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Risk management: county reports rising claims totals and multiple SAM claims under investigation
Summary
Risk management presented year-to-date figures showing 51 total incidents, 13 workers' compensation claims for 2026, 17 liability claims and seven sexual abuse/misconduct (SAM) claims; staff said the risk pool is investigating SAM claims and the county will meet with the pool next week to review options including potential settlements.
Risk management staff reported to the board that total incident reports year-to-date number 51, with 13 workers’ compensation claims recorded for 2026 and 12 open claims as of June 22. The office said $275,751.13 has been paid out so far this year, with $558,122.68 accrued for expected future costs.
The presentation flagged 17 liability claims, seven SAM claims (a new claim was filed the previous day), and roughly 16 claims currently in litigation. The department said liability payments year-to-date are $95,815.46. Staff described the rising medical and litigation costs as part of the reason the Washington Counties Risk Pool is reviewing claim legitimacy and potential settlement strategies.
Risk staff said the pool is conducting interviews and deeper investigations into recently filed SAM claims; depending on investigative outcomes some claimants have chosen not to move forward. "We're waiting to see once we do our investigation on these claims for legitimacy of the claims," the presenter said, adding the county would meet the risk pool next week to review all active claims.
Board members raised the scale of state-level exposures; one commissioner referenced published state numbers about the risk pool’s rising liabilities and urged tort reform as a long-term solution. Risk management encouraged improved documentation, training and a careful investigative process before settlement decisions.
