JAMES L. ROBART, District Judge.
This matter comes before the court on Plaintiff MidMountain Contractors, Inc.'s ("MidMountain" or "MM") motion for partial summary judgment regarding Defendant American Safety Indemnity Company's ("ASIC") duty to defend (MM Mot. (Dkt. # 70)) and ASIC's cross-motion for summary judgment (ASIC Mot. (Dkt. # 101)). Having considered the submissions of the parties, the balance of the record, and the relevant law, and no party having requested oral argument, the court GRANTS in part and DENIES in part MidMountain's motion for partial summary judgment regarding ASIC's duty to defend (Dkt. # 70) and GRANTS in part and DENIES in part ASIC's cross-motion for summary judgment (Dkt. # 101). The court orders MidMountain and ASIC to file a joint status report within 14 days of the date of this order identifying any claims remaining for trial in light of the court's rulings herein.
This is an insurance coverage dispute. MidMountain served as the general contractor to King County for construction of a new wastewater conveyance pump station in Kirkland, Washington, known as the Juanita Bay Pump Station ("the Project"). (Mills Decl. (Dkt. # 90) ¶ 3.) The general contract between King County and MidMountain provided that MidMountain "shall be responsible for the acts and omissions
MidMountain subcontracted with Mattila Painting, Inc. ("Mattila") to supply and install a Multi Component Bentonite ("MCB") waterproofing system around the exterior of the pump station. (Id. ¶ 3.) The subcontract provided that Mattila would provide insurance naming MidMountain and King County "as additional insureds for claims arising out of subcontractor's work...." (Id. Ex. A ¶ R.)
ASIC issued Mattila a series of Commercial General Liability ("CGL") insurance policies with successive annual policy periods spanning August 1, 2005, to August 1, 2010 ("the Policies").
(Fisher Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0108.) Another endorsement to the Policies amended the Insuring Agreement to provide in relevant part:
This insurance applies to "bodily injury" and "property damage" only if:
(Id. Ex. 1 at ASIC0091-92.) "Property damage" is defined to mean "[p]hysical injury to tangible property, including all resulting loss of use of that property." (Id. Ex. 1 at ASIC0081.) "Occurrence" is defined to mean "an accident." (Id.) "Suit" is defined to mean "a civil proceeding in which damages because of `bodily injury,' [or] `property damage' ... to which this insurance applies are alleged. `Suit' includes ... [a]ny other alternative dispute resolution proceeding in which such damages are claimed and to which the insured submits with our consent." (Id.)
Among the duties placed on insureds under the Policies is the duty to "[c]ooperate with us in the Investigation or settlement of the claim or defense against the `suit.'" (Id. Ex. 1 at ASIC0078.) The Policies further provide, "No insured will, except at that Insured's own cost, voluntarily make a payment, assume any obligation, or incur any expense ... without our consent." (Id.)
On April 19, 2010, King County sent a letter to MidMountain alleging that MidMountain and its subcontractors performed defective work. (Mills Decl. Ex. B.) MidMountain tendered King County's allegations and claims to ASIC, among other insurers. (Id.) Upon receipt of MidMountain's tender, ASIC contacted Mattila and its agent to obtain information. (Fisher Decl. ¶ 4.)
On July 2, 2010, MidMountain initiated the instant declaratory judgment action against its insurer, National Fire Insurance Company of Hartford ("National Fire"), and ASIC in the King County Superior Court for the State of Washington. (Compl. (Dkt. #1).) ASIC timely removed the action to this court. (Not. of Removal (Dkt. # 1).) ASIC then moved to stay this proceeding because MidMountain's lawsuit was premature. (Dkt. # 12.) The court agreed and stayed the proceedings for seven months. (Dkt. ## 14, 17.)
While the insurance coverage action was stayed, the parties proceeded with the underlying dispute. On July 29, 2010, ASIC sent a letter to MidMountain acknowledging receipt of the May 5, 2012 tender and reserving all rights under the terms and conditions of the policies issued to Mattila. (Fisher Decl. Ex. 3.) Among other things, ASIC stated its position that no "suit" had been filed that would trigger any duty to defend or indemnify. (Id. Ex. 3 at ASIC2270.) ASIC also asked to be apprised of any significant developments and notified of any mediation. (Id. Ex. 3 at ASIC2274.)
On February 16, 2011, MidMountain and King County mediated their dispute. (Fisher Decl. ¶ 6.) National Fire represented
On March 4, 2011, MidMountain filed suit against King County, Mattila, and subcontractor Johnson Western Genuite Co. ("JWG") in the King County Superior Court for the State of Washington ("the Underlying Action"). (Harper Decl. (Dkt. # 71) Ex. E.) MidMountain brought claims for breach of contract, warranty, indemnity and defense, and duty to procure insurance against the defendants, as well as a claim for default on contract against Mattila. (Id.) MidMountain's complaint included the allegation that "[n]ear the end of Mattila's work on the project, but before Mattila completed its contractual obligations, Mattila refused to complete its work and walked off the Project in breach of its contractual obligations...." (Id. Ex. E ¶ 2.24.)
King County answered MidMountain's complaint ("the Answer") and counterclaimed ("the Counterclaim"), alleging that MidMountain was liable for property damage arising out of the subcontractors' work. (Harper Decl. Ex. F.) In its Answer, King County admitted that "the MCB installation by Mattila was defective and has led to water entry and resulting property damage to completed components other than Mattila's own work." (Id. Ex. F ¶ 2.25.) The Counterclaim alleged that "Mattila's waterproofing installation was determined to have been faulty causing the product to fail in its essential purpose...." (Id. Ex. F ¶ 10.7.) Additionally, the Counterclaim alleged that "[w]aterproofing-related damages were caused by MidMountain's acts and omissions" and that "[d]ue to the negligent waterproofing work, King County has incurred and will incur costs for repair and mitigation...." (Id. Ex. F. ¶ 10.12.)
On April 12, 2011, MidMountain tendered the Counterclaim to ASIC. (Id. Ex. G.) On May 19, 2011, MidMountain wrote to ASIC, claiming that ASIC had violated various regulatory provisions governing insurers and was in breach of its duty to defend. (Id. Ex. H.) On May 24, 2011, ASIC sent a letter to MidMountain responding to MidMountain's tender of the Counterclaim, reserving its rights, and asking for more information. (Id. Ex. I.) By letter dated June 3, 2011, MidMountain responded to ASIC's May 24, 2011 letter and accused ASIC of having breached its duty to defend under Washington law by failing to either accept or deny coverage. (Fisher Decl. Ex. 6.) On June 30, 2011, ASIC sent a letter to MidMountain agreeing to retain counsel to defend MidMountain subject to a reservation of rights. (Id. Ex. 7.) MidMountain rejected ASIC's offer of defense and refused ASIC's retained counsel. (Fisher Decl. Ex. 8.) ASIC responded that it remained ready to defend MidMountain. (Duany Decl. (Dkt. #93) Ex. 7.)
On June 23, 2011, after the stay in this case was lifted, MidMountain moved the court for leave to file an amended complaint that, among other things, contained additional claims against ASIC. (Dkt. # 23.) The court granted the motion. (Dkt. #40.) MidMountain's amended complaint seeks declaratory relief that: (1) MidMountain is excused from complying with any of the conditions imposed by the Policies because of ASIC's acts, omissions, and breaches; (2) ASIC's failure to respond to MidMountain's tender letter was unreasonable, frivolous, or unfounded; (3) ASIC's failure to defend or indemnify MidMountain with respect to the Counterclaim is unreasonable, frivolous, or unfounded; (4) ASIC has forfeited all rights of contribution and subrogation; (5) ASIC is estopped from denying coverage for any settlement, judgment, or award entered into or assessed against MidMountain; and (6) ASIC is not entitled to allocation between
Summary judgment is appropriate if the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, demonstrates "that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a); see also Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986); Galen v. Cnty. of L.A., 477 F.3d 652, 658 (9th Cir. 2007). The moving party bears the initial burden of showing there is no genuine issue of material fact and that he or she is entitled to prevail as a matter of law. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548. If the moving party meets his or her burden, then the non-moving party "must make a showing sufficient to establish a genuine dispute of material fact regarding the existence of the essential elements of his case that he must prove at trial" in order to withstand summary judgment. Galen, 477 F.3d at 658. The court is "required to view the facts and draw reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the [non-moving] party." Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 378, 127 S.Ct. 1769, 167 L.Ed.2d 686 (2007). Where cross-motions for summary judgment are at issue, the court "evaluate[s] each motion separately, giving the nonmoving party in each instance the benefit of all reasonable inferences." ACLU of Nev. v. City of Las Vegas, 466 F.3d 784, 790-91 (9th Cir.2006) (citations omitted); see also Friends of Columbia Gorge, Inc. v. Schafer, 624 F.Supp.2d 1253, 1263 (D.Or.2008).
Washington courts have long held that the duty to defend under an insurance contract is different from and broader than the duty to indemnify. Am. Best Food, Inc. v. Alea London, Ltd., 168 Wn.2d 398, 229 P.3d 693, 696 (2010) (citing Safeco Ins. Co. of Am. v. Butler, 118 Wn.2d 383, 823 P.2d 499, 504-05 (1992)). "The duty to defend arises when a complaint against the insured, construed liberally, alleges facts which could, if proven, impose liability upon the insured within the policy's coverage." Truck Ins. Exch. v. VanPort Homes, Inc., 147 Wn.2d 751, 58 P.3d 276, 281-82 (2002) (internal quotation omitted). "When the facts or the law affecting coverage is disputed, the insurer may defend under a reservation of rights until coverage is settled in a declaratory action." Am. Best Food, 229 P.3d at 696 (citing Truck Ins., 58 P.3d at 282). "[A]n insurer must defend until it is clear that the claim is not covered." Nat'l Sur. Corp. v. Immunex Corp., 162 Wn.App. 762, 256 P.3d 439, 445 (2011). The duty to indemnify, by contrast, exists only if the policy actually covers the insured's liability. Am. Best Food, 229 P.3d at 696.
The criteria for interpreting insurance policies in Washington are well settled. Courts construe insurance policies as contracts. Weyerhaeuser Co. v. Commercial Union Ins. Co., 142 Wn.2d 654, 15 P.3d 115, 122 (2000). Courts consider the policy as a whole and give it a "fair, reasonable, and sensible construction as would be given to the contract by the
MidMountain seeks a summary judgment ruling that ASIC owed it a duty to defend and that ASIC breached that duty as of May 24, 2011. (See generally MM Mot.) For the reasons explained below, the court concludes that King County's Counterclaim triggered ASIC's duty to defend as a matter of law, but that MidMountain has failed in its burden of establishing that ASIC breached that duty. The court therefore grants in part and denies in part MidMountain's motion for partial summary judgment.
The Washington Supreme Court recently summarized an insurer's duty to defend as follows:
Am. Best Food, 229 P.3d at 696 (citation and quotation omitted). "[T]o determine whether the duty to defend exists, [the] court examines the policy's insuring provisions to see if the complaint's allegations are conceivably covered. If covered, [the] court must then determine whether any exclusion clearly and unambiguously applies to bar coverage." Hayden v. Mut. of Enumclaw Ins. Co., 141 Wn.2d 55, 1 P.3d 1167, 1172 (2000).
The Policies state in relevant part: "We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of `bodily injury' or `property damage' to which this insurance applies. We will have the right and duty to defend the Insured against any `suit' seeking those damages." (Fisher Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0091.) Under the Additional Insured Endorsement, an "insured" includes "the person or organization, trustee, estate or Governmental entity with whom or to which you are obligated, by virtue of a legally enforceable written contract ... to provide insurance such as is afforded by this policy...." (Id. at ASIC0108.) "Coverage under this Endorsement applies only... for liability arising out of or relating to the Names [sic] Insured's negligence." (Id.) The ASIC Policies provide that the term "property damage" means "physical injury to tangible property," and the term
Here, the Policies conceivably cover the allegations in the Counterclaim. MidMountain qualifies as an "insured" within the meaning of the Additional Insured Endorsement because it had a legally enforceable contract with Mattila that provided for insurance coverage, and the Counterclaim alleges facts that could result in MidMountain being liable for Mattila's negligence. (See Harper Decl. Ex. F (Counterclaim) ¶¶ 10.7 ("Mattila's waterproofing installation was determined to have been faulty causing the product to fail in its essential purpose...."), 10.12 ("Due to the negligent waterproofing work, King County has incurred and will incur costs for repair and mitigation to the Pump Station building and equipment.").) These same allegations also established that King County claimed physical injury to tangible property (i.e. "property damage") that was the result of an accident (i.e. "occurrence"). See Dewitt Constr. Inc. v. Charter Oak Fire Ins. Co., 307 F.3d 1127, 1133 (9th Cir.2002) (holding that under Washington law, an "occurrence," defined in part as "accident," included a subcontractor's negligent construction). Additionally, although the Counterclaim is silent as to when the property damage manifested, ASIC had previously received information from MidMountain indicating that the property damage was apparent by May 8, 2009, which was within the covered period. (See Harper Decl. Ex. B at 4.) For these reasons, the court concludes that, as a matter of law, the allegations in the Counterclaim are conceivably covered by the Policies.
Next, the court must determine whether any exclusion "clearly and unambiguously" bars coverage. Hayden, 1 P.3d at 1172. MidMountain contends that none of the Policies' exclusions unequivocally apply to King County's counterclaims. (MM Mot. at 19-20.) ASIC, however, argues that Exclusions j(5) and j(6), as well as the Cross-Claim Exclusion, apply to bar coverage. (Resp. to MM Mot. (Dkt. # 91) at 19-22.) The court will address each exclusion in turn, bearing in mind that exclusions are strictly construed against the insurer because they are contrary to the protective purpose of insurance. See Diamaco, Inc. v. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 97 Wn.App. 335, 983 P.2d 707, 711 (1999). For the reasons explained below, the court concludes that none of the applicable exclusions bar coverage based on the allegations in the Counterclaim. As such, the Counterclaim triggered ASIC's duty to defend as a matter of law.
Exclusion j(5) provides that there is no coverage for "Property Damage" to "[t]hat particular part of real property on which you or any contractors or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on your behalf are performing operations, if the `property damage' arises out of those operations." (Fisher Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0073.) This exclusion applies only to damage that occurred at the time Mattila was performing operations. Dewitt Constr., 307 F.3d at 1135 (applying Washington law to policy language identical, in relevant part, to that of Exclusion j(5)); Canal Indem. Co. v. Adair Homes, Inc. ("Canal I"), 737 F.Supp.2d 1294, 1301 (W.D.Wash.2010), aff'd 445 Fed.Appx. 938 (9th Cir.2011) (concluding that exclusion identical to Exclusion j(5) "bars coverage for damages occurring during [the insured's] construction of the home"); Mid-Continent Cas. Co. v. Titan Constr. Corp.,
ASIC relies on Canal Indemnity Co. v. Adair Homes, Inc. ("Canal II"), 445 Fed. Appx. 938 (9th Cir.2011) (unpublished), and Harrison Plumbing & Heating, Inc. v. New Hampshire Insurance Group, 37 Wn.App. 621, 681 P.2d 875 (1984), to argue that Exclusion j(5) applies to operations during construction, as well as to direct damages stemming from the alleged defective construction, regardless of when those damages occurred. (Resp. to MM Mot. at 20-22.) Neither case changes the court's conclusion. First, as an unpublished disposition or order, Canal II is not binding on the court. See Ninth Cir. R. 36-3(a). The trial court order that Canal II affirmed, however, supports the court's conclusion that Exclusion j(5) applies only to property damages occurring during construction. See Canal I, 737 F.Supp.2d at 1301-02 ("[T]he plain and unambiguous language of the ongoing operations exclusion bars coverage for the Pearsons' property damages occurring during construction of the residence."). Second, Harrison Plumbing does not assist the court in interpreting the scope of Exclusion j(5) because it involved a differently worded exclusion. See Harrison Plumbing, 681 P.2d at 878-79 (construing policy that excluded "property damage ... to ... that particular part of any property, not on premises owned by or rented to the insured, ... the restoration, repair or replacement of which has been made or is necessary by reason of faulty workmanship thereon by or on behalf of the insured ...") (alterations in original). Accordingly, the court concludes that, based on the allegations in the Counterclaim, Exclusion j(5) does not bar coverage.
Exclusion j(6) provides that there is no coverage for "Property Damage" to "[t]hat particular part of any property that must be restored, repaired or replaced because `your work' was incorrectly performed on it." (Fisher Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0073.) Exclusion j(6), however, "does not apply to `property damage' included in the `products-completed operations hazard.'" (Id.) In other words, Exclusion j(6) is itself subject to an exception for damages included in the PCOH. If damages fall within the PCOH, then Exclusion j(6) does not apply. The PCOH includes in relevant part "all ... `property damage' occurring away from premises you own or rent and arising out of `your product' or `your work' except: (1) Products that are still within your physical possession; or (2) Work that has not yet been completed or abandoned." (Id. at ASIC0081.) The PCOH, therefore, is subject to its own exceptions. For the sake of clarity, the court provides the following summary of the exceptions relevant to Exclusion j(6). First, if Exclusion j(6) applies, then MidMountain is not entitled to coverage. If, however, the PCOH applies, then Exclusion j(6) does not apply. Nevertheless, if the damage at issue occurred while Mattila's work was still ongoing, then the PCOH does not apply, Exclusion j(6) does apply, and MidMountain is not entitled to coverage. See Mid-Continent, 2009 WL 1587215, at *4 (interpreting identical policy language).
The court declines to follow Clarendon here. Under Washington law, the court must give the Policies a "fair, reasonable, and sensible construction as would be given to the contract by the average person purchasing insurance." Weyerhaeuser, 15 P.3d at 122 (quoting Am. Nat'l Fire Ins., 951 P.2d at 256). When a clause is susceptible to two or more reasonable interpretations, the clause is considered ambiguous and it is construed in favor of the insured. Id. The term "abandon" is not defined in the ASIC Policies, and it is susceptible to at least two reasonable interpretations when read in context. "The term could, for example, be read as requiring only that the insured have `abandoned' its work, or as requiring that all parties to the construction contract have `abandoned' the project." Thomas v. Nautilus Ins. Co., No. CV 11-40-M-DWM-JCL, 2011 WL 4369519, at *10 (D.Mont. Aug. 24, 2011) (construing a PCOH clause identical to the one at issue here).
The Cross-Claim Exclusion in the Policies excludes "[a]ny claim or `suit' for damages by any insured against another insured." (Fisher Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0090.) As discussed previously, a "suit" is defined as "a civil proceeding in which damages because of ... `property damage' ... to which this insurance applies are alleged." (Id. Ex. 1 at ASIC0081.) The Additional Insured Endorsement amended the definition of who is an insured under the Policies to include an organization or governmental entity "to which you are obligated, by virtue of a
The Counterclaim includes allegations that strongly suggest, but do not "clearly and unambiguously" allege, that Mattila was contractually obligated to provide King County with insurance. (See, e.g., Harper Decl. Ex. F ¶ 10. 14 ("MidMountain also had a duty to ensure that its subcontractors provided insurance that added King County as an additional insured.").) Indeed, even if MidMountain had a duty to ensure that Mattila included King County as an additional insured, such an allegation does not clearly and unambiguously establish that Mattila entered into a legally enforceable written contract to provide King County with insurance. Furthermore, although an insurer may consider facts outside of the complaint under certain circumstances to trigger the duty to defend, it "may not rely on facts extrinsic to the complaint to deny the duty to defend." Woo v. Fireman's Fund Ins. Co., 161 Wn.2d 43, 164 P.3d 454, 459 (2007). Thus, ASIC could not look beyond the Counterclaim to determine whether Mattila was contractually obligated to provide King County with insurance in order to deny a defense. As such, the Cross-Claim Exclusion does not exclude a duty to defend based on the allegations in the Counterclaim.
Because the court has concluded that, as a matter of law, the Counterclaim triggered ASIC's duty to defend, it must consider whether MidMountain is entitled to a summary judgment ruling that ASIC breached its duty to defend. (MM Mot. at 21-23.) Here, there is no dispute that on June 30, 2011, ASIC agreed to defend MidMountain under a reservation of rights and retained defense counsel to defend MidMountain to the extent that MidMountain faced liability arising out of Mattila's negligence.
MidMountain's first argument is premised on the assumption that the February 2011 mediation qualified as a "suit" within the meaning of the Policies. Washington courts have not yet considered whether pre-litigation mediation, like the February 2011 mediation here, would fall within the meaning of a "suit" as defined by the Policies. Insurance commentator Allan Windt, however, has explained why pre-litigation mediation should not qualify as a "suit":
Windt, Insurance Claims & Disputes, § 4:1 n. 3 (5th ed. 2007). The court agrees with this analysis, and therefore concludes that, as a matter of law, ASIC did not owe MidMountain a duty to defend it at the February 2011 mediation.
MidMountain's second argument is that ASIC's two-and-a-half month delay in offering to provide a defense was a breach of the duty to defend. (MM Mot. at 21-23.) MidMountain's argument is unavailing, and the cases its relies upon are distinguishable. MidMountain relies primarily on Newmont USA Ltd. v. American Home Assurance Co., 676 F.Supp.2d 1146 (E.D.Wash.2009). (MM Mot. at 22.) In Newmont, the court concluded that one insurer breached its duty to defend by failing to ever respond to the tender of defense, and that a second insurer breached its duty to defend by failing accept defense until two years after tender. Newmont, 676 F.Supp.2d at 1161-62; see also Ledcor Indus. (USA), Inc. v. Mut. of Enumclaw Ins. Co., No. 59705-1-I, 2008 WL 4651130 (Wash.Ct.App. Oct. 20, 2008) (finding that 13-month delay between tender and acceptance of defense breached duty to defend); Kirby v. Hartford Casualty Insurance Co., No. CIV.A. 3:02-CV-1616-L, 2004 WL 2165367 (N.D.Tex. Sept. 23, 2004) (finding that delay of approximately one year breached the duty to defend). By contrast, here, ASIC accepted its duty to defend only two-and-a-half months after receiving MidMountain's claim. This instant matter is more analogous to Cardenas v. Navigators Insurance Co., No. C11-5578 RJB, 2011 WL 6300253 (W.D.Wash. Dec. 16, 2011), in which there was a two-month delay between tender and acceptance of a defense, and the court found that there was no breach of contract. Id. at *2, *4. Accordingly, the court concludes that MidMountain has failed to present facts establishing that ASIC breached its duty to defend by offering to provide a defense two-and-a-half months after MidMountain's tender.
ASIC argues that it is entitled to summary judgment because it did not breach its duty to defend MidMountain prior to accepting defense and that it is absolved of any duties to MidMountain under the Policies because MidMountain breached the insurance contract by rejecting ASIC's offer of defense. (ASIC Mot.
ASIC argues that it is entitled to summary judgment because it did not breach its duty to defend MidMountain. (Id. at 11-12.) For the reasons described above with respect to MidMountain's motion, the court agrees with ASIC that the undisputed evidence establishes that it did not breach its duty to defend in either refusing to defend MidMountain at the February 2011 mediation or by accepting its duty to defend two-and-a-half months after receiving MidMountain's tender. Accordingly, the court grants ASIC's motion on this issue.
ASIC argues that MidMountain's rejection of ASIC's offered defense is a material breach of the insurance policies, and therefore it is relieved of all of its obligations under the Policies. (Id. at 13-19.) In particular, ASIC contends that MidMountain breached its contractual duties to cooperate with ASIC and to refrain from incurring any expense without ASIC's consent. (Id. at 18.) The Policies contain a "cooperation" clause, which states in relevant part: "You and any other involved insured must: ... (3) Cooperate with us in the investigation or settlement of the claim or defense against the `suit' ...." (Fisher Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0078.) Additionally, the Policies include a "voluntary payment" clause, which provides in relevant part: "No insured will, expect at the Insured's own cost, voluntarily make a payment, assume any obligation, or incur any expense ... without our consent." (Id.)
Under Washington law, where an insured breaches a "cooperation" or "voluntary payment" clause of an insurance policy, the insurer is not relieved of its duties under the insurance policy unless it can show that the failure to cooperate or the voluntary payment caused it "actual and substantial prejudice." Mut. of Enumclaw Ins. Co. v. USF Ins. Co., 164 Wn.2d 411, 191 P.3d 866, 876 (2008); Griffin v. Allstate Ins. Co., 108 Wn.App. 133, 29 P.3d 777, 783 (2001).
Here, ASIC's entire argument in support of summary judgment on this issue focuses on whether MidMountain's actions breached the Policies, and it wholly fails to address the issue of prejudice. (See generally ASIC Mot.; Reply to ASIC Mot. (Dkt. # 108).) Because prejudice is an essential element of ASIC's claim that it is relieved of all duties under the Policies, and ASIC has failed to satisfy its initial summary judgment burden on this essential element, the court denies ASIC's motion for summary judgment on the issue of whether MidMountain's actions relieved ASIC of its obligations under the Policies.
ASIC next argues that it is entitled to summary judgment because it has no duty to defend as coverage is precluded by Exclusions j(5) and j(6) of the Policies.
As discussed above with respect to MidMountain's motion, the relevant issue with respect to Exclusion j(5) is whether the damage occurred at the time Mattila was performing its operations. See Dewitt Constr., 307 F.3d at 1135; Mid-Continent, 2009 WL 1587215, at *3. Although the undisputed evidence establishes that Mattila walked off the job, ASIC has not presented any evidence regarding when the damage occurred in relation to Mattila's departure from the Project. As such, a reasonable jury, viewing the evidence in MidMountain's favor, would be unable to conclude that the damage occurred while Mattila's operations were continuing. The mere fact that Mattila did not complete its work does not satisfy ASIC's summary judgment burden of establishing that the damage occurred at the time Mattila was performing its operations. Because ASIC has presented no evidence establishing when the damage occurred, is not entitled to a ruling that Exclusion j(5) bars coverage here.
Similarly, ASIC has not presented evidence establishing the applicability of Exclusion j(6). As discussed above, the court has concluded that the term "abandon" is ambiguous and thus construed it in MidMountain's favor to require only that the insured "abandon" its work. See Weyerhaeuser, 15 P.3d at 122. Here, the undisputed evidence establishes that Mattila walked off the project, and a reasonable
ASIC argues that summary judgment in its favor is warranted because MidMountain is not entitled to indemnification under the Cross-Claims Exclusion. (ASIC Mot. at 21-22.) As discussed above, the plain language of the Policies excludes coverage for suits between entities to which Mattila is obligated, by virtue of a legally enforceable written contract, to provide CGL insurance. Although ASIC was limited to the four-corners of the Counterclaim in determining whether its duty to defend was triggered, the court is not so limited in determining whether indemnity is in fact provided by the Policies. The subcontract between MidMountain and Mattila requires Mattila to obtain an endorsement to its CGL insurance that "names [MidMountain] and [King County] as additional insureds for claims arising out of subcontractor's work...." (Mills Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC1664; see also id. Ex. 1 at ASIC1656.) As such, because Mattila was contractually required to provide insurance to both MidMountain and King County, the plain language of the Cross-Claim Exclusion bars coverage here.
MidMountain makes several arguments against application of the Cross-Claim Exclusion, none of which the court finds persuasive. First, it argues that the Cross-Claim Exclusion is ambiguous as to whether it bars coverage for a suit against an "Additional Insured," as opposed to an "insured." (MM Supp. Br. (Dkt. # 132) at 3.) According to MidMountain, because the Policies use "insureds" and "Additional Insureds" together in certain sections, they must have different meanings. (Id. at 4 (citing Fisher Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0091-92 (Contractors Prior Manifestation Amendment of the Insuring Agreement Endorsement)).) MidMountain contends that ASIC's failure to expressly use the term "Additional Insureds" in the Cross-Claim Exclusion must be construed against it and should not be construed to include "Additional Insureds" when that term is not used expressly. (Id. (citing Lynott v. Nat'l Union Fire Ins. Co., 123 Wn.2d 678, 871 P.2d 146 (1994) ("In evaluating the insurer's claim as to the meaning of language used, courts necessarily consider whether alternative or more precise language, if used, would have put the matter beyond reasonable question.")).) The Cross-Claim Exclusion, however, clearly and unambiguously includes Additional Insureds who qualify as such based on a legally enforceable contract and are therefore included in the amended definition of "insureds" provided in the Additional Insured Endorsement. (See Fischer Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0108.) That one endorsement uses both "insured" and "Additional Insured" may suggest that the terms have different meanings, but it does not establish that the terms are mutually exclusive. Indeed, under the only Additional Insured Endorsement contained in the Policies, all "Additional Insureds" qualify as "insureds" because the endorsement amended the definition of "insured." (See id.) Under these facts, the court does not find the Policies' use of the term "insured" ambiguous as to whether it includes MidMountain and King County; there is only one reasonable interpretation of the Additional Insured Endorsement, which is that MidMountain and King County are both "insureds" under the Policies.
Finally, MidMountain asserts that ASIC is judicially estopped to claim that King County is an insured because ASIC took the opposite position in a state court action brought by King County against the parties to the instant dispute. (Resp. to ASIC Mot. (Dkt. #105) at 10-11; MM Supp. Br. at 2-3.) MidMountain points to ASIC's answer to King County's complaint in that action, in which ASIC "denied that King County qualifies as an additional insured under [the Policies]." (Resp. to ASIC Mot. at 11 (quoting Supp. Harper Decl. (Dkt. #98) Ex. A (ASIC Ans. to Compl. in Case No. 11-2-36992-7 SEA) ¶ 3.11).) Based on ASIC's answer, MidMountain contends that ASIC cannot now assert that King County is an insured. (Id.) ASIC responds that it has never taken an inconsistent position with respect to King County; rather, it has consistently maintained that King County is not entitled to coverage for the tendered "suit," regardless of whether King County is an insured under the Policies. (Reply to ASIC Mot. at 7.)
"Judicial estoppel precludes a party from gaining an advantage by taking one position, and then seeking a second advantage by taking an incompatible position." Hartford Fire Ins. Co. v. Leahy, 774 F.Supp.2d 1104, 1114-15 (W.D.Wash. 2011) (citing Rissetto v. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 343, 94 F.3d 597, 600 (9th Cir.1996)). Judicial estoppel is applied "because of `general consideration^] of the orderly administration of justice and regard for the dignity of judicial proceedings,' and to `protect against a litigant playing fast and loose with the courts.'" Hamilton v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 270 F.3d 778, 782 (9th Cir.2001) (quoting Russell v. Rolfs, 893 F.2d 1033, 1037 (9th Cir.1990)). "Judicial estoppel applies to a party's stated position whether it is an expression of intention, statement of fact, or a legal assertion." Leahy, 774 F.Supp.2d at 1115 (citing Wagner v. Prof'l Eng'rs in Cal. Gov't, 354 F.3d 1036, 1044 (9th Cir.2004)). As this court explained in Leahy:
Leahy, 774 F.Supp.2d at 1115.
The court concludes that judicial estoppel is not appropriately applied to the instant dispute. Although the court agrees with MidMountain that the language in ASIC's answer appears contrary to ASIC's current position that King County is an insured, the court also recognizes the consistency in ASIC's position that King County is not entitled to coverage for the tendered "suit." Furthermore, there is no evidence in the record that ASIC has successfully advanced its position in the state court action, or that it is playing "fast and loose" with the courts. Additionally, there is no evidence in the record that ASIC would obtain an unfair advantage or that MidMountain would suffer an unfair detriment if the court allows ASIC to assert that King County is an insured. Finally, the court notes that ASIC's representation regarding King County's status as an additional insured was made in a pleading that can be amended to more accurately reflect ASIC's consistent position that King County is not entitled to coverage for the tendered "suit" under the Policies. Wash. Superior Ct. C.R. 15 (permitting amendment even after trial to conform pleadings to evidence at trial). For these reasons, the court declines to foreclose ASIC's Cross-Claim Exclusion argument on the basis of judicial estoppel.
In sum, the court grants ASIC's motion for summary judgment on the issue of whether MidMountain is entitled to indemnification under the Policies for any liability arising out of the Counterclaim in the Underlying Action.
ASIC next argues that MidMountain's claims must fail because it has not suffered any damages given that it has received a complete defense from other insurers. (ASIC Mot. at 22-23.) In response, MidMountain has presented evidence that it is not receiving a "complete" defense because it has incurred over $250,000.00 in unreimbursed legal fees, costs, and other expenses in defending King County's counterclaims. (Supp. Mills Decl. (Dkt. #99) ¶ 3.) As such, genuine issues of material fact preclude summary judgment, and the court denies summary judgment on this issue.
As an alternative ground for summary judgment, ASIC contends that the Policies are excess over the Virginia Surety Company, Inc. ("Virginia Surety") and National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA ("NUFIC") policies under which MidMountain is an additional insured. (ASIC Mot. at 23-24.) The whole of ASIC's argument on this issue in its motion is as follows:
(Id.) In response, MidMountain asserts that ASIC failed to provide enough information to the court to satisfy its initial summary judgment burden because, among other things, ASIC failed to provide the court with copies of all of the applicable insurance policies, which is necessary for the court to evaluate the applicability of the "other insurance" clause in the Policies. (Resp. to ASIC Mot. at 13-14 (citing Weyerhaeuser, 15 P.3d at 115).) In support of its position, MidMountain relies on the rule of law in Washington that, generally, when two insurance policies each contain "other insurance" clauses purporting to make each policy excess of the other, the clauses are mutually repugnant and thus have no effect. (Id. at 14 (citing Pac. Indem. Co. v. Federated Am. Ins. Co., 76 Wn.2d 249, 456 P.2d 331 (1969), overruled on other grounds by Mission Ins. Co. v. Allendale Mut. Ins. Co., 95 Wn.2d 464, 626 P.2d 505 (1981)).) MidMountain also argues that even if the Policies were excess, it would merely create an issue among the three insurers over apportionment and would not be grounds to relieve ASIC of its liability to MidMountain. (Id. at 15 (citing Armstrong World Indus., Inc. v. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 45 Cal.App.4th 1, 105-06, 52 Cal.Rptr.2d 690 (Cal.Ct.App.1996)).)
Along with its reply brief, ASIC submitted excerpts from the Virginia Surety and NUFIC policies, namely the additional insured endorsements and the "other insurance" clauses. (See Supp. Duany Decl. (Dkt. #109) Exs. 17, 18.) The "other insurance" clauses in the Virginia Surety and NUFIC policies provided that the policies were excess to "[a]ny other primary insurance available to you covering liability for damages arising out of the premises or operations ... for which you have been added as an additional insured." (Id. Exs. 17, 18.) As such, these clauses are materially identical to the "other insurance" clause in the Policies. ASIC nevertheless asserts in its reply that "[t]he plain language of the other insurance clauses demonstrates that the ASIC policies are excess over the Virginia Surety and NUFIC policies." (Reply to ASIC Mot. at 9.) ASIC offers no further explanation for why this is so, particularly in light of the materially identical "other insurance" clauses in the three policies.
The court concludes that ASIC has failed to satisfy its summary judgment burden of establishing that the Policies are excess over the Virginia Surety and NUFIC policies. Under Washington law, when policies contain similar provisions at the same coverage level, "other insurances" clauses in each policy purporting to make the policy excess over the other policy are disregarded as "mutually repugnant." Polygon Nw. Co. v. Am. Nat'l Fire Ins., 143 Wn.App. 753, 189 P.3d 777, 778 (2008) (citing Pac. Indem. Co., 456 P.2d at 331). Here, the three applicable policies contain materially identical "other insurance" clauses. Therefore, each purports to be excess of the others. Yet ASIC has failed to explain why the "other insurance" clause in its Policies should trump those in the Virginia Surety and NUFIC policies. The scant discussion provided by ASIC does not satisfy its dual burdens of establishing entitlement to summary judgment, see Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, and "to an exclusion of liability based upon the existence of other insurance," Weyerhaeuser, 15 P.3d at 127. Accordingly, the court denies ASIC's motion for summary judgment on the issue of whether its Policies are excess.
Finally, ASIC argues that any defense obligation was eliminated as of November 29, 2011, when the court in the Underlying Action dismissed Mattila with prejudice pursuant to the parties' stipulation. (ASIC Mot. at 24.) ASIC's position is premised on the doctrine of res judicata, which ASIC maintains is a bar to any claim by MidMountain or King County that King County is seeking damages because of Mattila's negligence so as to trigger the additional insured coverage under the Policies. (Id.) According to ASIC, because any potential for liability arising out of Mattila's negligence has now been eliminated, there can no longer be a defense obligation. (Id.)
The court is not persuaded by ASIC's arguments. The Additional Insured Endorsement does not require that Mattila be the subject of a lawsuit or otherwise held liable for its own negligence. Rather, MidMountain is covered under the endorsement "for liability arising out of or relating to the Names [sic] Insured's negligence." (Fischer Decl. Ex. 1 at ASIC0108 (emphasis added).) Even if Mattila is no longer a party to the Underlying Action, it remains possible that MidMountain will be held liable for damages "arising out of or relating to" Mattila's negligence. ASIC has cited no case law that dictates the result it advocates here, and the court declines to adopt its position. Accordingly, the court denies ASIC's motion for summary judgment on this issue.
For the foregoing reasons, the court GRANTS in part and DENIES in part MidMountain's motion for partial summary judgment regarding ASIC's duty to defend (Dkt. # 70) and GRANTS in part and DENIES in part ASIC's cross-motion for summary judgment (Dkt. # 101). The court orders MidMountain and ASIC to file a joint status report within 14 days of the date of this order identifying any claims remaining for trial in light of the court's rulings on the cross-motions for summary judgment.
