Michel v. Department of Labor & Industries

Margaret Michel appeals the judgment denying her motion for contribution from the victim compensation fund by the Department of Labor and Industries for attorney fees she incurred in obtaining payment from her underinsured motorist insurance coverage.

Ms. Michel was the victim of a vehicular assault in September 1992. The driver of the vehicle had no insurance. Under provisions of the victim compensation act, RCW 7.68, Ms. Michel received payment of approximately $36,000 from the Department. She retained an attorney who assisted her in obtaining $115,000 from her automobile insurers’…