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I am no expert either, but I usually try to negotiate an agreed order with OC. That could include a schedule as to when experts will be entitled to do what they need to do, and depositions conducted so that OC is able to use the evidence during discovery. If that fails, then a protective order may be worth considering.
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On 10/10/2023 11:36 AM PDT Andrew Hay <andrewhay@washingtonlaw.net> wrote:
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hi Chris</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am certainly not an expert on this, but when I receive this kind of request I reverse the burden by telling the other party my client’s plan is to go on with business as usual as soon as possible and that they will have to arrange their inspections promptly. Push has never come to shove on the issue, so I can’t say the next move if they drag their feet. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif;">Andrew Hay</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif;">Hay & Swann PLLC</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif;">201 S. 34<sup>th</sup> St.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif;">Tacoma, WA 98418</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.washingtonlaw.net"><em><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif; color: #0563c1;">www.washingtonlaw.net</span></em></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:andrewhay@washingtonlaw.net"><em><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif; color: #0563c1;">andrewhay@washingtonlaw.net</span></em></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif;">He/him/his</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif;">253.272.2400 (w)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB',sans-serif;">253.377.3085 (c)</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>From:</strong> wsbarp-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com> <strong>On Behalf Of </strong>Chris B<br><strong>Sent:</strong> Tuesday, October 10, 2023 11:12 AM<br><strong>To:</strong> WSBA Real Property Listserv <wsbarp@lists.wsbarppt.com><br><strong>Subject:</strong> [WSBARP] Spoilation Notice</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have a client whose residential tenant abandoned the premises, due to alleged asbestos exposure. Most if not all of their belongings are left behind.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We received a spoilation notice directing us to “preserve all items within the property.” Taken literally, this would require our client to maintain the vacated house as a sort of ‘museum’ through the pendency of the litigation. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve received many such notices over the years, but typically they related to books and records.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Any experts out there as to spoilation issues that have suggestions on our client’s obligations? </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Chris Benis</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First Avenue Law Group, PLLC</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">321 First Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">206.447-1900 office – 206.447.9075 fax – www. firstavenuelaw.com </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">This message contains information that may be CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail <a href="mailto:chrisb@firstavenuelaw.com">chrisb@firstavenuelaw.com</a>, and delete this message. Thank you very much.</p>
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