Bear, LLC v. Marine Group Boat Works, LLC et al
Filing
136
ORDER Denying Defendant's 90 Motion for Summary Judgment; Granting Bear's 92 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz on 5/5/2017. (rlu)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
9
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
10
11
12
BEAR, LLC, a Minnesota limited
liability company,
Plaintiff,
13
14
15
16
17
v.
MARINE GROUP BOAT WORKS,
LLC, a California limited liability
company; UNIVERSAL STEEL
FABRICATION, INC., a California
corporation,
18
Case No.: 14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
ORDER DENYING
DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR
SUMMARY JUDGMENT [ECF
NO. 90.]
Defendant.
19
20
On November 4, 2016, Defendant Marine Group Boat Works, LLC
21
(“MGBW”) filed a motion for summary judgment. (MGBW Mot. Summ. J.
22
(“MGBW’s MSJ”), ECF No. 90.) For the reasons discussed below, the motion is
23
denied.
24
I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
25
In April 2014, Captain Roger M. Trafton (“Trafton”) of Plaintiff Bear, LLC’s
26
(“Bear”) 102-foot motor vessel (“the Polar Bear”) scheduled a maintenance visit
27
for the Polar Bear at MGBW. (Decl. of Scott Sokul, in Supp. of MGBW’s MSJ Ex.
28
1
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
(“MGBW’s Ex.”) 3, ECF No. 90–8, 164:8–165:16.) On May 6, 2014, while on its
2
way to San Diego, the Polar Bear struck the submerged Zuniga Jetty at the
3
entrance to the San Diego Harbor, damaging the bottom of the hull and causing
4
water to leak in. (Id. at 153:16–19; 169:10–21.) Trafton navigated the Polar
5
Bear under its own power to the San Diego U.S. Customs dock where two divers
6
inspected the hull of the boat and determined that a stabilizer had been
7
damaged. (Id. at 174:1–177:10.) The divers packed the stabilizer opening,
8
which stopped the ingress of water into the hull. (Id. at 177:11–178:15.)
9
Under its own power, the Polar Bear traveled from the U.S. Customs dock to
10
MGBW’s shipyard. (Id. at 179:16–19.) As a safety measure, the Polar Bear was
11
accompanied by two small towboats. (Id. at 179:16–23.) The Polar Bear arrived
12
at MGBW on May 7, 2014. Upon arriving at MGBW, the Polar Bear was placed in
13
lifting slings and positioned to be lifted out. (MGBW’s Ex. 5, ECF No. 90–10,
14
707:20–711:4.) Trafton disembarked the Polar Bear and went to the MGBW office
15
while Larry Jodsaas, Bear’s sole member, remained on the vessel. (MBGW’s Ex.
16
3 191:5–7; 196:15–18.) Once at the office, a MGBW receptionist handed Trafton
17
a standard MGBW work order contract (“Contract”) to sign on a clipboard. (Id. at
18
192:1–193:17.) The front side of the Contract listed the work that MGBW was to
19
perform, while the back side contained the terms and conditions. (MGBW’s Ex.
20
16, ECF No. 90–21.) Trafton read the front side of the Contract and signed it on
21
behalf of Jodsaas. (MGBW’s Ex. 3 130:14–24.) Trafton did not read the back side
22
that detailed the terms and conditions. (Id. 131:1–4.) The Contract describes the
23
scope of the work as: “Haul Out, Block & Launch” and “Lay days charged at $2.00
24
per ft./per day. No charge for day of haul and day of launch.” (MGBW’s Ex. 16,
25
2.) Just above the signature line, the front side of the Contract states: “I hereby
26
authorize the above repair work to be performed. I acknowledge that I have
27
received a copy of, and have read, understood and agree to the terms and
28
conditions of this Contract, including those on the reverse side hereof.” (MGBW’s
2
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
Ex. 16, 2.) The back side contains several provisions limiting MGBW’s liability that
2
state in relevant part:
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
THIS AGREEMENT, consisting of this Work Order (“Order”), is entered into
between Marine Group Boat Works, LLC, (“Contractor”) a California limited
liability company, the Owner identified on the reverse thereof, (“Owner”), and
the therein named vessel (“the Vessel”), on the following terms and
conditions.
1. STATEMENT OF WORK.
Contractor agrees to furnish materials, parts, supplies, and labor to
perform the work described in the Order (hereinafter “Work”). Owner has
specifically requested the Work set forth in the Order, shall inspect the
progress of the Work from time to time as he deems necessary, and has
satisfied himself as to the suitability for his intended purposes of all
machinery, parts, equipment, supplies and accessories to be installed
pursuant to this Agreement.
3. WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS.
THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 2 ARE GIVEN IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, CONTRACTOR DISCLAIMS ANY
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT THE MATERIALS ARE
MERCHANTABLE OR FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
8. OWNERS ASSUMPTION OF RISK.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs 2 and 6 above, Owner accepts the
risk of all losses hereafter occasioned by the acts or omissions of the
Contractor in the performance of the Work, whether in the nature of
negligence, strict liability, or otherwise, and agrees to purchase and
maintain such insurance against such risks as Owner deems prudent and
shall look only to said insurance for compensation or damages related to
any such loss regardless of the legal or physical responsibility thereof,
subrogation against Contractor is hereby waived.
(b) Owner accepts the risk of, and Contractor shall have no legal liability
whatsoever, under any circumstances for, the tortuous or criminal acts of
any third party, included but not limited to theft, conversion, and malicious
mischief.
9. FINANCIAL LIMITATION.
In no event shall Contractor’s aggregate liability to all parties in interest
3
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
2
arising under this Agreement or the Work for all damages, including, but
not limited to, any tort damages, exceed $25,000 or the sum received by
Contractor under this Agreement, whichever is less.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
10. INDEMNITY, INSURANCE AND WAIVER OF SUBROGATION.
(a) Owner shall indemnify and hold Contractor harmless of any claim,
loss, cost, liability or expense, including reasonable attorney’s fees
incurred in defense thereof, arising from the intentional or negligent acts
or omissions or Owner or his agents, employees or independent
contractors, or the failure of Owner of his agents, employees or
independent contractors to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.
Said indemnification shall encompass and include any and all claims by
third parties arising under this Agreement or the Work performed
hereunder, except claims by employees, subcontractors or vendors of
Contractor for goods, services or employee benefits, as the case may be.
(b) During the period the Vessel is present in Contractor’s boatyard or
other place or repair agreed to between Contractor and Owner, Owner
shall purchase and maintain such types and amounts of insurance as
Owner deems reasonable and prudent to protect against risks assumed
by Owner under this Agreement. As to all such policies or insurance and
all claims made thereon, for himself and his insurers, Owner specifically
waives all right of subrogation against Contractor, its subsidiaries,
affiliates, agents, officers, directors and employees.
(Id. at 3.) (typographical errors in original)
After Trafton signed the Contract, the Polar Bear was hauled out of the
water and set on blocks in the yard where it remained until the fire. (Decl. of Eric
Lundeen, in Supp. of MGBW’s MSJ, ECF No. 90–2, ¶ 7.) From May 22, 2014
through early June, 2014, Trafton executed numerous separate work change
22
orders for repairs to the Polar Bear, including a May 22, 2014 order (“Change
23
Order 1002”) for the removal of lead ballast and foam in the work space and hot
24
25
26
27
work repairs to the hull. (MGBW’s Ex. 11–13, ECF Nos. 16–18.) Each change
order specified that it was in addition to the original Contract, which would remain
otherwise unchanged and in full force and effect. (MGBW’s Ex. 11, 2.)
On June 18, 2014, MGBW obtained a hot work permit authorizing hot work
28
4
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
to be performed on June 19, 2014. (MGBW’s Ex. 29, 62:19–64:6.) On June 19,
2
2014, the Polar Bear caught fire while welders of Universal Steel Fabrication, Inc.
3
(“USF”), a subcontractor hired by MGBW, were performing hot work. (Decl. of
4
Todd Roberts, in Supp. of MGBW’s MSJ, ECF No. 90–4, ¶¶ 9–10.) The fire
5
resulted in the destruction of the Polar Bear. (Id.)
6
On December 16, 2014, Bear filed this action against MGBW, alleging six
7
causes of action: (1) Breach of Contract; (2) Negligence; (3) Gross Negligence;
8
(4) Breach of Implied Warranty of Workmanlike Performance; (5) Breach of
9
Bailment; and (6) Fraud. (Compl. ECF No. 1.)
10
11
II. STANDARD
12
Summary judgment is appropriate under Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil
13
Procedure if the moving party demonstrates the absence of a genuine issue of
14
material fact and entitlement to judgment as a matter of law. Celotex Corp. v.
15
Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). A fact is material when, under the governing
16
substantive law, it could affect the outcome of the case. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby,
17
Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986); Freeman v. Arpaio, 125 F.3d 732, 735 (9th Cir.
18
1997). A dispute as to a material fact is genuine if there is sufficient evidence for
19
a reasonable jury to return a verdict for the nonmoving party. Anderson, 477 U.S.
20
at 323 (1986).
21
A party seeking summary judgment always bears the initial burden of
22
establishing the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex, 477 U.S. at
23
323. The moving party can satisfy this burden in two ways: (1) by presenting
24
evidence that negates an essential element of the nonmoving party’s case; or (2)
25
by demonstrating that the nonmoving party failed to establish an essential element
26
of the nonmoving party’s case on which the nonmoving party bears the burden of
27
proving at trial. Id. at 322-23. “Disputes over irrelevant or unnecessary facts will
28
not preclude a grant of summary judgment.” T.W. Elec. Serv., Inc. v. Pacific Elec.
5
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
Contractors Ass’n, 809 F.2d 626, 630 (9th Cir. 1987).
2
Once the moving party establishes the absence of genuine issues of material
3
fact, the burden shifts to the nonmoving party to demonstrate that a genuine issue
4
of disputed fact remains. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 314. The nonmoving party cannot
5
oppose a properly supported summary judgment motion by “rest[ing] on mere
6
allegations or denials of his pleadings.” Anderson, 477 U.S. at 256. Rather, the
7
nonmoving party must “go beyond the pleadings and by her own affidavits, or by
8
‘the depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file,’ designate
9
‘specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.’” Celotex, 477 U.S. at
10
324 (quoting Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e)).
11
The court must view all inferences drawn from the underlying facts in the
12
light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith
13
Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 587 (1986). “Credibility determinations, the weighing
14
of evidence, and the drawing of legitimate inferences from the facts are jury
15
functions, not those of a judge, [when] he [or she] is ruling on a motion for summary
16
judgment.” Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255.
17
18
19
20
III. DISCUSSION
A. Applicable Law
This action arises out of a marine ship repair contract. The Contract’s
21
choice of law provision indicates that it should be “construed and interpreted in
22
accordance with the admiralty and maritime law of the United States.” (MGBW’s
23
Ex. 16.) It has long been established that a contract for ship repairs is a maritime
24
contract. New Bedford Dry Dock Co. v. Purdy, 258 U.S. 96, 99 (1922). Maritime
25
contracts are governed by federal maritime law. Norfolk S. Ry. v. James B.
26
Kirby, Pty Ltd., 543 U.S. 14, 23 (2004). Additionally, the Ninth Circuit has held
27
that “[b]asic principles in the common law of contracts readily apply in the
28
maritime context.” Clevo Co. v. Hecny Transp., Inc., 715 F.3d 1189, 1194 (9th
6
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
Cir. 2013). Accordingly, the Contract and Bear’s claims for breach of contract,
2
breach of implied warranty, and breach of bailment agreement are governed by
3
federal maritime law.
4
Bear’s tort claims, on the other hand, are governed by California state law.
5
Sentry Select Ins. Co. v. Royal Ins. Co. of Am., 481 F.3d 1208, 1220 (9th Cir.
6
2007) (applying Washington law to an ancillary misrepresentation claim); Royal
7
Ins. Co. of Am. V. Sw. Marine, 194 F.3d 1009, 1015 (9th Cir. 1999) (applying
8
California law to a gross negligence claim against a shipyard).
9
B. Enforceability of Exculpatory Clauses
10
MGBW moves for summary judgment on Bear’s first, second, fourth and
11
fifth claims, arguing that certain provisions in the Contract bar these claims. Bear
12
argues that the provisions are unenforceable because they are against public
13
policy.
14
It is well-settled in admiralty law that the parties to a repair contract may
15
validly stipulate that the ship owner is to assume all liability for all damage
16
occasioned by the negligence of the shipyard. M/V Am. Queen v. San Diego
17
Marine Constr. Corp., 708 F.2d 1483, 1488 (9th Cir. 1983). The Ninth Circuit has
18
repeatedly held that these exculpatory provisions do not violate public policy, and
19
absent evidence of overreaching, upholds these provisions as a means to give
20
effect to the expressed intent of the parties. Id.; Sw. Marine, 194 F.3d at 1014;
21
Morton v. Zidell Explorations, Inc., 695 F.2d 347, 351 (9th Cir. 1982).
22
1. No Evidence of Overreaching
23
Bear argues that the exculpatory provisions in the Contract cannot be
24
upheld because MGBW overreached when Trafton executed the Contract. While
25
the Ninth Circuit has held that exculpatory clauses will not be enforced if there is
26
evidence of overreaching, the Court does not find that MGBW overreached in
27
this case. See Am. Queen, 708 F.3d at 1488.
28
Bear contends that because only MGBW has a boat lift with sufficient
7
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
capacity to haul out yachts of the Polar Bear’s size, it holds a monopoly that
2
prevents equal bargaining power. It argues that under the circumstances,
3
namely the fact that water was leaking into the Polar Bear, Trafton had no choice
4
but to sign the Contract and undertake repairs. However, the parties do not
5
dispute that the Polar Bear was already on its way to MGBW for regular
6
maintenance when it ran aground at the entrance of the San Diego Harbor. Bear
7
had already intended to Contract with MGBW for its services. Additionally,
8
Trafton signed Change Order 1002 more than two weeks after the Polar Bear ran
9
aground. Trafton negotiated over emails how the work was to be performed,
10
which demonstrates his ability to negotiate the terms of the Contract. Moreover,
11
Paragraph 5 of the Contract explicitly provides that the parties may negotiate, for
12
a different price, and increase MGBW’s liabilities. It provides:
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
The Contract Price is based upon the provisions of this Agreement limiting
the scope and duration of Contractor’s warranties, limiting Contractor’s
liability and under which Owner accepts certain risks. Contractor is willing
to perform the Work on the Vessel on the basis of different or more
extensive liabilities or warranties provided an adjustment in price, including
the price of appropriate additional insurance is signed by the parties and
incorporated into this Agreement. Barring such further agreement and
adjustment of the Contract Price, the warranty and limitations of the
Contractor’s liability and Owner’s acceptance of risks as set forth in this
Agreement shall apply.
(MGBW’s Ex. 16, 3.)
The parties do no dispute that Trafton did not read or object to the
exculpatory provisions when he signed the Contract or the subsequent change
work orders. The Ninth Circuit has refused to invalidate exculpatory provisions in
24
a ship repair contract where the ship owner “assented without complaint to the
25
terms of the agreement.” Royal Ins. Co. of Am., 194 F.3d at 1015; see also Am.
26
27
Queen, 708 F.3d at 1488; see also Morton, 695 F.2d at 351. Bear argues that
Trafton was not provided with reasonable notice as to the existence of the
28
8
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
exculpatory provisions and therefore could not have objected to the Contract’s
2
terms. Bear relies on the Ninth Circuit’s “reasonable communicativeness” test to
3
argue that MGBW failed to reasonably communicate its terms and conditions or
4
allow Bear to meaningfully assent to them. See Wallis ex rel. Wallis v. Princess
5
Cruises, Inc., 306 F.3d 827, 836 (9th Cir. 2002) (applying the “reasonable
6
communicativeness” test to determine under common law and maritime law when
7
the passenger of a common carrier is contractually bound by the fine print of a
8
passenger ticket). However, Bear fails to cite any authority that applies this test to
9
ship repair contracts between a vessel owner and a shipyard. Notwithstanding the
10
lack of authority, the undisputed facts indicate that the Contract provided Trafton
11
with notice of the exculpatory provisions. The front side of the Contract signals the
12
reader to “see reverse for details.” (MGBW Ex. 16, 2.) Though Trafton did not
13
initial the back-side of the Contract, by signing the front-side, he certified that he
14
understood the terms and conditions, including those on the reverse side of the
15
Contract. (Id.)
16
Because there is no evidence that MGBW overreached in procuring the
17
Contract, the Court will honor the expressed intent of the parties. See Am.
18
Queen, 708 F.3d at 1489 (finding provision in ship repair contract that explicitly
19
provided that the parties may negotiate the ship yard’s liability as evidence of no
20
overreaching).
21
C. Application of the Exculpatory Provisions
22
23
Having found no evidence of overreaching, the Court now turns to whether
the exculpatory provisions apply to Bear’s claims.
24
“Clauses that purport to limit a party’s legal responsibility are strictly
25
construed and to be given effect must clearly express the intention of all parties
26
whose liability is altered by the agreement.” Bosnor, S.A. de C.V. v. Tug L.A.
27
Barrios, 796 F.2d 776, 781 (9th Cir. 1986). Here, the exculpatory provisions do
28
not apply to Bear’s claims because it is clear from the Contract that the parties
9
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
intended to only limit liability for MGBW’s own performance of the work. The
2
Contract, which contains the exculpatory provisions that MGBW relies upon, is
3
an agreement between Bear and MGBW for the hauling, blocking, and storing of
4
the Polar Bear. At the time they entered into the Contract, it was clear that
5
MGBW would perform that work. Therefore, the entire Contract, including the
6
exculpatory provisions, is predicated on the agreement that MGBW would
7
perform the work authorized by Bear. A close reading of the Contract reflects the
8
parties’ intent.
9
Paragraph 1 states that the “Contractor agrees to furnish materials, parts,
10
supplies and labor to perform the work described in the order.” (MGBW’s Ex. 16,
11
3.) While this statement can theoretically be interpreted to mean that it will
12
furnish labor via subcontractors, the Court is required to strictly construe these
13
provisions. Thus, Paragraph 1 clearly evidences the parties’ intent that MGBW
14
would perform the work. Similarly, Paragraph 5, which explains that the Contract
15
price is based on MGBW’s limited liability, provides that the “Contractor is willing
16
to perform the Work on the Vessel on the basis of different or more extensive
17
liabilities or warranties provided an adjustment in price . . . .” (Id.) It is clear from
18
this statement that MGBW’s limited liability depends on its own performance of
19
the work described under the Contract.
20
Additionally, Paragraph 8, which MGBW argues exculpates it from liability,
21
states that the “Owner accepts the risk of all losses hereafter occasioned by the
22
acts or omissions of the Contractor in the performance of the Work . . . .” (Id.) It
23
is undisputed that USF, not MGBW, performed the hot work under Change Order
24
1002. USF’s performance of the “Work” is therefore beyond the risk that Bear
25
agreed to assume. In an attempt to avoid this provision’s implications, MGBW
26
argues that the loss did arise out of the “Work” because the loss occurred while
27
the Polar Bear was hauled out, blocked, and incurring lay day fees. However,
28
the loss of the Polar Bear did not occur as a result of the performance of that
10
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
work. It instead arose out of the direct the performance of the hot work
2
authorized under Change Order 1002. MGBW argues that neither the Contract
3
nor Change Order 1002 state that the work shall only be performed by MGBW.
4
However, what this argument ignores is that the original Contract is for MGBW to
5
haul, block, and store the Polar Bear. While Change Order 1002 amends the
6
type of work authorized by Bear, it in no way changes what party was originally
7
agreed upon to perform the work1. The fact that Change Order 1002 makes no
8
mention of a subcontractor performing the work implies that it stands by the
9
original Contract, which provides for MGBW to perform the work.
10
Moreover, Paragraph 9, which MGBW argues limits liability to $25,000,
11
states that “[i]n no event shall [MGBW’s] aggregate liability to all parties in
12
interest arising under this Agreement or the Work . . . exceed $25,000.” (Id.)
13
Paragraph 9 depends on the agreement that MGBW would haul, block and store
14
the Polar Bear. Thus, it necessarily follows that the provision limits MGBW’s
15
liability as to its own performance of the work. Paragraph 10(b) is also
16
conditioned on the “risk assumed by [Bear] under this Agreement.” (Id.) Under
17
the Contract, the risk that Bear was willing to undertake was MGBW’s
18
performance of the work. The agreement the parties entered into did not
19
contemplate any other party performing the work.
20
As Bear notes, MGBW understood how to limit its liability as it related to
21
subcontractors. Paragraph 10(a) explicitly states that Bear will indemnify and
22
hold MGBW harmless for all claims arising from the negligent or intentional acts
23
of Bear’s own agents or subcontractors. Indeed, when the Contract speaks of a
24
party other than MGBW performing the work, it is when the Contract limits Bear’s
25
own ability to perform the work. Paragraph 17 states that “[n]either [Bear], nor
26
27
28
Change Order #1002 states: “Except as expressly amended hereby and by any previous change order itself not
specifically amended hereby, the Contract referred to above shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.”
(MGBW’s Ex. 11.)
1
11
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
any contractor or subcontractor engaged by Owner, shall perform any work on
2
the Vessel at the facilities of [MGBW] unless Owner has entered into a separate
3
“Do-it-Yourself” contract with Contractor.” (Id.)
4
The Court’s interpretation of the Contract is reinforced by the rationale
5
behind upholding these exculpatory provisions. The idea that parties can
6
allocate their own risks, including those arising out of negligent acts, “is
7
predicated on the consideration that businessmen can bargain over which party
8
is to bear the risk of damage and set the price accordingly, thus achieving a more
9
rational distribution of the risk than the law would otherwise allow.” Jig The Third
10
Corp. v. Puritan Marine Ins. Underwriters Corp., 519 F.2d 171, 176 (5th Cir.
11
1975), overruled on other grounds by E. River S.S. Corp. v. Transamerica
12
Delaval, 476 U.S. 858 (1986). The redistribution of risk only makes sense if a
13
party fully understands what kind of risk it is agreeing to assume, which requires
14
an assessment of the party that is performing the work, as well as the type of
15
work being performed. Here, it would be contrary to the rationale behind
16
maritime exculpatory clauses to hold that the parties intended for Bear to assume
17
a risk of another service provider to which it had not agreed.
18
With that in mind, the Court finds that the exculpatory provisions in the
19
Contract only apply if MGBW performed the work. Because it is undisputed that
20
it did not, Bear’s claims are not barred or financially limited.
21
Alternatively, as discussed below, the Court holds that Bear’s claim of
22
promissory fraud is a triable issue. If Bear prevails at trial on this claim, a finding
23
of fraud would void the Contract. Therefore, the exculpatory provisions cannot
24
be enforced at this stage. Accordingly, MGBW’s motion for summary judgment
25
as to Bear’s first, second, fourth and fifth claims is denied.
26
D. Breach of Bailment
27
28
“A bailment relationship arises when goods are delivered by one party to
another for a specific purpose, and the other party accepts the goods with the
12
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
express or implied promise that the goods will be returned after the purpose of
2
the delivery has been fulfilled.” Benedict on Admiralty, Vol. 8, § 19.07 (Matthew
3
Bender). It is well-settled that “bailment law is applicable to suits for damages to
4
or loss of a vessel that has been left with another for purpose of repair.” Goudy
5
& Stevens, Inc. v. Cable Marine, Inc., 924 F.2d 16, 18 (1st Cir. 1991); see also
6
Lake Union Dry Dock & Machine Works v. United States, 79 F.2d 802 (9th Cir.
7
1935); see also Buntin v. Fletchas, 527 F.2d 512, 513 (5th Cir. 1958); see also
8
Muller Boat Works, Inc. v. Unnamed 52’ House Barge, 464 F. Supp. 2d 127, 146
9
(E.D.N.Y. 2006).
10
MGBW relies on Man Ferrostaal, Inc. v. M/V Akili, 704 F.3d 77 (2d. Cir.
11
2012) and QT Trading, L.P. v. M/V Saga Morus, 641 F.3d 105 (5th Cir. 2011) to
12
move for summary judgment on Bear’s fifth cause of action. It argues that Bear’s
13
claim fails because it cannot establish that MGBW had “exclusive possession” of
14
the Polar Bear. While these cases do state that a claim of bailment requires
15
proof of “exclusive possession,” their facts are dissimilar to this case. QT
16
Trading, 641 F.3d at 111 (“[a] claim of bailment does not arise under admiralty
17
law unless: (1) delivery to the bailee is complete and (2) he has exclusive
18
possession of the bailed property, even against its owner.”) (internal citations
19
omitted); Man Ferrostaal, 704 F.3d at 88 (“bailment does not arise unless
20
delivery to the bailee is complete and he has exclusive possession of the bailed
21
property.”). The cases do not involve suits against shipyards for a breach of
22
bailment after the delivery of a vessel for repair or dry dock. Instead they involve
23
actions against ship owners for damaged cargo that charterers were in
24
possession of. Q.T. Trading, 641 at 111; Man Ferrostaal, 704 F.3d at 89. It is
25
within that context that the Second and Fifth Circuits have required proof that the
26
bailee had “exclusive possession” of the delivered property. Thus, the Court is
27
reluctant to apply them to Bear’s claim for breach of bailment. See Frichelle LTD
28
v. Master Marine, Inc., 99 F. Supp. 2d 1337 (2000) (providing an overview of the
13
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
cases that require a showing of “exclusive possession” and distinguishing them
2
from cases that involve the delivery of a vessel to a dry dock for repair).
3
A review of bailment law as it applies to shipyards reveals that a non-
4
exclusive right and possession does not, as matter of law, preclude a bailment
5
from being established. See Goudy & Stevens, 924 F.2d at 18–19 (that bailor’s
6
agent remained on the vessel and served as a repairman himself merely
7
precluded the presumption of negligence from arising, not the bailment
8
relationship altogether); see also Pan-Am. Petroleum Tr. Co. v. Robins Dry Dock
9
& Repair Co., 281 F.97 (2d. Cir. 1922) (that agents for the bailor were on board
10
at the time the damage occurred did not change the fact that the bailee had
11
exclusive possession of a vessel under a contract for repairs); see also Muller
12
Boat Works, Inc., 464 F. Supp. 2d at 147 (shifting the burden of production to
13
bailee even though bailors accessed the vessel while it was at bailee’s shipyard).
The First Circuit in Goudy & Stevens, Inc., explained a bailor’s burden of
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
proof:
[W]hen the bailor shows delivery to a bailee and the bailee’s failure to
return the thing bailed, he makes out a prima facie case of negligence
against the bailee, and it then becomes the duty of the bailee to come
forward with the evidence to explain its default by showing facts and
circumstances sufficient in law to exonerate it from liability for the damage.
The rationale for such an inference of negligence is a sound one: since the
bailee is generally in a better position than the bailor to ascertain the cause
of the loss, the law lays on it the duty to come forward with information it
has available. . . . [N]o inference or presumption of negligence can arise
against a bailee if its possession of the damaged bailed property was not
exclusive of that of the bailor. We add that the fact that the bailee’s
possession over the thing bailed must be exclusive for the preemption to
apply does not mean that any act of dominion by the bailor over the vessel
would also negate the inference. Rather, it implies that possession and
control must be of such a nature as to permit a reasonable trier of fact to
infer that the bailee is in the better, or sole, position to explain what actually
happened.
924 F.2d at 18–19 (internal citations omitted).
14
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
Therefore, despite the undisputed evidence that Trafton was living on
2
board the Polar Bear and participated in some repair work, it does not preclude
3
Bear’s bailment claim. As the case law states, it at best precludes a presumption
4
of negligence from arising. Accordingly, MGBW’s motion is denied as to Bear’s
5
bailment claim.
6
E. Gross Negligence
7
The Ninth Circuit has consistently held that exculpatory provisions do not
8
shield parties from liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Royal
9
Ins. Co. of Am., 194 F.3d at 1016 (“a party to a maritime contract should not be
10
permitted to shield itself contractually from liability for gross negligence . . . and
11
from liability for intentional misconduct.”). California law defines “gross
12
negligence” as the “intentional failure to perform a manifest duty in reckless
13
disregard of the consequences as affecting the life or property of another; such a
14
gross want of care and regard for the rights of others as to justify the
15
presumption of willfulness and wantonness.” Id. at 1015. The Ninth Circuit has
16
indicated that “gross negligence is a point on a continuum of probability, and its
17
presence depends on the particular circumstances of each case.” Id. (internal
18
citations omitted).
19
Here, the parties dispute whether MGBW’s conduct constitutes gross
20
negligence. MGBW argues that it made significant attempts to comply with
21
applicable standards and regulations. It submits evidence to demonstrate that it
22
had a fire prevention program in place and held numerous safety meetings with
23
USF. (MGBW’s Ex. 26, ECF No. 90–31, 87–89; Ex. 27, ECF No. 90–31,
24
233:10–236:19.) It also presents evidence that on the day of the fire, it had a
25
“competent person” inspect the area for welding and issue a hot work permit.
26
(MGBW’s Ex. 29, ECF No. 90–34, 70:6–72:2; 74:14–76:9; 79:1–8.) In response,
27
Bear submits evidence to argue that MGBW failed to supervise its subcontractors
28
//
15
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
and ensure fire safety, as well as issued “hot work” permits in violation of industry
2
custom and its own written standards. (Decl. of Robert Wright, in Supp. of Bear’s
3
Opp’n Ex. (“Wright’s Ex.”) E, ECF No. 93–3, 57:9–25; 191:21–192:4; 201:14–23;
4
Wright’s Ex. G, ECF No. 93–7, 224:15–25; 234:2–235:18; Wright’s Ex. K, ECF
5
No. 93–9, 18:8–21:17; 29:15–34:16; 36:13–37:7; Decl. of Troy Corbin, in Supp.
6
of Bear’s Opp’n, ECF No. 93–37, ¶¶ 19, 33, 53–61.) These arguments and
7
evidence create an issue of material fact. When viewed in the light most
8
favorable to Bear, a rational trier of fact could conclude that MGBW’s actions or
9
omissions constituted gross negligence. Accordingly, the issue of gross
10
negligence cannot be disposed of on summary judgment.
11
F. Promissory Fraud
12
Bear alleges that MGBW committed promissory fraud by representing to
13
Trafton, prior to him approving Change Order 1002, that MGBW would personally
14
perform the repairs.
15
“An action for promissory fraud may lie where a defendant fraudulently
16
induces a plaintiff to enter into a contract.” Lazar v. Superior Court, 12 Cal. 4th
17
631, 638 (Cal. App. Ct. 1996). The elements that give rise to the tort of
18
promissory fraud are: “(1) a promise made regarding a material fact without any
19
intention of performing it; (2) the existence of the intent not to perform at the time
20
the promise was made; (3) intent to deceive or induce the promisee to enter into
21
a transaction; (4) reasonable reliance by the promisee; (5) nonperformance by
22
the party making the promise; and (6) resulting damage to the promise[e].”
23
Behnke v. State Farm Gen. Ins. Co., 196 Cal. App. 4th 1443, 1453 (Cal App.
24
2011).
25
MGBW moves for summary judgment on this claim, arguing that Bear
26
cannot establish that Eric Lundeen (“Lundeen”), an MGBW director of projects,
27
knew at the time of his conversation with Trafton that MGBW intended to have
28
the work performed by third parties.
16
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
Bear has submitted evidence that on May 14, 2014, Lundeen emailed
2
Trafton two quotes for the hot work at issue in Change Order 1002. (Decl. of
3
Roger Trafton, in Supp. of Bear’s Opp’n, Ex. (“Trafton’s Ex.) J, ECF No. 93–13.)
4
One quote was from a subcontractor for $110,000 and the other was from
5
MGBW for $140,000. (Id.) According to Trafton, within the next couple of days,
6
he communicated to Lundeen that he and Jodsaas wanted to move forward with
7
MGBW’s quote, because Jodsaas was adamant about not using subcontractors.
8
(Trafton Decl. ¶ 93.) A day later, on May 15, 2014, Trafton communicated with
9
Todd Roberts (“Roberts”) from MBGW about the final proposed price for the hot
10
work that MGBW would perform. (Trafton’s Exs. K, L, ECF Nos. 93–25, 26.) On
11
May 22, 2014, Trafton approved Change Order 1002, which incorporated their
12
communications about the work to be done and final agreed upon price of
13
$169,233.00. (Trafton’s Ex. M, ECF No. 93–27.) Bear also submits the
14
testimony of Ryan McAloney, a MGBW project manager, that it was “common
15
knowledge that [MBGW] was too busy at the time to do the work.” (Wright’s Ex.
16
H, ECF No. 93–7, 96:1–97:1.)
17
Viewing all inferences drawn from these facts in the light most favorable to
18
Bear, there remain, at the very least, genuine disputes of material fact as to
19
Lundeen’s intent to not perform and deceive. Therefore, MGBW’s motion is
20
denied as to Bear’s promissory fraud claim.
21
G. Remaining Issues
22
1. Evidentiary Objections
23
Both parties raise objections to several declarations and exhibits submitted in
24
support of the opposing parties’ papers. Having reviewed the parties’ objections,
25
the Court rules as follows:
26
MGBW’s Objection 1 to Troy Corbin’s Declaration is overruled.
27
Because the Court did not rely on the remaining materials in reaching its decision,
28
it overrules those objections as moot.
17
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
1
2. Bear’s Request for Judicial Notice
2
Along with its Opposition, Bear filed a request for judicial notice. (ECF No.
3
93-54.) The Court denies Bear’s request as moot.
4
3. Bear’s Motion for Leave to File an Oversized Brief
5
On December 23, 2016, concurrently with its papers, Bear filed a motion for
6
leave to file an oversized opposition brief. (ECF No. 92.) On December 27,
7
2014, MGBW opposed Bear’s motion. (ECF No. 94.) The Court grants Bear’s
8
motion.
9
10
IV. CONCLUSION
11
For the reasons discussed above, MGBW’s motion for summary judgment
12
(ECF No. 90) is DENIED. Bear’s motion for leave to file an oversized (ECF No.
13
92) is GRANTED.
14
15
IT IS SO ORDERED.
16
Dated: May 5, 2017
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
18
14-cv-2960-BTM-BLM
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?