WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

4.24.115 - Validity of agreement to indemnify against liability for negligence relative to construction, alteration, improvement, etc., of structure or improvement attached to real estate or relative

Validity of agreement to indemnify against liability for negligence relative to construction, alteration, improvement, etc., of structure or improvement attached to real estate or relative to a motor carrier transportation contract.

(1) A covenant, promise, agreement or understanding in, or in connection with or collateral to, a contract or agreement relative to the construction, alteration, repair, addition to, subtraction from, improvement to, or maintenance of, any building, highway, road, railroad, excavation, or other structure, project, development, or improvement attached to real estate, including moving and demolition in connection therewith, or a motor carrier transportation contract, purporting to indemnify against liability for damages arising out of bodily injury to persons or damage to property:

     (a) Caused by or resulting from the sole negligence of the indemnitee, his agents or employees is against public policy and is void and unenforceable;

     (b) Caused by or resulting from the concurrent negligence of (i) the indemnitee or the indemnitee's agents or employees, and (ii) the indemnitor or the indemnitor's agents or employees, is valid and enforceable only to the extent of the indemnitor's negligence and only if the agreement specifically and expressly provides therefor, and may waive the indemnitor's immunity under industrial insurance, Title 51 RCW, only if the agreement specifically and expressly provides therefor and the waiver was mutually negotiated by the parties. This subsection applies to agreements entered into after June 11, 1986.

     (2) As used in this section, a "motor carrier transportation contract" means a contract, agreement, or understanding covering: (a) The transportation of property for compensation or hire by the motor carrier; (b) entrance on property by the motor carrier for the purpose of loading, unloading, or transporting property for compensation or hire; or (c) a service incidental to activity described in (a) or (b) of this subsection, including, but not limited to, storage of property, moving equipment or trailers, loading or unloading, or monitoring loading or unloading. "Motor carrier transportation contract" shall not include agreements providing for the interchange, use, or possession of intermodal chassis, containers, or other intermodal equipment.

[2010 c 120 § 1; 1986 c 305 § 601; 1967 ex.s. c 46 § 2.]

Notes: Preamble -- Report to legislature -- Severability -- 1986 c 305: See notes following RCW 4.16.160.