Gates v. Rosen

Gates was injured by a fire which occurred on April 24, 1977, at the Deluxe Apartments in Seattle. Gates initially sued the owner of the apartment building. On September 27, 1978, approximately 17 months after the accident, he named the City of Seattle as a defendant, alleging that the City was negligent in its inspection and administration of certain ordinances. The City answered, and alleged as an affirmative defense that Gates had failed to file a claim for damages with the City as required by article 4, section 24 of the Seattle City Charter. On May 25, 1979, Gates filed a claim with the City.