City Insurance to Appeal $480K Damages Award in Yakima Fire Inspection Case

Yakima City officials say Cities Insurance Association of Washington (CIAW), the city’s insurance provider, has decided to appeal a jury verdict awarding Yakima resident Mark Peterson $480,000 in damages.

THE CASE COMES FROM 2013

A press release from the city makes clear the decision to appeal comes from the insurance company not city leadership.
The case stems from a 2013 fire inspection request involving a business, H&H Furniture owned by Peterson in Yakima.

READ MORE: YAKIMA AIR FAIR IN 2027

THE DECISION TO APPEAL DOESN'T COME FROM THE CITY

The Yakima County Superior Court jury reached its decision in mid-March, ruling in favor of Peterson and awarding him the damages. However, the decision to pursue an appeal was made solely by Cities Insurance Association of Washington (CIAW), and not by the City Council or city staff. The city insurance provider is responsible for covering the damages if the appeal is unsuccessful. The insurance policy with CIAW includes a deductible of $100,000, which the City paid in 2019. Beyond that amount, all additional costs related to the case are borne by CIAW, according to the city’s policy.

Photo of the Yakima Police Department building

OFFICIALS REALLY WANT YOU TO KNOW THE APPEAL ISN'T DRIVEN BY THE CITY

The case involving Mark Peterson originated from a request made by city fire inspectors in 2013 to inspect a business owned by Peterson. The details of the inspection and subsequent legal proceedings have been ongoing for several years.
Yakima city officials say the decision to appeal is an insurance matter handled independently by CIAW, and that the City continues to cooperate with the process. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.