Washington Supreme Court clarifies which parties are protect from SLAPP lawsuits. Roger Leishman, an openly gay man, was hired by the Washington Attorney General’s Office (“AGO”). Early into this employment, Leishman developed symptoms associated with a medical diagnosis of PTSD and anxiety. Leishman advised his employer of this diagnosis and its symptoms.

Washington Supreme Court Clarifies the Scope of Corporate Attorney-Client Privilege of Independent Contractors. This case arose when Doug Hermanson struck a vehicle and crashed into a utility pole. Hermanson was transported to Tacoma General Hospital (“TGH”), which is owned by MultiCare Health (“MCH”). Hermanson was treated by several MCH employees, including two nurses and a social
worker.

Issues: (1) Whether the trial court erred in excluding evidence of the UIM carrier’s litigation conduct after the named insured filed of a UIM? NO. (2) Whether the trial court erred in finding that the insured failed to prove evidence of damages to business or property which rendered her Consumer Protection Act (CPA) claim unsupportable as a matter of law? NO.

Issue: (1) Does ER 611(c) allow leading question on direct examination of an adverse party?
YES. (2) Is a separate motion to declare the adverse party as hostile required? NO. (3) Does ER
611(c) always permit the use of leading questions on cross-examination? NO.

Issue: Whether the regulations governing King County’s responsibility to issue health advisories
created a duty owed to individuals as opposed to a non-actionable duty owed to the public as a
whole? NO.
Facts: This case arose out of the death of Brain Ehrhart, who died from contracting hantavirus in
early 2017.

Issues: (1) Whether tow trucks are considered cranes for purposes of the Department of Labor & Industries’ (L&I) regulations when they are used to hoist, lower, or horizontally move a suspended load. YES. (2) Whether L&I’s regulations prohibit crane operation in the entire area below an energized power line, not just crane operation within a certain distance from a line, when the crane is capable of reaching the power line. YES.