENERALI S.P.A., BALOISE
16
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD., BRITISI
LAW INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.,
17 BRITISII LAW INSURANCE COMPANY
L'TD. NO. 2 A/C, COMMERCIAL UNION
18
COMMERCIAL UNION ASSURANCE
COMPANY P.L.C., CONTINENTAL
19 ASSURANCI_; OF LONDON, LTD.,
EDINBURGH ASSURANCE COMPANY,
20
LTD., EDINBURGH ASSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD. NO. 2, EDINBtJRGH
21
ASSURANCE COMPANY, LTD, NO. 3,
EXCESS INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.
22
INDEMNITY MARINE ASSURANCE
COMPANY, I.,TD. "T" A/C, INDEMNITY
23 ' MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD
"T"A/C, INSURANCE COMPANY OF
24 NORTI-I
15

PORT OF PORT ANGELES' FIRST


AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR
DAMAGES AND DECLARATORY
JUDGMENT

25
Tl-IL' NADLLR LAW GRUUPrt.l.c
Pacific 13uilding
720 Ttiird Avenue, Sttite 1400

Scaltic, Washingto 98104

PORT'S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 1

206-621-1433
Iwitlers(~!)nad I erlaivgrou p, com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 19 of 33

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

AMERICA, LA REUNION FRANCAISE


S.A. D'ASSURANCES ET DES
REASSURANCES, LA REUNION
FRANCAISE S.A. D'ASSURANCES ET
DES REASSURANCES "PL" A/C,
LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE
COMPANY, NATIONAL INDEMNITY
COMPANY, NIPPON FIRE AND
MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY
(UK) W. LTD, NORTHERN
ASSURANCE COMPANY LTD.,
NORTHERN ASSURANCE CO. LTD.
NO. 6 A/C, NORTHERN MARITIME
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.,
OCEAN MARINE INSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD., OCEAN MARINE
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD. "T"
A/C, ONEBEACON INSURANCE
COMPANY, PHOENIX ASSURANCE
PLC, PHOENIX ASSURANCE PUBLIC
COMPANY LTD., PROVINCIAL
INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD., RIVER
THAMES INSURANCE CO. LTD.,
SKANDIA U.K. INSURANCE PLC "T"
A/C, SCOTTISH LION INSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD., THREADNEEDLE
INSURANCE COMPANY,
THREADNEEDLEINSURANCE
COMPANY, LTD., THE TRAVELERS
INDEMNITY COMPANY,
WUTTEMBERGISCHE A.W. A/C,
YASUDA FIRE & MARIE INSURANCE
CO. (UK) LTD., YASUDA FIRE &
MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY
(UK) LTD. "T" A/C,

19

Defendants

20
The Port of Port Angeles (the "Port"), by way of complaint alleges as follows:

21

INTRODUCTION

22
23
24
25

1.

This is an environmental insurance coverage action. Plaintiff the Port

a.

A declaration of the rights, duties, and liabilities of the parties under

seeks:

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT = 2

THE NADLER LAW GROUP P[.Lc


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
lwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 20 of 33


io

primary, excess, and/or umbrella liability insurance policies issued by the defendants or

their predecessors or reinsureds with respect to certain environmental liabilities incurred

by the Port for property damages in the form of environmental contamination and/or

alleged damage to natural resources;

b.

Damages for breach of defendants' contractual obligations under the

6 11 Policies with respect to certain environmental liabilities;


7

C.

Damages for bad faith, and Consumer Protection Act violations;

d.

Costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the Port in bringing this action and

9 ~I pursuant to additional provisions of law.

THE PARTIES

10
11

2.

The Port is a Washington municipal corporation in good standing with its

12

principal place of business in Port Angeles, Washington. The Port is the owner and/or

13

lessee of substantial real property including property fronting on the Port Angeles Harbor

14

in Clallam County, Washington.

15

3.

The defendants are insurance carriers and/or successors for same, which at

16

all times relevant to this action were engaged in the business of selling or managing

17

claims for primary, umbrella and/or excess liability insurance polices. Upon information

18

and belief, none of the defendants are residents of or are domiciled within the state of

19

Washington, but all have transacted business within the state.

20

4.

Defendant The Travelers Indemnity Company ("Travelers") is a

21

corporation organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut, with its principal place

22

of business in Hartford, Connecticut. Travelers is, and at all times relevant to this

23

Complaint was, an authorized insurer in the State of Washington.

24
25

5.

Defendant Liberty Mutual Insurance Company ("Liberty Mutual") is a

corporation organized under the laws of the State of Massachusetts, with its principal
THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLc
Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 3

206-621-1433
Iwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 21 of 33

place of business in Dover, New Hampshire. Upon information and belief, Liberty

Mutual is the successor-in-interest to General Insurance Company of America. Liberty

Mutual is, and at all times relevant to this Complaint was, an authorized insurer in the

State of Washington.

6.

Defendant OneBeacon Insurance Company ("OneBeacon") is a

corporation organized under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, with its principal

place of business in Canton, Massachusetts. Upon information and belief, OneBeacon is

the successor-in-interest to General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Company.

7.

Defendants Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London and Certain London

10

Market Companies (together "London Market Insurers" or "LMI") underwrote the

11

London Market Insurance policies at issue in this case. Exhibit A, attached hereto and

12

incorporated by reference, sets forth the names of the LMI defendants presently known

13

to the Port and, to the extent the Port has knowledge, their states or countries of

14

incorporation, and principal places of business. There may be other applicable policies

15

which have been issued by the LMI defendants to the Port from time to time, which are

16

presently unknown to the Port. Exhibit A may be amended as additional applicable

17

policies are discovered and as the currently known states or countries of incorporation

18

and the principal places of business are determined.

19

8.

Defendant National Indemnity Company ("NICO") is a corporation

20

organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska, with its principal place of business in

21

Omaha, Nebraska. NICO is, and at all times relevant to this Complaint was, an

22

authorized insurer in the State of Washington. Upon information and belief, NICO is the

23

assumption reinsurer of and/or the successor-in-interest to certain of the LMI defendants,

24

including Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London, with respect to the London Market

25

insurance policies at issue in this case.

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 4

THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLC


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
Iwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 22 of 33

9.

Defendants Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London are comprised of the

individuals, referred to as Names and organized into syndicates, who underwrote

portions of, or all of, one or more of the London Market insurance policies at issue in

this case. As discussed in more detail below, Equitas reinsured the liability of those

syndicates and Names, and under English law, Equitas has been statutorily novated for

the syndicates and Names with respect to the London Market insurance policies at issue

in this case. NICO is the assumption reinsurer of Equitas.

10.

In consideration of substantial premiums paid by the Port, the defendants

or their predecessors and/or reinsureds issued primary, umbrella and/or excess liability

10

insurance policies to the Port. General Accident Fire & Life Assurance issued primary,

11

umbrella and/or excess liability policies to the Port from prior to May 16, 1961 to 1969.

12

The LMI defendants issued primary, umbrella and/or excess liability policies to the Port

13

from at least 1966 through 1988. Travelers issued primary, umbrella and/or excess

14

liability policies to the Port from at least 1972 to 1978. General Insurance Company of

15

America issued primary, umbrella and/or excess liability policies to the Port from 1979

16 to 1982.
17

11.

NICO is liable to the Port for all benefits the Port is entitled to from certain

18

of the LMI defendants under the London Market policies at issue in this case. On

19

information and belief, NICO is also liable to the Port along with LMI for the bad faith

20

claims handling of the Port's claims.


JURISDICTION AND VENUE

21
22

12.

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to RCW 2.08.010 and

23

RCW 7.24.010, et seq. Further, the Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this

24

declaratory judgment action because a real and justiciable controversy exists.

25

13.

This Court has personal jurisdiction because each of the defendants is an

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 5

THE NADLER LAW GROUP Pr.Lc


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
lwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 23 of 33

authorized insurer in the State of Washington and/or sold insurance to the Port in

Washington, or managed or reinsured policies sold to the Port in Washington.

14.

Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to RCW 48.05.220, because a

substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims brought in this action

occurred in Clallam County, which is also the situs of the damaged property that has

given rise to the liability alleged herein.

JURY DEMAND

7
8
9

15.

The Port hereby demands pursuant to CR 38(b), trial by jury of twelve of

all issues so triable in this action.

THE POLICIES

10
11

16.

From prior to 1961, defendants or their predecessors or reinsureds sold to

12

the Port certain primary, umbrella and/or excess liability insurance policies, including

13

those policies set forth in Exhibit B, and possibly others ("Policies"). The Port's claims

14 I in this matter extend to any and all such additional policies as may become known to the
15
16

Port during the course of this litigation.


17.

The Port paid all premiums due and owing under the Policies and complied

17

with all applicable conditions of each of the Policies, including all conditions precedent

18

to coverage, if any.

19

THE ASSUMPTION REINSURANCE OF THE PORT'S LONDON MARKET

20

POLICIES

21

18. Equitas has been working since 1996 to achieve "finality" for the Names

22

(Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London) by extinguishing their long tail liability under

23

the 1992 and prior non-life liability insurance they underwrote ("Business").

24
25

19. By written agreement dated September 3, 1996 ("Reinsurance and Run-off


Contract"), Equitas Reinsurance Limited ("ERL") reinsured the Names by assuming all

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 6

THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLC


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
Iwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 24 of 33

of the Names' rights and obligations under the policies and undertaking to administer

2 II the Business.
3

20. By separate written agreement dated September 3, 1996 ("Retrocession

Agreement"), ERL retroceded the liability for the reinsurance and administration of the

run-off Names' Business to Equitas Limited ("EL") and EL assumed all of the Names'

rights and obligations under the policies and undertook to administer the Business and

7 Run-off.
8

21. By yet another separate written agreement dated November 10, 2006

(Retrocession and Run-off Agreement") EL retroceded its liability for the reinsurance of

10

ERL and the Names, along with the obligation to administer the run-off of the Names'

11

Business to NICO, and NICO assumed all of the rights and obligations under the

12

policies and undertook to administer the Business and Run-off, all of which was subject

13

to the English Court's approval of the Part VII Transfer and certain other conditions, all

14

of which have come to pass.

15

22. The November 10, 2006 Retrocession and Run-off Agreement also

16

provided that EL delegated responsibility for the administration of the run-off of the

17

Names' Business to Equitas Management Services Limited ("EMSL") subject to the

18

English Court's approval of the Part VII Transfer and certain other conditions, again all

19

of which have come to pass. Equitas Holdings Limited ("EHL") the owner of EL, ERL

20

and EMSL, promised in the same agreement to transfer full ownership of EMSL to

21

NICO subject to the same conditions which have come to pass. The agreement required

22

NICO to change the name of EMSL to some different name which does not include the

23

word "Equitas". NICO changed the name of EMSL to Resolute Management Services

24 Limited.
25

23.

Currently, NICO and/or Equitas have reinsured, indemnified, and assumed

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 7

THE NADLER LAW GROUP Pt,[,c


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
Iwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 25 of 33

all responsibilities of the Names to deal directly with insureds, to service and administer

the contracts of insurance, and to adjust and pay the insured's claims for all benefits

under the insured's policies.

24.

Equitas Limited has publicly proclaimed to the Names' policyholders (of

which the Port of Port Angeles is one such policyholder), that "you will have no further

claims, as a matter of English law, against the Names who underwrote your policies at

Lloyd's. ... Instead of your claims against the Names you will have claims against an

FSA authorised company..." Similarly, Equitas Holdings Limited has proclaimed to the

Names that "... no Name has any further liability whatsoever, under English law, in

10

respect of 1992 and prior non-life Lloyd's liabilities. ... In the unlikely event that

11

Equitas becomes insolvent, no policyholder with an unsatisfied claim will be able to

12

enforce that claim in any court of the EEA to recover it from any Name. ... Now that we

13

have achieved finality under English law, [Equitas] believe[s] `the long day's task is

14

done......

15

25.

Since at least 2009, NICO's wholly owned subsidiary (Resolute

16

Management) has serviced portions or all of the Port's LMI insurance policies and

17

served as the primary point of contact for matters related to the Port's environmental

18

insurance claims against Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London.

19

26.

By operation of the foregoing, NICO and/or Equitas are the assumption

20

reinsurers of the Port (or are otherwise successors in interest to the Names and

21

Syndicates that underwrote the Port's policies), and thus are liable to the Port for all

22

benefits the Port is entitled to from defendants Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London,

23

under the Port's London Market insurance policies at issue in this case.

24
25 '

THE UNDERLYING ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

27.

The Port has incurred, and will continue to incur, liability for third party
THE NADLER LAW GROUP Pr.t,c

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 8

Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
lwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 26 of 33

property damage to surface water, groundwater, sediments, and/or alleged damage to


2

natural resources as a result of historical operations and the resulting environmental

contamination at the Marine Trades Area ("MTA") Site, the K Ply Site, and the Western

Port Angeles Harbor ("Harbor") Site (together referred to as "the Sites").

5
6

28.

The Port's environmental liabilities at the Sites arise out of occurrences or

accidents that took place during the policy periods for each of the Policies.

29. Third party property damage, in the form of alleged damage to natural

resources as well as contamination of groundwater, surface water, and/or sediments

occurred during the policy periods for each of the Policies.

10
11
12

30.

The Port neither expected nor intended the releases or the resulting

property damage at issue prior to the inception of the Policies.


31.

The defendants breached obligations that they undertook in the Policies by

13

failing to comply with Washington regulations regarding such matters, by failing to -

14

promptly investigate the Port's claims, by failing to make coverage determinations, by

15

failing to fulfill their duties to defend and/or indemnify the Port for certain expenses it

16

has incurred as a result of its environmental liabilities at the Sites, and by generally

17

placing their own economic interests ahead of those of the Port, their insured.
DEFENDANTS' LIABILITY FOR EXPENSES OF SUIT

18
19

32.

In accordance with the policy terms and conditions, the Port notified the

20

defendants and/or their predecessors or reinsureds of the Port's claims with respect to the

21

MTA site (which was later divided into two sites: the MTA Site and the K Ply Site) in

22

1993. Defendant Travelers denied coverage for the Port's environmental liabilities at the

23

MTA site. Defendant Travelers has not made a coverage determination for the Port's

24

environmental liabilities at the K Ply site. Defendants OneBeacon, Liberty Mutual, and

25

LMI accepted the Port's tender of defense for the MTA and K Ply sites under

PORT'S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 9

THE NADLER LAW GROUP Pt,Lc


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
lwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 27 of 33

reservations of rights, including the rights to deny coverage and seek reimbursement of

payments (including those defendants determine to be indemnity payments) made to or

on behalf of the Port. Defendants OneBeacon, Liberty Mutual, and LMI have failed to

make a determination regarding their duty to indemnify the Port under their respective

policies. Despite receiving notice of the Port's claims for the MTA site more than twenty

years ago, defendants OneBeacon, Liberty Mutual, and LMI have failed to make a

coverage determination regarding their duty to indemnify the Port under their respective

policies.

33.

In accordance with the policy terms and conditions, the Port notified the

10

defendants and/or their predecessors or reinsureds of the Port's claims with respect to the

.11

Harbor Site by 2011. Defendants Travelers, OneBeacon, Liberty Mutual, and LMI

12

accepted the Port's tender of defense for the Harbor Site under reservations of rights,

13

including the rights to deny coverage and seek reimbursement of payments (including

14

those defendants determine to be indemnity payments) made to or on behalf of the Port.

15

Despite receiving notice of the Port's claims for the Harbor site more than three years

16 . ago, defendants Travelers, OneBeacon, Liberty Mutual, and LMI have failed to make a
17
18

determination regarding their duty to indemnify the Port under their respective policies.
34.

After agreeing to defend the Port under reservations of rights, the

19

defendants have delayed and continue to delay making coverage determinations,

20

allowing the passage of time to potentially prejudice the Port's ability to prove elements

21

of coverage at trial.

22

35.

Defendants have breached their enhanced duty of good faith to their

23

insured by failing to promptly conduct an adequate and reasonable investigation and by

24

giving greater consideration to their own interests than those of their insured.

25

36.

Over the course of handling the Port's claims, the defendants violated

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 10

THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLc


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
Iwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 28 of 33

other standards provided for in WAC 284-30, et seq., which sets forth Washington's.

unfair claims settlement practices regulations.

37. The Port has been harmed by the defendants' bad faith actions and

inactions in handling the Port's claims. Among other things, the Port has incurred

attorney fees to address the wrongful actions and to bring this lawsuit to obtain the

benefits of its insurance policies because of the defendants' failure to respond to,

investigate, and/or make coverage determinations in response to the Port's claims.

8
9

38.

The Port was forced to bring this lawsuit to obtain the benefits of its

insurance policies issued by the defendants or their predecessors and/or reinsureds

10

because the defendants breached their obligations to investigate, defend, and/or

11

indemnify the Port pursuant to the terms of the Policies.

12

FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF

13

.(Damages)

14

39.

The Port incorporates the allegations of the above paragraphs as if fully set

15 I forth herein.
16

40. The Port was required to expend, and continues to be required to expend

17

substantial sums arising from its environmental liabilities at the Sites. The Port's

18

response costs include, but are not limited to, the cost to investigate and remediate the

19

contaminated groundwater, surface water and/or sediments, and to investigate and

20

respond to claims for alleged natural resource damages.

21

41.

The defendants and/or their predecessors or reinsureds assumed duties

22 I pursuant to the Policies to defend the Port and to indemnify it for certain costs and
23

expenses arising from the Port's environmental liabilities at the Sites. These defendants

24

have breached these duties.

25

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 11

THE NADLER LAW GROUP P[,Lc


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
lwaters@nadierlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 29 of 33

SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF

(Declaratory Relief)

42.

The Port incorporates the allegations of the above paragraphs as if fully set

4 II forth herein.
5

43.

The Port asserts that the defendants have obligations to defend and

indemnify the Port and to pay in full the costs which are being incurred and which will

continue to be incurred by the Port in connection with its environmental liabilities at the

Sites. By either explicitly denying coverage or by failing to make coverage

determinations, the defendants deny that they are bound by the obligations asserted by

10
11

the Port.
44.

Accordingly, an actual and justiciable controversy presently exists between

12

the Port and the defendants as to the defendants' obligations to defend and indemnify the

13

Port for all costs arising out of its environmental liabilities at the Sites.

14'

THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF

15

(Bad Faith)

16

45.

The Port incorporates the allegations of the above paragraphs as if fully set

17 I forth herein.
18

46.

Under Washington law, an insurer must fulfill an enhanced obligation to

19

the insured as part of its duty of good faith. Insurers have broad obligations of fair

20

dealing and a responsibility to give due consideration to the insured's interests in all

21

matters. Defendants were obliged (a) to promptly conduct a thorough investigation and

22

to inform the Port of all developments relevant to claims of coverage, (b) to make a final

23

coverage determination, and (c) to refrain from actions demonstrating a greater concern

24

for their interests than the interests of the Port, their insured. Defendants breached their

25

enhanced duties of good faith by the actions and inactions alleged above.

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 12

THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLr.c


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
lwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 30 of 33

47. Defendants' bad faith conduct has proximately caused damage to the Port

in an amount to be proven at trial. The Port is further entitled to costs and attorneys' fees

expended in seeking to compel defendants to provide the full benefit of the insurance

4 policies.
5

FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF

(Consumer Protection Act Violations)

48.

The Port incorporates the allegations of the above paragraphs as if fully set

8 II forth herein.
9

49.

On information and belief, the defendants, their predecessors, and/ or their

10

agents have engaged in multiple unfair and deceptive acts including without limitation

11

one or more of the following: (1) Failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards

12

for the prompt investigation of claims; (2) Failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims

13

within a reasonable time; (3) Failing to complete the investigation of the Port's claims

14' within thirty days after notification of the claims; (4) Failing to make a coverage
15

determination in writing within fifteen working days after receipt by the insurer of fully

16

completed and executed proofs of loss; (5) Failing to commence an investigation within

17

fifteen days into their records, to determine the issuance, and relevant terms and

18

conditions of the lost policies; (6) Failing to provide to the Port facts known or

19

discovered during an investigation, including the identity of any witnesses with

20

knowledge of facts related to the issuance or existence of lost policies; (7) Failing to

21

provide the Port with copies of documents establishing facts related to the lost policies;

22

(8) Failing to commence investigation of an environmental claim within fifteen working

23

days after receipt of a notice of an environmental claim; (9) Failing to cooperate with

24

the Port in the investigation of the environmental claims at issue in this litigation; (10)

25

Failing to make payments, under their duty to defend, for costs reasonably incurred in an

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 13

THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLc


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
Iwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 31 of 33

investigation to determine the source of contamination, the type of contamination, and

the extent of the contamination; and (11) such conduct as shall appear through discovery

3 I and/or be proven at trial.


4

50.

The actions and/or inactions of defendants as alleged above constitute bad

5 I faith and unfair and deceptive business practices which were committed in the conduct
6 I of trade or commerce.
7
8
9

51.

The defendants are engaged in a business which affects the public interest

and their actions occurred in the conduct of trade or commerce.


52. Defendants' actions are prohibited by RCW 48.30.010, WAC 284-30-330,

10

et. seq., and WAC 284-30-930, et seq., and are per se violations of the Washington

11

Consumer Protection Act, RCW 19.86.

12

53.

Defendants' actions have a public interest impact because they violate

13

statutes and regulations containing legislative declaration of public interest impact and

14

because defendants' actions were conducted in the course of their business as part of a

15

pattern and practice that have and will be repeated in adjusting other insurance claims,

16

thereby affecting numerous insureds.

17
18

54.

Defendants' wrongful conduct has caused injury to the Port in its business

and property and has hindered its ability to defend itself adequately against the statutory

19 environmental liabilities.
20

55.

Defendants are liable for actual damages in an amount to be proven at trial;

21

the costs of this litigation, including attorneys' fees; and exemplary damages to the extent

22

provided by RCW 19.86.090.

23

FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF

24

(Attorney Fees)

25

56.

The Port incorporates the allegations of the above paragraphs as if fully set

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 14

THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLc


Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
Iwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 32 of 33

1 II forth herein.
57. As a consequence of the Port having to bring suit to obtain the benefits of

2
3

its insurance coverage under the Policies, the defendants are liable to the Port for the

attorney fees and costs the Port incurred in bringing this suit and any petition for further

relief to enforce the orders and judgments entered during this action.
REQUEST FOR RELIEF

6
7

Wherefore, the Port of Port Angeles requests relief as follows:

58.

For judgment in favor of the Port and against the defendants, jointly and

severally, awarding damages in an amount sufficient to compensate the Port for all costs,

10

fees, and expenses incurred in responding to and defending the environmental liabilities

11

at the Sites through the date of trial in this action.

12
13

59.

For a declaratory judgment confirming the defendants' joint and several

obligation to defend and indemnify the Port against all future claims, costs, damages, and

14' adverse judgments and awards arising from the environmental liabilities at the Sites.
15

60.

For a judgment in favor of the Port and against the defendants, jointly and

16

severally for the Port's damages caused by bad faith conduct in an amount to be proven

17

at trial;
61.

18
19

For a judgment in favor of the Port and against the defendants, jointly and

severally for exemplary damages to the extent provided by RCW 19.86.090;

20

62. For a judgment in favor of the Port and against the defendants, jointly and

21

severally, for attorneys' fees, expenses and costs incurred in this action as allowed under

22

Olympic Steamship, the Consumer Protection Act, and other applicable law;

23

63.

For prejudgment and post judgment interest on all sums awarded the Port;

64.

For such other and further relief as may be allowed by any provision of law

24 and
25

THE NADLER LAW GROUP Pt,Lc

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 15

Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104
206-621-1433
lwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

Case 3:15-cv-05180-KLS Document 1-2 Filed 03/26/15 Page 33 of 33

or that this Court deems just and proper.

3i

DATED this

~ day of February, 2015.

4'
THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLC
5',
6I
7'I
81

MarkS. Nadler, WSBA No. 18126


eWaters, WSBA No. 37034
John . Dolese, WSBA No. 18015, of Counsel
Attorneys for Plaintiff, Port of Port Angeles

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
THE NADLER LAW GROUP PLLC
Pacific Building
720 Third Avenue, Suite 1400
Seattle, Washington 98104

PORT' S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT - 16

206-621-1433
lwaters@nadlerlawgroup.com

You might also like