Merino v. State

¶1 Douglas and Kay Merino1 appeal the superior court’s denial of their motion for summary judgment and granting of the State’s motion for summary judgment in their action for disability benefits against the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Merino argues that Washington law entitles him to disability compensation as long as he remains disabled from injuries incurred in the line of duty, even after WSP terminated his employment as a trooper for violating WSP regulations. Holding that under RCW 43.43.040, Merino’s disability benefits vested when he became disabled in the line of duty and that he…