MICHAEL J. DAVIS, Chief Judge.
This case involves claims by the owners of the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr., a one thousand foot freight ship which was damaged when it struck debris as it attempted to berth at a Superior, Wisconsin dock on January 14, 2008. The accident opened a large gash in the McCarthy's hull and is alleged to have caused more than four million dollars in damage. The McCarthy's owners brought suit against the various defendants named above, all of whom are alleged to have played a role in the accident. This case proceeded through
The parties have now filed a series of motions, asking the Court to grant summary judgment in their favor on questions of liability and various other legal issues. The general rule of the federal maritime law that governs this case provides that all parties responsible for the accident shall be liable for the damages. Damages are apportioned among the responsible parties according to their relative contribution to the accident.
This Court cannot grant summary judgment where material factual disputes persist; fact issues are for a jury at trial. Because of the numerous factual disputes that remain in this case, the Court cannot determine at this stage the total amount of damages caused by the accident, which parties are liable for the damages, or to what extent the each of the responsible parties contributed to the accident.
Although the Court concludes that the majority of the issues raised by the parties must be resolved by a jury, the Court has granted summary judgment on a few limited issues. The Pennsylvania Rule is maritime rule which comes into play when a party involved in an accident has violated certain maritime statutes and regulations. The Court concludes that the undisputed evidence shows that Hallett Dock Co., the owner of the dock at which the McCarthy was damaged, violated one or more maritime rules when it created and failed to mark debris in the slip where the McCarthy was to be berthed. The burden at trial will therefore fall on Hallett to prove that its negligence did not contribute to the accident.
The Court also concludes that certain warranty claims advanced by the McCarthy's owners are not supported by the law or the evidence developed in discovery. Such claims need not proceed to a jury and will be dismissed.
This matter is before the Court on: (1) a motion for partial summary judgment by Plaintiffs American Steamship Company and Armstrong Steamship Company (collectively, "ASC") against all Defendants on the issue of damages [Docket No. 164]; (2) a motion for partial summary judgment by ASC against Defendant Hallett Dock Company ("Hallett") [Docket No. 160]; (3) a motion for partial summary judgment by Hallett [Docket No. 168]; (4) a motion for summary judgment by Defendant Fraser Shipyards, Inc. [Docket No. 173]; (5) a motion for partial summary judgment by Defendant Chris Jensen & Son, Inc. [Docket No. 156]; and (6) a motion for partial summary judgment by Defendants RJS Construction LLC and Reuben Johnson & Son, Inc. [Docket No. 151]. ASC and Hallet have also moved to supplement the record [Docket Nos. 266, 276, 311], and ASC has moved to strike Hallett's motion [Docket No. 286]. The Court heard oral argument on Friday, October 28, 2011.
This case arises out of an accident involving the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. ("McCarthy"), a one thousand foot freight ship owned and operated by ASC. On January 14, 2008, the McCarthy struck underwater debris as it was entering a slip at a Superior, Wisconsin dock owned by Hallett.
The McCarthy accident occurred at Hallett Dock Number 8 ("Dock No. 8"), a commercial dock and commodity storage site on the south shore of the Duluth/Superior Harbor. Dock No. 8 runs north from the shore alongside a slip which is 2,200-2,300 feet long and 151 feet wide. Dock No. 8 is used primarily to load and unload bulk commodities.
In October 2006, a 180 foot section of the dock wall collapsed into the slip. The collapsed area began approximately 330 to 250 feet north of the southern end of the slip and ended approximately 510 to 540 feet north of the south end of the slip. A concrete and rebar mooring house measuring 10 by 10 by 12 feet fell into the slip near the north end of the collapsed section.
In the spring of 2007 Hallett hired Marine Tech, LLC to replace the collapsed dock section and to clean up debris that fell into the slip. Marine Tech reconstructed the dock, installing a new dock wall, pilings, and six new yellow mooring bollards, which are used to tie up ships at the dock. This work was completed in the summer of 2007. Marine Tech also dredged some portion of the slip where the dock collapsed, but it did not remove all of the debris before the winter. In October or November 2007, Marine Tech conducted soundings of the slip to determine the depth of the slip at five foot intervals. The soundings revealed an area several feet shallower than surrounding areas. (First Alcazar Decl. [Docket No. 163], Ex. 12.) All areas north of the first new yellow bollard appear to have been clear and unobstructed during the winter of 2007-2008.
While Hallett had marked the area containing the debris using buoys, it is undisputed that the buoys were removed before the winter and there were no physical warnings of debris in or around the slip as of January 2008.
ASC marine superintendent Ken Gliwa visited Dock No. 8 in September 2007 to assess whether it would be suitable for the McCarthy's "winter layup" — a time when the ship is docked to perform maintenance and to avoid extreme winter conditions. That month, Gliwa sent a letter to Hallett reserving the dock, and Hallett agreed to "provide mooring for [the McCarthy] during the winter layup period." (First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 7.) ASC contends that this agreement called for Hallett to assist with the mooring by providing guiding, spotting, and tie-up services. Hallett denies that it agreed to provide such services, asserting that it agreed only to allow ASC to moor the McCarthy at Dock No. 8. In exchange for mooring the ship at Dock No. 8, ASC agreed to pay for a new electrical service at the dock. (First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 9.)
ASC entered into a separate agreement with Defendant Fraser Shipyard Shipyards, Inc. ("Fraser"), under which Fraser would repair the McCarthy over the winter and also "provide line and anchor handling" upon the McCarthy's arrival for
ASC alleges that Al Desmond, the McCarthy's Chief Engineer, had a telephone conversation with Hallett President Mike McCoshen on December 6, 2007, and during that conversation McCoshen told Desmond that the debris in the slip had been cleaned up and that the slip was at least 21 feet deep up to 1,800 feet back from the opening of the slip. (Desmond Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 14 at 314:9-13.) Desmond typed notes to that effect. (First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 13.) McCoshen states that he does not recall such a conversation and denies that he would have given the information alleged by Desmond because that information would have been "incomplete or erroneous." (McCoshen Aff., Hornig Aff. [Docket No. 226], Ex. A, ¶¶ 8-9, 15-16.)
A pre-arrival meeting was held at Dock No. 8 on January 10, 2008 ("the January 10 meeting"). Present at that meeting were Gliwa, McCoshen, and Mike Podgorak. Podgorak is a truck supervisor employed by Defendant Chris Jenson & Son (CJS). Podgorak has testified that he attended the meeting in place of Dave Whitehead, a Fraser employee, and also to represent Defendant Reuben Johnson, which had been asked to provide snow removal services at the dock. (Podgorak Dep., Fourth Alcazar Decl. [Docket No. 224], Ex. 11 at 92:5-9, 112:1-17.) Gliwa has asserted that he believed Podgorak to be a Fraser employee who was also at the meeting to represent Reuben Johnson and Defendant RJS Construction LLC. (Gliwa Aff., Fourth Alcazar Decl., Ex. 8, ¶ 3.)
While the parties present at the meeting have differing recollections, all agree that McCoshen stated that the McCarthy should be docked north of the first yellow bollard. They disagree about the extent to which McCoshen explained that there was debris in the slip past that point or warned that the debris posed a danger.
According to Gliwa, he advised both McCoshen and Podgorak that he would be traveling the weekend before the docking of the McCarthy and that there was a chance that he would not be present when the McCarthy arrived at Dock No. 8. (Gliwa Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 11 at 207:9-21.) McCoshen remembers that Gliwa told him about his travel plans but denies that Gliwa told him that he might not be back by January 14. (McCoshen Aff. ¶ 14.)
Podgorak has testified that, after the January 10 meeting, he communicated the intended docking location to Whitehead twice before January 14. (Podgorak Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 15 at 19:19-20, 145:12-147:17.)
On January 13, 2008, Bryon Petz, a McCarthy crew member called McCoshen. Petz has testified that McCoshen confirmed the depth figures that he had allegedly given to Desmond in the December 6 phone call, indicating that there was at least 21 feet of water 1,800 feet into the slip. (Petz Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 18 at 24:3-8.)
The McCarthy arrived at the head of the slip at approximately 9:45 a.m. on January 14, 2008. Due to a flight problem, Gliwa was not able to be present that morning. Tug boats were used to break up the ice which covered the slip. At around 10:00 a.m. Podgorak and Fraser employee Dave Whitehead drove to the dock. According to Podgorak, he then told Whitehead for
Whitehead returned to the dock. According to McCarthy crewmembers, Whitehead and two other Fraser employees proceeded to guide or "spot" the McCarthy from a truck on the dock. (Desmond Dep., Fourth Alcazar Decl., Ex. 17 at 96:2-25.) The Fraser employees spoke with the ship's crew through an engine room door in the stern of the ship and via radio. Whitehead has stated that he suggested backing the McCarthy further into the slip, but denies that he was acting as a spotter. Hallett Dock Superintendent Clyde Jago was also on the dock, but he apparently observed the docking from a distance and did not communicate with the crew of the McCarthy or the Fraser spotters.
The McCarthy initially came to a stop approximately 50 to 100 feet north of the first yellow bollard. According to the McCarthy crewmembers, Whitehead directed the McCarthy to proceed further south because a Fraser crane to be used for lay-up maintenance and repairs would not be able to reach the McCarthy from the location north of the yellow bollard. (Desmond Aff., Fourth Alcazar Decl., Ex. 17, ¶¶ 10-13.) The McCarthy had some difficulty following Whitehead's instruction to move further south, apparently on account of ice in the slip. When the McCarthy was finally able to proceed backward, it shortly thereafter struck something which caused a seven by four foot hole in the ship's hull. No one on the dock told had instructed the McCarthy's crew not to proceed past the first yellow bollard or warned them about the debris.
The gash in the McCarthy's hull caused significant damage. As a result of the holing, water flooded part of the engine room, damaging the diesel motors and other mechanical equipment. A large piece of concrete and rebar was later found inside of the engine compartment. The McCarthy became grounded next to the slip. Immediately after the holing and flooding, Gliwa arranged for the delivery of heaters and generators to prevent the water in the engine room from freezing. Fraser's employees also took steps to mitigate damage and prevent the McCarthy from becoming a total constructive loss.
Jared Aquilla, a marine surveyor from North American Marine, Inc. ("NAM"), arrived shortly after the incident to assess the damage and oversee the necessary repairs. Aquilla worked with Pierre Pelletreau (ASC's Fleet Engineer), Fraser, and other subcontractors to oversee repairs to the McCarthy. Repairs to the McCarthy were completed on May 6, 2008. On February 19, 2009, Aquilla submitted a Report of Survey which listed necessary repairs and assessed the reasonableness of the charges. (Second Alcazar Decl. [Docket No. 167], Ex. 9.) The report lists the following items as the sources of ASC's repair costs and other expenses: hull and cleanup; propulsion; generators; electrical; auxiliary machinery; crew expenses; and miscellaneous expenses. Aquilla also submitted an expert report on February 25, 2011 at ASC's request. Aquilla's report identified three categories of expenses related to the holing and flooding of the
ASC filed a six count complaint against the various defendants, alleging negligence (Count I), breach of contract (Count II), breach of implied warranty of workmanlike performance (Count III), breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose (Count IV), breach of express warranty (Count V), and negligent misrepresentation (Count VI). Discovery ensued, producing voluminous records and conflicting deposition testimony. The parties have now moved for summary judgment on a variety of different issues:
(1) ASC has moved for partial summary judgment on the amount of damages that it sustained as a result of the holing and sinking of the McCarthy. (2) ASC has also moved for a partial summary judgment ruling that Hallett was at fault for the accident. (3) Hallett, in turn, has moved for a summary judgment ruling that it was not at fault for the accident. Hallett further argues that summary judgment is warranted as to Counts III and IV and also as to ASC's claim for damages related to anti-pollution efforts. (4) Fraser has moved for summary judgment as to all counts. (5) Chris Jensen & Son has moved for summary judgment as to Counts II, III, IV, and V. (6) Finally, Reuben Johnson and RJS Construction LLC have moved for summary judgment on all counts.
Summary judgment is appropriate if, viewing all facts in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a); Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322-23, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). The party seeking summary judgment bears the burden of showing that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact. Id. at 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548. Summary judgment is appropriate only when "there is no dispute of fact and where there exists only one conclusion." Crawford v. Runyon, 37 F.3d 1338, 1341 (8th Cir.1994) (citation omitted).
"Only disputes over facts that might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law will properly preclude the entry of summary judgment." Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). "Factual disputes that are irrelevant or unnecessary will not be counted." Id. "[I]n ruling on a motion for summary judgment, the nonmoving party's evidence `is to be believed, and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in [that party's] favor.'" Hunt v. Cromartie, 526 U.S. 541, 552, 119 S.Ct. 1545, 143 L.Ed.2d 731 (1999).
Three motions have been filed to supplement the factual record in this case. In each instance the parties' have sought to include newly produced evidence. As the Court already indicated at oral argument, the Court will grant the two motions made prior to the hearing. [Docket Nos. 266 & 276.] The Court will also grant Hallett's more recent motion to supplement the record. [Docket No. 311.]
ASC seeks summary judgment that it has established over $4 million in "undisputed
The parties agree that this case falls under the Court's admiralty jurisdiction. See U.S. Const. Art. III, § 2.
E. River S.S. Corp. v. Transamerica Delaval, Inc., 476 U.S. 858, 864-865, 106 S.Ct. 2295, 90 L.Ed.2d 865 (1986) (citations and footnote omitted); see 1 Thomas J. Shoenbaum, Admiralty and Maritime Law § 4-1 (5th ed.2011). When necessary, relevant state law may be used to fill gaps in general maritime law. Spiller v. Thomas M. Lowe, Jr., & Associates, Inc., 466 F.2d 903, 910 n. 9 (8th Cir.1972) ("[I]t has long been held that even though admiralty suits are governed by federal substantive and procedural law, courts applying maritime law may adopt state law by express or implied reference or by virtue of the interstitial nature of federal law.").
In general maritime law, standard recovery for a vessel damaged in a collision or allision is the cost of repairs. The Baltimore, 75 U.S. 377, 386, 8 Wall. 377, 19 L.Ed. 463 (1869); see 2 Shoenbaum, supra, § 14-6. The owner is entitled to "sufficient damages to put his vessel into a condition as seaworthy and serviceable as before the collision." Pinto v. M/S Fernwood, 507 F.2d 1327, 1331-32 (1st Cir. 1974). Such damages are subject to a reasonableness determination. See, e.g., Zeller Marine Corp. v. Nessa Corp., 166 F.2d 32, 34 (2d Cir.1948). Other incidental costs paid during the course of repairs "are also fully recoverable if reasonably incurred." 2 Shoenbaum, supra, § 14-6 n. 12-n.21; see Pilot River Transp., Inc. v. Chic. & N.W. Transp. Co., 912 F.2d 967, 971 (8th Cir.1990).
Once the total level of damages is determined, those damages are allocated among the responsible parties. In United States v. Reliable Transfer Co., 421 U.S. 397, 411, 95 S.Ct. 1708, 44 L.Ed.2d 251 (1975), the Supreme Court abandoned the admiralty rule of divided damages — under which damages were equally divided between all responsible parties — in favor of allocating damages on a more familiar comparative fault basis. See In re Am. Milling Co., Ltd., 409 F.3d 1005, 1020 (8th Cir.2005). Thus, in this case, ASC will bear the burden of proving its total damages, and the inquiry will then shift to a determination of the contributing parties' comparative fault.
The "undisputed expenses" set forth by ASC break down as follows:
Repair Costs: $4,020,524.82 Surveying Costs: $ 146,178.90 Anti-Pollution Efforts: $ 132,906.36 _____________ TOTAL $4,299,610.08
ASC notes that Jared Aquilla of North American Marine surveyed the damaged vessel and oversaw its repair. Aquilla concluded that all the repairs done were necessary, reasonable, fair, and directly related to the January 2008 incident. ASC further points out that none of the Defendants have provided expert testimony which might contradict the amount of damages identified in Aquilla's report. ASC also highlights that some of Fraser's own employees, Gene Walroos and Mike Peterson, confirmed that the repairs done were necessary and reasonable. (See Walroos Dep., Second Alcazar Decl., Ex. 6 at 219:23-221:15; Peterson Dep., Second Alcazar Decl., Ex. 14 at 192:3-11.) ASC therefore contends that there are no genuine issues of material fact as to $4,299,610.08 of their claimed expenses. At the same time, ASC admits that there exists at least another $108,000 in "potentially disputed repair costs" in addition to the "undisputed" damages noted above.
Defendants contend that the amount of the repair costs is a disputed issue which must be proven by ASC at trial and which should be left to the jury. Defendants note that they have never admitted to the amount of expenses claimed by ASC and state that they will dispute at trial both the scope and reasonableness of such expenses. Hallet asserts, for example, that some of the repairs listed in Aquilla's report were already scheduled to occur during winter lay-up.
"The determination of the amount of damages is peculiarly within the province of the jury." Taylor v. Otter Tail Corp., 484 F.3d 1016, 1020 (8th Cir.2007) (citation omitted); see, e.g., Snyder v. City of Minneapolis, 441 N.W.2d 781, 789 (Minn.1989) ("Ordinarily, the amount and extent of damages is a question of fact."). For this reason, the Court declines to establish the damages "floor" upon which ASC seeks to stand. While there may be limited evidence to contradict ASC's evidence related to the majority of its damages claims, the Court cannot ignore a jury's important role in determining the proven damages. Such a determination will certainly take into consideration the documentation provided to the Court by ASC in support of its motion. The jury will also be entitled to examine the credibility of the expert opinions which underpin ASC's calculations and its assertions of reasonableness. Of course, in the event that Defendants do not contest the amount of expenses put forward by ASC at trial, then ASC may be entitled to move for judgment as a matter of law on the amount of damages before the case is put to the jury. See Hyundai Motor Finance Co. v. McKay Motors I, LLC, 574 F.3d 637, 642 (8th Cir.2009) (noting that judgment as a matter of law on the issue of damages is appropriate at trial where damages amount is truly "uncontested"). At this stage, however, and in light of ASC's own admission that at least some of its claimed expenses are genuinely disputed, the Court cannot fix the minimum damages amount as ASC has requested. The Court will therefore deny ASC's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment Against All Defendants on Damages Related to Repair Costs and Expenses.
As a result, the Court need not address Defendants' separate arguments about their contributory negligence and maritime salvage claims. Depending on the facts presented at trial, those claims may allow Defendants to reduce or offset liability for the damage caused to the McCarthy.
ASC claims that it incurred $132,906.36 in expenses for anti-pollution
Rule 17(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides that "[a]n action must be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest." To satisfy Rule 17(a), a plaintiff must "actually possess, under the substantive law, the right sought to be enforced." Curtis Lumber Co., Inc. v. La. Pac. Corp., 618 F.3d 762, 771 (8th Cir. 2010) (quoting United HealthCare Corp. v. Am. Trade Ins. Co., Ltd., 88 F.3d 563, 569 (8th Cir.1996)).
The parties agree that, in the absence of an applicable federal maritime rule, Minnesota law governs whether ASC possesses the right to seek compensation for the anti-pollution costs. See Spiller, 466 F.2d at 910 n. 9. Under Minnesota law,
Blair v. Espeland, 231 Minn. 444, 43 N.W.2d 274, 276 (1950). If, however, the "insured retains some interest in the cause of action, the suit may be brought in his name." Id.; see also Westendorf v. Stasson, 330 N.W.2d 699, 703 (Minn.1983) (explaining that, under the full recovery rule, "subrogation will not be allowed where the insured's total recovery is less than the insured's actual loss").
Defendants argue that because a protection and indemnity ("P & I") policy issued by the UK P & I Club reimbursed ASC for all costs associated with anti-pollution efforts, ASC does not possess a right to compensation for those expenses. In response, ASC argues that the anti-pollution costs were a necessary part of the overall recovery effort which ensued after the McCarthy accident. While ASC has been compensated for the anti-pollution expenses, those expenses make up only a small amount of the total expenses incurred as a result of the accident. ASC argues that it cannot be considered to have been "fully compensated" by UK P & I Club and, therefore, it is entitled to seek the full amount of the expenses relating to the repair of the McCarthy, including those arising from anti-pollution efforts.
ASC also argues that the UK P & I Club is not a necessary party under Rule 19. See Braniff Airways, Inc. v. Falkingham, 20 F.R.D. 141, 144 (D.Minn.1957) ("[While a] partial insurer subrogee is a real party in interest, he is only a proper party, not a necessary party, to a suit brought by the insured to recover the full loss."). ASC notes that UK P & I Club signed a formal ratification authorizing ASC to bring the suit and stating that ASC is a real party in interest.
Additionally, ASC argues that Defendants waived their right to raise this defense by failing to raise it with reasonable promptness. See United HealthCare Corp., 88 F.3d at 569 ("[A]n objection on real party in interest grounds should be raised with reasonable promptness in the trial court proceedings. If not raised in a timely or seasonable fashion, the general rule is that the objection is deemed waived.") (internal quotations and citations omitted). Plaintiffs point out that Fraser raised this defense over a year after it discovered the
The Court agrees that the real party in interest defense is untimely. Fraser could have raised its objection to the absence of UK P & I Club at a much earlier date than it did. In any event, the Court also concludes — based on ASC's incomplete compensation for its total losses and the agreement between ASC and the UK P & I Club — that ASC is a real party in interest with respect to the expenses related to anti-pollution efforts. The Court will therefore deny Hallett's motion for summary judgment on this issue.
ASC argues that undisputed evidence shows Hallett's fault for the McCarthy accident should be presumed because Hallett violated rules related to maritime safety and navigation.
The parties rely on two longstanding admiralty rules-the Oregon Rule and the Pennsylvania Rule. The Oregon Rule "raises a presumption that a vessel's crew was negligent when a vessel strikes a stationary object." Union Pac. R.R. Co. v. Kirby Inland Marine, Inc. of Miss., 296 F.3d 671, 673 (8th Cir.2002) (citing The Oregon, 158 U.S. 186, 197, 15 S.Ct. 804, 39 L.Ed. 943 (1895)). The Pennsylvania Rule is another longstanding admiralty principle, which shifts the burden to a defendant if it failed to comply with statutory safety rules.
Union Pac. R.R. Co., 296 F.3d at 674 (citations and alterations omitted). Discussing the interplay between these two admiralty rules, the Eleventh Circuit has summarized:
Superior Const. Co., Inc. v. Brock, 445 F.3d 1334, 1340 (11th Cir.2006).
It its motion for summary judgment, ASC argues that the Pennsylvania Rule applies in this case because Hallett violated 33 U.S.C. § 403 (the "Rivers and Harbors Act") and 33 C.F.R. § 64, a regulation passed pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 409 (the "Wreck Act"). In response, Hallett argues that it did not violate either the Rivers and Harbor Act or the Wreck Act and the Pennsylvania Rule does not apply. Hallett contends that the Oregon Rule should apply instead.
The Oregon Rule "raises a presumption that a vessel's crew was negligent when a vessel strikes a stationary object such as a bridge." Union Pac. R.R. Co., 296 F.3d at 673. The Oregon Rule does not generally apply to allisions with
Hallett argues that ASC was aware or should have been aware of the debris in the south part of the slip and that the Oregon Rule should apply. ASC notes that the Oregon Rule has only rarely been applied in cases where a ship has struck a hidden object. ASC further contends that the McCarthy's crew was unaware of the obstruction in the slip and, because the obstruction was not marked, the crew had no reason to know of its existence.
The question of what the crew of the McCarthy knew or should have known is perhaps the most fiercely contested factual issue in this case. Hallett contends that Gliwa had been informed that there was debris in the slip and that he should have conveyed that information to the crew of the McCarthy. Hallett further argues that Captain Smyth could have and should have conducted soundings of the slip before attempting to dock the McCarthy and that Smyth did not exercise good judgment when he accepted Whitehead's ill-fated instruction to back the McCarthy past the first yellow bollard. For its part, ASC points to evidence that the McCarthy's crew was not informed about the debris when they spoke with Hallett personnel in the days before the accident.
The fundamental factual dispute between ASC and Hallett about ASC's knowledge of the obstruction in the slip precludes the Court's grant of summary judgment on application of the Oregon Rule.
Regardless of whether the Oregon Rule also applies, if the Pennsylvania Rule applies, the burden would be shifted to Hallett to prove show that it did not contribute to the allision. Superior Const. Co., 445 F.3d at 1340. Application of burden shifting under the Pennsylvania Rule requires the existence of three elements:
Union Pac. R.R. Co., 296 F.3d at 674. The parties agree that the Rivers and Harbors Act and the Wreck Act both concern marine safety and navigation and are also intended to prevent accidents like the one at issue in this case. The parties dispute whether either Act applied in this case, imposing on Hallett a mandatory duty which it then violated.
The Rivers and Harbors Act and the Wreck Act both apply to the "navigable waters" of the United States. Under 33 C.F.R. § 2.36(a), navigable waters include "[i]nternal waters of the United States ... that ... [a]re or have been used, or are or have been susceptible for use, by themselves
ASC contends that the slip is navigable because it was in regular use by commercial vessels in interstate commerce. It is undisputed that ships unloaded commodities at the dock thirty-two times between October 2006 and January 2008. (See First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 25.) ASC also notes that McCoshen, the President of Hallett, agreed that "Duluth harbor and the docks owned by Hallett" are "navigable waters" meaning that they serve "large ships that are in the business of shipping from state to state or international[ly]." (McCoshen Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 3 at 264:2-12.) Hallett's own expert, John Olthuis, further agreed that "the slip[s] in [Dock Nos.] 5 and 8" were navigable. (Olthuis Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 22 at 160:23-161:12.) No expert has offered a contrary view.
Hallett argues that the various witnesses were not asked to opine specifically whether the slip was "navigable" under the Rivers and Harbors Act or the Wreck Act. Hallett notes that the term "navigable waters" is susceptible to different meanings depending on context. As the Eighth Circuit has explained:
Livingston v. United States, 627 F.2d 165, 169 (8th Cir.1980); see Kaiser Aetna v. United States, 444 U.S. 164, 176, 100 S.Ct. 383, 62 L.Ed.2d 332 (1979). In Hallett's view, in light of the different definitions of navigability, the various opinions by witnesses in this case that the slip is generally "navigable" does not resolve the question of whether it is specifically "navigable" for the purposes of the Rivers and Harbors Act or the Wreck Act.
Hallett further argues that several factual details indicate that the slip should not be considered "navigable waters." First, the slip was originally a marshland which was later dredged out. Second, the slip is not open to the public but rather is private and open only to ships invited by Hallett. Hallett has not, however, cited to cases supporting its assertion that these factors influence the "navigable" character of a slip under the Rivers and Harbors Act or the Wreck Act. As ASC notes, manmade waterways must be susceptible to a "navigable" characterization. Otherwise, parts of major waterways such as the St. Lawrence Seaway would not meet the definition. As for the contention that the slip should not be considered navigable because it is private, the Fifth Circuit has rejected that reasoning, concluding that "the characterization of [a waterway] as `public' or `private' is irrelevant" when determining whether that waterway is "navigable" under the Rivers and Harbors Act. Dow Chem. Co. v. Dixie Carriers, Inc., 463 F.2d 120, 123 (5th Cir.1972).
In its entirety, § 403 of the Rivers and Harbors Act provides:
33 U.S.C. § 403.
The Court must first address Hallett's argument that § 403 applies exclusively to the intentional or purposeful creation of obstructions. As Hallett has belatedly noted,
Many of the cases creating the Circuit split discussed above involve negligently sunken vessels, not structures like the one at issue here. This distinction is important because separate sections of the Rivers and Harbors Act pertain to "vessels," "craft," and "boat[s]." See 33 U.S.C. §§ 409, 412. Some courts have therefore concluded that § 403 should not be read to include sunken vessels specifically covered elsewhere in the Act. See, e.g., United States v. Ohio Barge Lines, Inc., 607 F.2d 624, 629-30 (3d Cir.1979) ("Interpreting [§ 403] to impose liability for the unintentional sinking of a vessel would create the anomaly of imposing criminal sanctions under a general provision of a statute on an activity which is not prohibited by the section of the statute specifically addressing the problem.") (emphasis added). This case, in contrast, involves the alleged negligent sinking of debris which, until it fell into the slip, was located on land. Such objects are not vessels. See 1 U.S.C. § 3 (defining a "vessel" as a "watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water").
Other opinions concluding that negligently created obstructions were not covered
Next the Court must consider whether the concrete and rebar debris in the slip constitutes an "obstruction." Though § 403 does not itself provide a definition of "obstruction," the Supreme Court has held that the term is expansive — "broad enough to include diminution of the navigable capacity of a water by a means not included in the second or third clauses [of § 403]." United States v. Republic Steel Corp., 362 U.S. 482, 486-87, 80 S.Ct. 884, 4 L.Ed.2d 903 (1960) (emphasis added). The term "obstruction" has elsewhere been defined as "anything that restricts, endangers, or interferes with navigation." 33 C.F.R. § 64.06.
ASC contends that there is no dispute that the debris which fell into the slip when the part of Dock No. 8 collapsed constitutes an obstruction. Hallett CEO, Jerry Fryberger, answered "Yes" when asked whether "the concrete mooring house and the concrete and rebar obstruction presented a hazard to navigation in the slip." (Fryberger Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 1 at 119:25-120:11.) The other experts in this case have each confirmed that the debris in the slip was a "dangerous obstruction" (Libby Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 24 at 156:3-5.), a "hazard to navigation" (Dudley Dep., First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 23 at 188:3.), and "dangerous to [a] ship" (Olthuis Dep. at 147:15-18). Hallett responds that none of the experts stated that they defined "obstruction" in a manner applicable to the statute. Hallett further argues that it was not in violation of § 403 because it had begun to clean up the debris with the permission of the Army Corps of Engineers.
While it is true that none of the experts applied a particular definition of "obstruction," their statements that the debris was hazardous and dangerous clearly satisfy the broad definition of that term. Moreover, Hallett has not explained how its clean-up efforts, which were admittedly incomplete at the time of the accident, lead to the conclusion that it was not in violation of § 403.
Because Hallet was responsible for the debris in the slip, the slip was "navigable water," and the debris constituted an "obstruction," the Court concludes that Hallett violated 33 U.S.C. § 403.
ASC further argues that Hallett violated regulations implementing the Wreck Act. Under 33 C.F.R. § 64.11(a),
ASC argues that undisputed facts show that Hallett failed to mark the area containing debris in the southern portion of the slip. In support, ASC notes that Hallett CEO Fryberger has admitted that Hallett did not put up a sign to warn ships of the debris in the slip. (Fryberger Dep. 139:7-18.) It further points to statements by Hallett President McCoshen that "that there was nothing preventing [Hallett] from placing a sign on the dock" and that "warning signs are good practice" but that Hallett had not considered placing a sign on the dock. (McCoshen Dep. 172:11-15; 252:15-16.)
Hallett responds that it exercised reasonable care in warning ASC about the debris in the slip. First Hallett notes that while it had initially marked the area around the debris with buoys, doing so in winter would have been ineffective because the harbor generally freezes over with two to three feet of ice. (McCoshen Aff. ¶¶ 3-5.) While Hallett does not dispute the fact that it did not place signs, daymarks, or lights warning of the debris on the dock, it argues that it exercised reasonable care by notifying ASC employees that the McCarthy should not pass beyond the first yellow bollard.
While Hallett's alleged statements to ASC may help it rebut a presumption of its contribution to the McCarthy accident, the question here is whether Hallett complied with the Wreck Act. The Wreck Act specifically requires the owner of a submerged obstruction to "mark" the area of an obstruction, and there is no dispute that the area was not marked in any way on the day the of the McCarthy accident. A reasonable juror could not conclude that Hallett's complete failure to mark the debris was reasonably in compliance with a regulation requiring it to do just that.
For these reasons, the undisputed evidence indicates that Hallett violated both the Rivers and Harbors Act and Wreck Act by creating an underwater obstruction and failing to mark that obstruction in any way on the day of the holing and sinking of the McCarthy. Under the Pennsylvania Rule, these violations create a rebuttable presumption that Hallett's negligence contributed to the holing and sinking of the McCarthy.
Although ASC is entitled to this presumption, Hallett will be afforded an opportunity to rebut that presumption by showing that another party was solely responsible for the accident, see Alter Barge Line, Inc. v. TPC Transp. Co., 801 F.2d 1026, 1029 (8th Cir.1986), or showing that the violation of statute "could not have contributed to the collision," Hellenic Lines, Ltd. v. Prudential Lines, Inc., 730 F.2d 159, 162 (4th Cir.1984); see 2 Shoenbaum, supra, § 14-3.
Hallett argues that ASC and the McCarthy's crew were aware or should have been aware of "a specific do not pass point and/or the debris in the slip." In particular, Hallett points to Gliwa's statement that Hallett representatives had told him that the McCarthy should not proceed past the first yellow bollard because there was debris in the southern end of the slip. This evidence might indicate that the accident was caused by ASC's negligence, not by Hallett's statutory violations. Hallett also argues that markers around the debris may not have stopped the accident. Adjudication of such claims would require
The Court concludes that the initial presumption against Hallett under the Pennsylvania Rule is supported by undisputed evidence of violations of the Rivers and Harbors Act and the Wreck Act, but that genuine issues of material fact remain as to whether that presumption can be rebutted. The Court will therefore grant ASC's motion for summary judgment in part, ruling that the Pennsylvania Rule's presumption applies to Hallett's conduct.
Hallett and ASC both seek summary judgment on whether Hallett breached its duties as a wharfinger. Hallett also seeks summary judgment on the viability of ASC's implied warranty claims (Counts III and IV). Hallett's request for summary judgment on ASC's claim for damages related to anti-pollution efforts has already been discussed above.
Both ASC and Hallett have moved for summary judgment asking this court to rule whether Hallett satisfied its duties as a wharfinger. The Supreme Court explained those duties in Smith v. Burnett, 173 U.S. 430, 433, 19 S.Ct. 442, 43 L.Ed. 756 (1899):
A wharfinger is not generally responsible for dangers "reasonably known to the shipowner." See Trade Banner Line, Inc. v. Caribbean S.S. Co., S.A., 521 F.2d 229, 230 (5th Cir.1975).
The parties dispute whether the area of the slip containing the debris was part of the berthing area offered by Hallett to ASC. The parties also disagree about a wharfinger's duty to warn about obstructions outside of the berthing area. They further contest whether undisputed evidence indicates that Hallett satisfied its duties, even assuming that the debris was within the berthing area.
Hallett argues that it had no duty to warn ASC about the debris in the southern end of the slip because that part of the slip was not part of the designated berthing area. In Hallett's view, the berthing area included only the portion of the slip north of the first yellow bollard. ASC asserts that the designated berthing area extended to the area containing the debris.
There is evidence supporting both parties' assertions: Hallett's witnesses state that they made clear to ASC employees that the McCarthy was not to proceed past the first yellow bollard. On the other hand, it is undisputed that there were no warning signs or buoys marking the end of the safe berthing area and that the dock continued on for hundreds of feet to the shore. ASC has also submitted evidence indicating that Hallett employees told the McCarthy's crew members that the slip had "good water" in areas further south than the spot where the McCarthy was grounded and that the McCarthy should be docked as far south in the slip as possible.
To rule that the berthing area at Dock No. 8 extended only to the first yellow bollard would be to resolve one of the main factual disputes in this case: Had Hallett
The parties also dispute the related question of whether a wharfinger has a duty to warn about dangers near to, but not within, a berthing area. The Fifth Circuit has held that "there is no duty on the part of a wharfinger to provide a berth with safe surroundings (other than an entrance and exit) or to warn that hazards exist in its vicinity." Trade Banner Line, Inc., 521 F.2d at 230. As ASC points out, however, Trade Banner Line concerned facts quite different from those at issue here. See Trade & Transp., Inc. v. Caribbean S.S. Co., S.A., 384 F.Supp. 782, 786 (S.D.Tex.1974). Other courts facing more analogous situations have concluded that wharfingers have duties which extend beyond the narrow confines of the berthing area. In Sonat Marine Inc. v. Belcher Oil Co., 629 F.Supp. 1319, 1326 (D.N.J.1985), for example, the Court held that a wharfinger had a duty to know of and warn about an obstruction adjacent to a berthing area, where it was "highly likely" that a ship might strike the obstruction when accessing the berth.
As discussed above, the facts proven at trial may indicate that the debris struck by the McCarthy was within the designated berthing area, rendering the question of Hallett's duties outside that area moot. Since the Court must deny summary judgment as to the question of Hallett's wharfinger's duties for the reasons already discussed, the Court need not resolve this legal issue at this stage.
Hallett has argued in the alternative that, even if the debris had been in the berthing area, Hallett was under no duty to warn the McCarthy about the debris directly because Hallett had already warned Gliwa in the January 10 meeting. Once again, what Hallett told Gliwa is a contested factual issue, and there were subsequent conversations between Hallett and members of the McCarthy crew in which Hallett allegedly stated that the slip was free of obstructions. For all of the above reasons, there remain genuine issues of material fact as to Hallett's performance of its duties as a wharfinger, and a grant of summary judgment on this issue would be premature.
Hallett argues that the ASC's claim for breach an implied warranty of workmanlike performance ("WWLP") must be dismissed because such claims are not recognized in maritime law. Hallett argues that such claims are recognized.
The WWLP was introduced into federal maritime law from common contract law in Ryan Stevedoring Co. v. Pan-Atl. S.S. Corp., 350 U.S. 124, 76 S.Ct. 232, 100 L.Ed. 133 (1956). See 1 Shoenbaum, supra, § 5-9. In Ryan, a vessel owner was liable for personal injuries suffered by a stevedore working on the vessel. The Supreme Court concluded that the vessel owner could recover from the stevedore's employer on a theory of indemnity where the company was responsible for the unseaworthy conditions which led to the stevedore's injuries. Id. After Ryan, courts began to apply the WWLP to a variety of maritime contexts, even after the direct holding of Ryan was legislatively abrogated
The WWLP has come to take on different meanings. See id. It is often used as a basis for establishing a party's liability for a maritime damages. See, e.g., N. Ins. Co. of N.Y. v. Point Judith Marina, LLC, 579 F.3d 61, 67 (1st Cir.2009). In this context, a contractor providing a maritime service has a duty to perform its work in a "diligent and workmanlike manner." Id. This requirement is "analogous to a duty of care in tort" and, "[u]nlike the implied warranties of the U.C.C.," it "necessarily parallel[s] a negligence standard rather than imposing strict liability." Emp'rs Ins. of Wausau v. Suwannee River Spa Lines, Inc., 866 F.2d 752, 763 (5th Cir.1989); see 1 Shoebaum, supra, § 5-8.
In other contexts, WWLP might also serve as a basis for indemnification — fully shifting one party's liability to another. Courts have made clear, however, that "the factors to be considered in determining whether a contract includes a warranty of workmanlike performance are entirely separate from the factors that go into the determination of whether that warranty encompasses an obligation to indemnify." Fairmont Shipping Corp. v. Chevron Int'l Oil Co., Inc., 511 F.2d 1252, 1259 (2d Cir. 1975). There has been much reluctance to expand this indemnification theory beyond the personal injury context at issue in Ryan. See, e.g., Phillips Petroleum Co. v. Stokes Oil Co., 863 F.2d 1250, 1255 (6th Cir.1988); Gator Marine Serv. Towing, Inc. v. J. Ray McDermott & Co., 651 F.2d 1096, 1099 (5th Cir.1981).
In light of the above discussion, to the extent that ASC's WWLP claim is an assertion that the contract between ASC and Hallett may have given rise to duties on Hallett to perform its obligations in a diligent manner, that claim survives. There is no basis for a Ryan indemnification claim here, however, because this case involves property damage rather than personal injury. Damages proven in this case will be divided among the liable parties in proportion to each party's fault. See e.g., Agrico Chem. Co. v. M/V Ben W. Martin, 664 F.2d 85, 93-94 (5th Cir.1981). As other Courts have concluded in similar cases, ASC's claims "are best accommodated by a straightforward application of the usual maritime comparative fault system." Phillips, 863 F.2d at 1253 (quoting Gator Marine Serv. Towing, Inc., 651 F.2d at 1100). The Court will deny Hallett's motion to dismiss Count III, but ASC should abandon any hope of pursuing a theory of Ryan indemnity or strict liability.
ASC grounds this implied warranty claim in Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC") § 2-315. See Minn.Stat. § 336.2-315. The Court concludes that § 2-315 cannot apply here. As ASC notes, § 2-315 applies to "goods." See Minn.Stat. §§ 336.2-102, 2-315. "Goods" are "all things (including specially manufactured goods) which are movable at the time of identification to the contract for sale other than the money in which the price is to be paid, investment securities (article 8) and things in action." Minn. Stat. § 336.2-105. ASC asserts that Dock No. 8 is a "good." ASC has not, however, cited to a single case holding that such a structure can be so characterized. Dock No. 8 consists of a 2,200-2,300 foot long slip and a permanent concrete and metal pier that runs alongside it. The Court
Fraser has moved for summary judgment on all counts of ASC's complaint. In response, ASC concedes that Count IV (breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose) should be dismissed. ASC argues that it should be entitled to summary judgment against Fraser on Count I (negligence) and that there exist genuine issues of material fact as to the remaining counts.
A claim for negligence in maritime law, as in other contexts, requires a showing that the defendant breached a duty of care owed to the plaintiff, that the plaintiff suffered damages, and that the defendant's breach was the proximate cause of those damages. See, e.g., Consol. Aluminum Corp. v. C.F. Bean Corp., 833 F.2d 65 (5th Cir.1987).
Fraser argues that because it was not wharfinger, it did not owe ASC a general duty to act with ordinary care and diligence to provide a safe berth for the McCarthy. ASC does not contend that Fraser was a wharfinger. ASC instead argues that Fraser owed it a duty of care because it had agreed to help guide and spot the McCarthy and because one of Fraser's employees, Whitehead, guided the McCarthy backward past the first yellow bollard, despite having been told that the McCarthy should not proceed past that point. In short, ASC argues that Fraser "had a duty to conform to a particular standard of conduct which ... meant adhering to the docking instructions and making sure that the McCarthy was not exposed to potential danger."
Fraser denies that it had any such duty. It contends that it never agreed to assume Hallett's responsibilities as wharfinger and that it was merely a business invitee on the dock with the narrow duties of tying the McCarthy to the dock and performing other services once the ship's crew brought it to a location of their choosing. Fraser points to the Service Purchase Orders ("SPOs") that ASC sent to Fraser, which specified that Fraser was to handle line and anchor handling, provide gangway access, and assist in connecting the ship to onshore electricity. These duties, it contends, did not extend to spotting or guiding the McCarthy or otherwise ensuring that the McCarthy was safely berthed at Dock No. 8.
In response, ASC argues that it had been Fraser's practice to "spot, guide, and tie-up" ASC's ships when they berthed at Hallett docks. It notes Whitehead's testimony that it was his practice to consult with a Hallett representative about where the vessel should be located at the dock before the day of docking. (Whitehead Dep. at 210:4-211:16.) ASC further notes that, with respect to the docking of the McCarthy, Whitehead had been told by fellow Fraser employee Mike Peterson to "get with [CJS employee] Mike Podgorak about the instructions for docking the vessel." (Whitehead Dep. 309:10-12.) The testimony of Hallet President McCoshen further corroborates ASC's position; when asked whether he understood that "Fraser was going to guide and spot the McCarthy," McCoshen answered, "Absolutely." (McCoshen Dep. at 90:2-6)
Moreover, viewing the evidence in ASC's favor, Whitehead's alleged actions on the day of the docking are not consistent with Hallett's contention that it had not endeavored
Fraser asserts that Whitehead wanted to know where the McCarthy would be docked only so that Fraser could be prepared to do the tasks set out in the SPOs and that Fraser never undertook guiding or spotting responsibilities. The various conflicting statements create a genuine factual dispute as to whether Fraser had assumed a role beyond merely performing services on the McCarthy after it had come to stop. If Fraser had assumed a role guiding the McCarthy, then it would have owed ASC a duty to do so with a reasonable standard of care, whether or not it was the wharfinger.
Fraser argues that it cannot be held liable because the holing of the McCarthy was unforeseeable. It argues that it and ASC had the same level of knowledge about the debris in the slip because Whitehead and Gliwa were at the same meeting. ASC argues that even if Fraser had no knowledge about the debris in the slip, the accident was still foreseeable because it is always foreseeable that a vessel may be damaged if it is "brought beyond the designated docking location." In this instance, ASC notes that Fraser was particularly aware of the potential for damage because it was aware that Dock No. 8 could "silt-in" or fill with silt, reducing the amount of water available for docking. Given the factual disputes that persist in this case, the Court cannot make a ruling on the foreseeability of the McCarthy accident at this time.
In maritime law, as in general tort law, "a party's negligence is actionable only if it is the legal cause of the plaintiff's injuries, which is something more than but for causation — the negligence must be a substantial factor in causing the injuries." In re Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC, 624 F.3d 201, 213-214 (5th Cir.2010) (citations, alterations, and quotations omitted); see 1 Shoenbaum, supra, § 5-3. Fraser argues that Hallett's failure to warn of an obstruction was the "substantial factor" in causing the McCarthy accident and that any additional breach on Fraser's part could not also have been a substantial factor.
For the foregoing reasons, the Court will deny Fraser and ASC's motions for summary judgment on the negligence claim.
Fraser next contends that summary judgment should be granted in its favor on ASC's breach of contract claim. Fraser argues that the SPOs between it and ASC obligated it only to provide "line and anchor handling," which it contends does not include "guiding" or "spotting" services. Fraser argues that the term "line and anchor handling" is unambiguous and, therefore, extrinsic evidence should not be consulted to determine its meaning. See, e.g., Town Bank v. City Real Estate Dev., LLC, 330 Wis.2d 340, 793 N.W.2d 476, 484 (2010) ("Only when the contract is ambiguous, meaning it is susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation, may the court look beyond the face of the contract and consider extrinsic evidence to resolve the parties' intent.").
ASC argues that the term "line and anchor handling" is ambiguous and, therefore, evidence of "custom and usage" should be examined to determine the meaning of the contract. See Stolt-Nielsen S.A. v. AnimalFeeds Int'l Corp., ___ U.S. ___, 130 S.Ct. 1758, 1769 n. 6, 176 L.Ed.2d 605 (2010) ("Under ... general maritime law, evidence of `custom and usage' is relevant to determining the parties' intent when an express agreement is ambiguous."). ASC contends that both parties understood the term to include spotting services. In support, ASC notes that Fraser has performed spotting services for ASC vessels in the past when only "line and anchor handling" was requested. (Gliwa Aff. ¶ 4; McCoshen Dep. 97:23-98:2.)
The question of whether a contract is ambiguous is a question of law for the Court, but construction of an ambiguous contract becomes a fact question for the jury. See, e.g., Thomsen v. Famous Dave's of Am., Inc., 606 F.3d 905, 908 (8th Cir.2010). A contract is ambiguous when "it is reasonably susceptible of more than one interpretation." Id. Here the Court concludes that the term "line and anchor handling" without further definition or explanation is sufficiently ambiguous to allow resort to extrinsic evidence to understand the bounds of the parties' agreement.
ASC argues in the alternative that, if the Court were to conclude that the term "line and anchor handling" were not ambiguous and did not include spotting services, Fraser's conduct nonetheless changed the terms of the contract, obligating Fraser to spot and guide the McCarthy. See Mitchell v. Rende, 225 Minn. 145, 30 N.W.2d 27 (1947) ("The law is well settled that assent to an offer to modify, to rescind, or to alter a written contract may be evinced by the conduct and acts of the offeree as well as by express verbal agreement."); see also Cousineau v. Norstan, Inc., 322 F.3d 493, 496-497, 322 F.3d 493 (8th Cir.2003) ("[W]hether particular facts amount to modification of a contract is a question of law, while whether such facts are proved is a question of fact.")
For the foregoing reasons, the Court will deny summary judgment as to ASC's breach of contract claims.
As discussed above, in maritime law, as in other areas of the law, a party that "contracts to provide services impliedly agrees to perform in a diligent and workmanlike manner." N. Ins. Co. of N.Y., 579 F.3d at 67. Thus, ASC's claim for breach of the implied warranty of workmanlike performance (WWLP) is predicated on the existence of a contract between it and Fraser for spotting services. See id. at 68 ("Though the implied warranty of workmanlike performance is a legal standard, the question of what is required in a workmanlike performance is necessarily a factual question that naturally varies ... based on the scope and nature of the service being undertaken."). Because ASC's breach of contract claim survives summary judgment, this claim must also survive.
In its reply brief, Fraser argues that even if a breach of an implied warranty occurred, it cannot be held liable under a principle of law explained by the Seventh Circuit:
Royal Bus. Machines, Inc. v. Lorraine Corp., 633 F.2d 34, 46 (7th Cir.1980) (citations and alterations omitted). While it is not altogether clear that this rule of law applies to this case, if it did, it would be premature for the Court to rule that any "facts proven" have shown that there were multiple causes of the injury or that it was "just as reasonable and probable" that the holing of the McCarthy was the result of other parties' negligence. See id. In any event, as the Court has already explained, a potential WWLP in this case is not a source of indemnification or strict liability. Rather, any WWLP establishes only duties owed by one party to another. Thus, even if Fraser is found to have breached an implied warranty of workmanlike performance, damages will still be apportioned between the responsible parties based upon their relative fault for the accident.
Fraser argues that it made no express warranties to ASC which might have been breached in the McCarthy accident. In support of its claim, ASC points to the Service Purchase Orders ("SPOs") that ASC sent to Fraser, which stated: "Unless instructions given in this order (both written or printed) are followed strictly, we will hold you responsible for any errors or delays which may occur." (First Alcazar Decl., Ex. 7.) ASC argues that, by agreeing to this clause, Fraser expressly warranted against all "errors" in
An express warranty is "an assurance by one party to a contract of the existence of a fact upon which the other party may rely." Dittman v. Nagel, 43 Wis.2d 155, 168 N.W.2d 190, 193 (1969). The Court cannot conclude that the language in ASC's SPOs amounted to an express warranty by Fraser. The language of the SPOs — "we will hold you responsible for any error or delays" — is simply not a promise from Fraser to ASC. If anything, this language relates to the actions that ASC will take should Fraser commit an "error." Because this language is the sole basis for ASC's express warranty claim, the Court will grant summary judgment in favor of Fraser on that claim.
An individual or entity commits the tort of negligent misrepresentation when,
First Presbyterian Church of Mankato v. John G. Kinnard & Co., 881 F.Supp. 441, 446 (citations omitted) (D.Minn.1995).
In its complaint, ASC claims that Fraser made representations that Dock No. 8 was safe for berthing. There does not appear to be support for those allegations, as there is no evidence that Fraser employees told ASC anything about the conditions at Dock No. 8 in the lead up to the McCarthy accident. Those allegations, therefore, cannot support a negligent representation claim.
ASC has also claimed, however, that Fraser also provided false information when Podgorak, acting as Fraser's representative, stated that he would be present for the arrival of the McCarthy and when Fraser indicated that it would spot and guide the McCarthy. With respect to those allegations, as discussed above, there do appear to be genuine questions of material fact as to whether Fraser made such representations, whether ASC's reliance on those representations was justifiable, and whether ASC suffered a loss as a result of that reliance. The Court will therefore decline to grant Fraser's motion for summary judgment as to this claim.
Fraser finally argues that ASC should be presumed at fault for the McCarthy accident under the Oregon Rule. The Court has already concluded that it cannot rule on the application of the Oregon Rule at this stage.
Defendant Chris Jenson & Son Co., Inc. ("CJS") has moved for summary judgment as to four of the six counts directed at it. ASC has conceded that two of those counts — Count IV (breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose) and Count V (breach of an implied warranty) — should be dismissed. The remaining two counts — Count II (breach of contract) and Count III (breach of implied warranty
CJS argues that ASC's breach of contract claim cannot succeed because the undisputed facts show that no contract was formed between CJS and ASC. The parties agree that maritime law applies to any contract regarding the docking of the McCarthy, and where a federal court considers a breach of contract claim in the maritime context, it recognizes the prevailing state law. See, e.g., Constructive Hands, Inc. v. Baker, 446 F.Supp.2d 88, 93 (N.D.N.Y.2006). While the parties dispute whether Minnesota or Wisconsin law applies, this dispute is immaterial because the elements of a contract claim are the same in both states.
To form a contract, there must be a specific and definite offer, acceptance, and consideration. See Taxi Connection v. Dakota, Minn. & E. R.R. Corp., 513 F.3d 823, 826 (8th Cir.2008); Larimer v. Dayton Hudson Corp., 137 F.3d 497, 502 (7th Cir.1998). There must be a "meeting of the minds with respect to [the alleged contract's] essential terms." Larimer, 137 F.3d at 502; Minneapolis Cablesystems v. City of Minneapolis, 299 N.W.2d 121, 122 (Minn.1980).
Both parties agree that there was no written contract between ASC and CJS, but they dispute whether an oral contract was formed. ASC claims that an oral contract was created when Mike Podgorak allegedly agreed at the January 10 meeting to be present at the docking of the McCarthy. ASC Marine Superintendent Ken Gliwa has stated that Podgorak promised to be present for the McCarthy's docking (Gliwa Dep. at 269:8-21), but Podgorak has denied making any such promise (Podgorak Dep. at 189:8-10).
CJS argues that, regardless of the factual discrepancy between the accounts of the January 10 meeting given by Gliwa and Podgorak, no contract could have been formed because no consideration was given for Podgorak's alleged promises, nor was there a meeting of the minds on the essential terms of the alleged contract.
CJS argues that there is no evidence that ASC compensated or promised to compensate CJS for the services that Podgorak allegedly promised to perform. ASC acknowledges that it made no direct payments to CJS but argues it did provide compensation for Podgorak's work through its payments to Fraser.
The relationship between CJS, RJS, Reuben Johnson & Son, Inc. ("Reuben Johnson"), and Fraser is complicated. During the time of the incident at issue in this case, Todd Johnson was the majority stakeholder of Reuben Johnson, of which both RJS and Fraser were first tier subsidiaries. Todd Johnson was also the sole owner of CJS. Mike Podgorak was an employee of Chris Jensen and he directly supervised RJS employees, and RJS coordinated and billed for work performed by Podgorak.
Records show that Podgorak indicated on his time sheets that he spent time working on the McCarthy docking between January 10 and 14. RJS billed Fraser for time spent by Podgorak on that work. Fraser, in turn, was ultimately paid by ASC to provide "line and anchor handling at arrival and departure of lay-up." ASC argues that these payments are sufficient to show consideration provided in exchange for Podgorak's alleged promise to be present at the McCarthy's docking. CJS argues that this evidence shows only that Podgorak's work was charged to and paid by Fraser, not by ASC.
Whether parties to an alleged contract mutually agreed on the contract or had a "meeting of the minds" is generally a fact issue reserved for the jury. See, e.g., Olson v. E.F. Hutton & Co., Inc., 957 F.2d 622, 626 (8th Cir.1992). CJS argues that any alleged agreement between ASC and CJS was too indefinite to be considered a valid contract. CJS further argues that the fact that Podgorak denies agreeing to be present for the McCarthy's docking shows that there was no "meeting of the minds" between him and Gliwa. CJS points to Podgorak's statements that his main function was to examine the dock in order to determine if it would be possible to plow snow and allow access to the McCarthy. CJS argues that ASC's assertion that Podgorak had agreed to help guide and spot the McCarthy is not credible because CJS employees had not done such work in the past.
In its consideration of CJS's motion for summary judgment, the Court must view the evidence in the light most favorable to ASC. Gliwa has testified that he told Podgorak that he might not be able to be present at the docking, that Podgorak promised to be present at the docking, that they "shook hands on it," and that Gliwa expected Podgorak to be present. (Gliwa Dep. at 269:8-21.) In spite of ASC's evidence to the contrary, this testimony creates a genuine issue of fact on the issue of mutual assent.
Because there remain genuine issues of material fact with respect the formation of a contract between ASC and CJS, the Court will CJS's motion for summary judgment as to Count II.
As discussed above, a contractor who "contracts to provide services impliedly agrees to perform in a diligent and workmanlike manner." N. Ins. Co. of N.Y., 579 F.3d at 67. A claim for breach of an implied warranty of workmanlike performance therefore requires the existence of a contract. CJS reiterates its argument that no contract existed between it and ASC. As discussed above, however, the existence of a contract remains a live issue, so summary judgment on Count III would not be appropriate at this time.
Defendants Reuben Johnson & Son, Inc. ("Reuben Johnson") and RJS Construction, LLC ("RJS") have moved for summary judgment on the counts of ASC's complaint directed at them. They have also moved for summary judgment on the cross claims brought by Hallett and Fraser for contribution and indemnity.
Of the six counts ASC brought against Reuben Johnson and RJS, ASC now concedes that Count IV (breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose) and Count V (breach of express warranty) should be dismissed. ASC argues, however, that summary judgment is not warranted as to the Count I (negligence), Count II (breach of contract), Count III (breach of implied warranty of workmanlike performance), and Count VI (negligent representation).
The key question with respect to ASC's claims against Reuben Johnson and
As evidenced by his W-2 forms, Podgorak is employed by CJS as a truck supervisor. (Gatto Suppl. Decl. [Docket No. 261], Ex. 2.) At the same time, as discussed above, the relationships between CJS, Reuben Johnson, and RJS are complicated. RJS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Reuben Johnson. CJS is a separate corporation but its majority shareholder owner, Todd Johnson, is also the majority shareholder of Rueben Johnson. RJS tracks and bills for Podgorak's time.
The Court has already determined that ASC's claims arising out of an alleged oral contract with Podgorak and CJS should survive the summary judgment. ASC argues that the alleged oral contract that Podgorak entered into with ASC also implicated RJS and Reuben Johnson. ASC points to several pieces of evidence which indicate that Podgorak's actions should be imputed to Reuben Johnson and RJS in addition to CJS. First, Ken Gliwa has stated that Podgorak told him that he attended the January 10 meeting to represent Fraser and "Reuben Johnson/RJS." (Gliwa Aff. ¶ 3.) Second, Podgorak arrived at the January 10 meeting driving a Reuben Johnson pickup truck with a Reuben Johnson logo on the door. (Podgorak Dep. at 98:20-99:17.) Third, Podgorak has stated that he attended the January 10 meeting to represent both Fraser and Reuben Johnson. (Id. 9:1-4, 123:3-6.) Fourth, Hallett President Mike McCoshen was also under the belief that Podgorak had attended the January 10 meeting as a representative or employee of RJS or Reuben Johnson. (McCoshen Dep. at 93:1-4.)
Reuben Johnson and RJS take issue with some of these assertions. They note that Gliwa stated in his deposition that Podgorak told him that he represented Fraser, but Gliwa did not mention Podgorak's representation of Reuben Johnson or RJS. Only later, in an affidavit, did Gliwa say that Podgorak stated that he was representing all three companies (Fraser, Reuben Johnson, and RJS). Reuben Johnson and RJS urge that this Court should not consider the statement in Gliwa's affidavit. See Dotson v. Delta Consol. Industries, Inc., 251 F.3d 780, 781 (8th Cir.2001) ("[A] party may not create a question of material fact, and thus forestall summary judgment, by submitting an affidavit contradicting his own sworn statements in a deposition.").
Here it is not so clear that Gliwa's two statements are contradictory. At his deposition, in a response to a question about whether he had said something to Podgorak which he apparently understood, Gliwa stated: "If I remember right, which I don't offhand, it was something to do with, you know, are you're the representative from Fraser Shipyard, representing Gene Walroos and Fraser Shipyard." (Gliwa Dep. at 201:8-14). This statement is not necessarily contradicted by Gliwa's later assertion that Podgorak had told him that he represented Reuben Johnson and RJS in addition to Fraser.
Further, while RJS and Reuben Johnson acknowledge Podgorak's own statement that he attended the January 10 meeting as a representative of Reuben Johnson (in addition to Fraser), they dispute the scope of that representation.
Taking the evidence in the light most favorable to ASC, a reasonable juror could conclude that Podgorak was representing Reuben Johnson and RJS at the January 10 meeting. As discussed above, the business relationships between Reuben Johnson, RJS, and CJS are interwoven and complex. Given the complex factual disputes as to the nature of scope of Podgorak's representation of Reuben Johnson and RJS, the Court will not grant summary judgment as to the claims arising out of the alleged oral contract formed between Podgorak and ASC.
The parties dispute whether Reuben Johnson or RJS could have owed any duty to ASC which would give rise to a negligence claim. Reuben Johnson and RJS note they are construction companies, not wharfingers. They therefore argue that they owed no duty to warn or otherwise advise ASC about any problems with Hallett's Dock No. 8.
In response, ASC does not argue that Reuben Johnson or RJS owed it duties as wharfingers. Instead, ASC contends that Reuben Johnson and RJS owed ASC a duty of care based on Podgorak's statements. ASC argues that when Podgorak attended the January 10 meeting, he agreed to communicate docking instructions to Whitehead (a Fraser employee) and also to be present when the McCarthy was to be docked. ASC argues that, as a result of Podgorak's statements, he and the companies that he represented had a duty to conform to a particular standard of conduct. To the extent that Podgorak failed to inform Whitehead of the docking instructions, forgot to relay the fact that there was debris in the slip, or left the dock before docking was complete, ASC argues that Podgorak (along with Reuben Johnson and RJS) breached that standard of care. Moreover, ASC argues that Reuben Johnson and RJS were negligent in allowing Podgorak, an inexperienced truck driver, to represent them at the January 10 meeting.
Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to ASC, the Court concludes that Rueben Johnson and RJS, while not subject to the same duties as a wharfinger, may nonetheless be liable for negligence to the extent that Podgorak acted as their representative. The motion for summary judgment as to negligence and negligent misrepresentation will therefore be denied.
Hallett and Fraser have brought cross claims against Reuben Johnson and RJS for contribution and indemnification. Indemnification and contribution are both equitable remedies. Contribution requires that parties "under a common burden share that burden equitably." A.P.I., Inc. v. Home Ins. Co., 706 F.Supp.2d 926, 946 (D.Minn.2010).
United States v. J & D Enterprises of Duluth, 955 F.Supp. 1153, 1157 (D.Minn. 1997) (alterations and citations omitted). Reuben Johnson and RJS argue that these cross claims should be dismissed because they share no liability to ASC with the other Defendants. Because the Court concludes that some of ASC's claims against Reuben Johnson and RJS survive summary
Accordingly, based upon the files, records, and proceedings herein,
