Mr. Van Gorder's involvement in insurance-related work began with his involvement in the defense of the AIG Insurance Companies in Boeing v. Aetna, an environmental contamination coverage law suit venued in federal district court in Seattle. Chase had lead responsibility for defending National Union Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA in Cascade Pole v. Reliance, a coverage lawsuit involving contamination at six wood treating sites in Washington, Oregon and Montana. He has also defended National Union in a coverage lawsuit involving alleged contamination at an underground storage tank facility, and the clean up of a former oil drilling site in Southeastern Alaska. Chase represented Continental Insurance Company and the Atlanta Group, Inc. in other environmental coverage lawsuits venued in Seattle. He has also been involved in a cost recovery action on behalf of a service station operator in Bellingham.

In addition to defending insurance companies in environmental actions, Mr. Van Gorder has assisted the Special Investigation Unit of State Farm Insurance in investigating potentially fraudulent insurance claims. His responsibilities included conducting examinations under oath of the insureds and preparing coverage opinions. Chase has worked with the AIG Companies, Homestead Insurance, Paradigm Insurance and USAA in defending insureds in personal injury lawsuits. He also currently advises clients and industry groups involved in outdoor recreation concerning insurance coverage.

Chase wrote an articled entitled Bad Faith Under Washington Law that was presented at a 1989 seminar sponsored by the King County Bar Association, and at a 1994 seminar in Seattle presented by National Business Institute, Inc. Chase also made presentations at the 1996 America Outdoors Confluence and other industry meetings concerning questions those in the outdoor recreation industry should ask before buying insurance.

Representative Clients:

• State Farm Insurance - Investigated facts related to insurance claims.
• AIG Insurance - Defended mental health care professional against malpractice claim.
• USAA - Defended USAA insureds involved in motor vehicle accidents.
• USAA - Represented USAA in UIM claims brought by USAA insureds.
• Paradigm Insurance - Defended insured against claims of nuisance and trespass.
• K&K Insurance - Defended rafting outfitters in lawsuits alleging personal injury of customers.
• Homestead Insurance - Defended rafting outfitter in lawsuit alleging personal injury of customers.
• Worldwide Outfitters & Guides Association - Defended mountain lodge in lawsuit alleging premises liability.