American Automobile Insurance Company v. Omega Flex, Inc.
Filing
96
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendants motion to exclude the testimony of Plaintiffs expert, Dr. Thomas Eagar, is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. (Doc. No. 51.) IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants motion for s ummary judgment (Doc. No. 55) is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part, as follows: 1. Defendants motion for summary judgment is DENIED with respect to Plaintiffs claims for negligent design and strict liability, defective product theory. 2. Defendan ts motion for summary judgment is GRANTED with respect to Plaintiffs claims for strict liability, failure to warn theory, and breach of express and implied warranties.IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs motion for summary judgment isDENIED. (Doc. No. 59.) IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiffs motion to exclude the testimony of Defendants expert, Dr. Harri Kytomaa, is DENIED. (Doc. No. 63.) Signed by District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on 6/11/2013. (KSH)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
EASTERN DIVISION
AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE
INSURANCE COMPANY,
as assignee of FRED AND
ADRIENNE KOSTECKI,
Plaintiff,
v.
OMEGA FLEX, INC.,
Defendant.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Case No. 4:11CV00305 AGF
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
Plaintiff American Automobile Insurance Company (“Plaintiff”) brings this
action against Defendant Omega Flex, Inc. (“Defendant”) to recover funds Plaintiff paid
its insureds, Fred and Adrienne Kostecki, following a fire at the Kostecki residence in
High Ridge, Missouri. Plaintiff asserts that TracPipe, Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing
(“CSST”), manufactured and sold by Defendant, and used to transport propane into the
home, was defective and caused the fire. On this basis, Plaintiff alleges liability for three
claims: negligent product design; strict liability, under defective product and failure to
warn theories; and breach of warranty arising from the use of the TracPipe.
Now before the Court are the parties’ cross motions for summary judgment and
motions to strike the opinion testimony of expert witnesses pursuant to Daubert v.
Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals., Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993). The parties have fully briefed
the motions and the Court heard oral argument. For the reasons set forth below,
Defendant’s motion to exclude the opinion testimony of Dr. Thomas Eagar is granted in
part and denied in part; Plaintiff’s motion to exclude the testimony of Dr. Harri Kytomaa
is denied; Defendant’s motion for summary judgment is granted in part and denied in
part; and Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment is denied.
I. Background
Upon review of the record, the exhibits and affidavits attached thereto, the Court
finds the following facts, which are undisputed, except where noted.
In 2001, Fred and Adrienne Kostecki contracted with HIW, Inc. (“HIW”), to build
a house at 3460 Whitby Lane, High Ridge, Missouri (“the Kostecki residence”.)
Unidentified contractors retained by HIW installed TracPipe CSST to transport propane
to and within the residence. HIW declared bankruptcy shortly before it finished building
the Kostecki residence.
The Omega Flex 2001 TracPipe Design Guide and Installation Instructions (“2001
D&I Guide”), applicable at the time of the Kostecki construction, provides “general
instructions” for the “installation and design” of a TracPipe CSST system. (Doc. No. 564, at 3.) The 2001 D&I Guide provides that only a “qualified person who has been
trained or otherwise qualified” to install the TracPipe may do so, and states that the
“general instructions” for design and installation are to be “used in conjunction with state
and local building codes.” Id. On the same page the 2001 D&I Guide states in bold,
underlined typeface that “Local codes will take precedence in the event of a conflict
between this guide and the local code.” Id. In the next sentence, the 2001 D&I Guide
-2-
provides that ‘[i]n the absence of local codes installation must be in accordance with the
NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE. . . . Id.
The first page of the 2001 D&I Guide contains a heading reading “WARNINGS”
followed by the words “Limitations of Manual” and a black box labeled “WARNING!”
stating that “[t]he installation instructions and applicable local codes must be strictly
followed.” Id. Several pages of specific installation instructions and an illustration
follow, describing, among other things, the bonding of the TracPipe to the household
grounding electrode during installation. Id. at 4-20. This section of the 2001 D&I Guide
concludes with a warning that “bonding is a requirement of the National Electrical Code,
which must be followed for all gas piping materials including CSST.” Id. at 22. The
2001 D&I Guide does not include any representations regarding TracPipe’s
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Id.
It is undisputed that during installation the TracPipe in the Kostecki residence was
not bonded with a bonding clamp and bonding wire of 6 AWG thickness as described in
the 2001 D&I Guide. Mr. Ronald Juergens and Mr. Mark Goodsong, Plaintiff’s electrical
engineering experts, testified at their depositions that the Kostecki installation did not
have a bonding clamp that was attached to the CSST or a bonding wire of 6 AWG
thicknesses for the product. Instead, a three prong plug was used for grounding in
accordance with the National Electric Code (“NEC”) requirements referenced in the 2001
D&I Guide.1
1
Juergens testified at his deposition that Omega Flex’s TracPipe Design Guide and
Installation Instructions includes a “diagram that was depicted in the bonding section of
-3-
Defendant’s Suggested Price List provides that Defendant “warrants to the original
owner at the original installation site that the [TracPipe] will be free from defects in
material or workmanship for one year from the date of installation.” (Doc. No. 56-16, at
4.) The Suggested Price List further states that this limited warranty “does not apply if
the Product has been subjected to misuse or neglect, has been accidentally or
intentionally damaged, has not been installed, maintained or operated in accordance with
the TracPipe Design and Installation Guide, or has been altered or modified in any way.”
Id. The Suggested Price List also states in bolded, upper case lettering that the limited
warranty “is in lieu of all other warranties, either express or implied, and all such other
warranties, including without limitation implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose, are hereby disclaimed and excluded from this limited warranty.”
Id.
Defendant provides its Suggested Price List to direct purchasers of TracPipe. The
record does not indicate whether HIW or its subcontractor purchased the TracPipe from a
dealer or directly from Defendant. There is no evidence that the Kosteckis received or
the guide” that showed “a bonding clamp that was attached to the CSST with instructions
to use a bonding wire of 6 AWG thickness for the product.” (Juergens Depo. Doc. No.
56-8, at 15:4-12). Juergens further testified that the Kostecki installation did not have a
“bonding clamp that was attached to the CSST” or “a bonding wire of 6 AWG thickness
for the product.” Id. at 15:8-15. Plaintiff’s electrical engineering expert, Mark Goodson,
testified that the CSST system in the Kostecki house was not bonded to the household
grounding electrode with a “dedicated bonding wire and bonding clamp.” The system
was grounded with a three prong plug.
-4-
read the Suggested Price List accompanying the TracPipe used in their home or that they
received any other documents that might give rise to a warranty.
The Kosteckis moved into the residence in 2002, after it passed a local building
code inspection. Thereafter, they obtained a home owners’ insurance policy from
Plaintiff. The policy period extended from May 7, 2009, to May 7, 2010, and covered up
to $2,169,800 in damage to the Kosteckis’ property ($1,142,000 for dwelling, $228,400
for other structures, and $799,400 for personal property), and $1,020,000 in liability and
medical payments to others ($1,000,000 in personal liability for each occurrence and
$10,000 for each person for medical payments to others).
The Policy provides in pertinent part:
Definitions
*
*
*
C. 15. Occurrence means:
a. Under Coverage For Damage To Your Property: accidental loss
and damage to covered property which occurs during the policy
period and is caused by one or more causes of loss we cover….
Property Losses Not Covered
*
B.
*
*
1. We will not pay for loss caused by or resulting from any of the
following. However, any ensuing loss not excluded in this policy is
covered
*
*
*
e. Inherent vice, hidden or latent defect or any quality in property
that causes it to damage or destroy itself
-5-
*
*
*
For the causes of loss described above, except collapse, we do cover
resulting loss or damage to covered property unless the resulting loss is
itself caused by a cause of loss described in Property Losses Not Covered.
1. We do not cover loss caused by any of the following
*
*
*
c. faulty, inadequate or defective . . .
(2) design, specifications, workmanship, repair, construction,
renovation, and remodeling, grading, compaction;
(3) materials used in repair, construction, renovation or
remodeling;
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Policy Conditions
*
I. Subrogation
*
2. If we require assignment, an insured will sign and deliver all related
papers and cooperate with us.
3. In the event of loss which we believe may be collectible from others,
we may pay in the form of a loan to be repaid out of any recoveries
from others. You will cooperate in every way possible to assist in
such recovery from others and we shall, at our expense, take over
your rights against others to the extent of your payment.
Pursuant to a one-page document entitled “Assignment and Subrogation Receipt,”
Plaintiff bought an interest in the claims in this suit by paying the Kosteckis 50% of their
-6-
alleged losses. The Receipt also provides that the Kosteckis retain a pro-rata uninsured
interest in any recovery Plaintiff obtains.
Defendant sells TracPipe to wholesalers or distributors, who then sell to licensed
installers. At the time of purchase, installers are required to produce a card evidencing
that they have been trained in TracPipe installation. Installers obtain training cards by
attending a training class conducted by a company representative, regional manager,
manufacturer’s reps, or a person at the wholesale level that has received training.
It is undisputed that Defendant’s distributors are not supposed to sell TracPipe to
anyone who does not have a training card, but Defendant has no program in place to
assure that this requirement is followed or to inform its certified installers of changes in
its installation guidelines. It is also undisputed that installation instructions are not
provided to certified installers at the point of purchase and new versions of D&I Guides
are not provided to certified installers as they are updated.
On April 30, 2010, a thunderstorm moved through the High Ridge area,
accompanied by rain and lightning. A fire occurred at the Kostecki home during this
lightning storm. As a result of the fire the Kostecki property suffered severe heat, smoke,
and water damage.
David Smith, Defendant’s testifying fire investigator, has opined that the fire
originated directly below the study where it was first observed and that the cause of the
fire cannot be determined. Smith’s scene investigator conducted a burn pattern analysis
indicating that the fire originated in or around the floor truss system between a bedroom
on the lower level and the first floor study. The fire spread through the flooring system in
-7-
this area, causing the floor in the study to collapse into the basement. Robert Wysong,
one of Plaintiff’s experts, identified the same area as the origin of the fire. It is
undisputed that in the aftermath of the fire, two 2x5 mm perforations were found in the
run of TracPipe CSST located in the area of the fire’s origin.
II. Daubert Motions
Each party has moved to strike the opinion testimony of one of the other’s experts,
contending that their respective opinions should be stricken as outside the scope of the
witness’ expertise and/or unsupported by a reliable methodology as required under
Federal Rule of Evidence 7022 and the Supreme Court’s decision in Daubert, 509 U.S.
579.
A. Applicable Law
Rule 702 sets forth standards for expert opinion testimony and is designed to
ensure that all scientific testimony is both reliable and relevant and reflects the standards
set forth in the United States Supreme Court decisions in Daubert, 509 U.S. at 579, and
2
A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or
education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if:
(a) the expert=s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge
will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine
a fact in issue;
(b) the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data;
(c) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods;
and
(d) the expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the
facts of the case.
Fed. R. Evid. 702.
-8-
Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137 (1999). Under Daubert, courts act as gatekeepers to ensure that the proffered expert testimony is both relevant and reliable.
Daubert, 509 U.S. at 592. Proffered expert testimony should be excluded if it is
speculative or conjectural. Barrett v. Rhodia, Inc., 606 F.3d 975, 980 (8th Cir. 2010);
Junk v. Terminix Int’l Co., 628 F.3d 439, 448 (8th Cir. 2010) (holding that “[s]peculative
testimony should not be admitted”). Similarly, expert opinions lacking a factual basis or
based on speculation or conjecture should not be permitted. Barrett, 606 F.3d at 980. To
satisfy the reliability requirement, the party offering the expert testimony must show by a
preponderance of the evidence both that the expert is qualified to render the opinion and
that the methodology underlying his conclusions is scientifically valid. Id.
The United States Supreme Court has emphasized that the test for reliability is
flexible, and that a trial judge may, but need not, consider the specific factors identified in
Daubert: “whether a theory or technique can be and has been tested; whether it has been
subjected to peer review and publication; the known or potential rate of error; and
whether it is generally accepted in the relevant discipline.” Kuhn v. Wyeth, Inc., 686 F.3d
618, 625 (8th Cir. 2012) (citing Kuhmo Tire, 526 U.S. at 149-50). In addition, “[e]xpert
evidence may be excluded if a court determines “that there is simply too great an
analytical gap between the data and the opinion proffered.” Id. at 625 (citing Gen. Elec.
Co. v. Joiner, 522 U.S. 136, 146 (1997)). Neither “Daubert [n]or the Federal Rules of
Evidence requires a district court to admit opinion evidence that is connected to existing
data only by the ipse dixit of the expert.” Id.
-9-
In the specific context of fire causation, the Eighth Circuit has advised that expert
opinions may be found reliable when based solely upon observations and experience.
See, e.g., Shuck v. CNH Am., LLC, 498 F.3d 868, 874-75 (8th Cir. 2007) (concluding that
expert opinion based upon observation and expertise that engine failure caused a fire
reliable because experts for both parties relied on this methodology and the engine
components were too damaged to be tested); Hickerson v. Pride Mobility Prods. Corp.,
470 F.3d 1252, 1257 (8th Cir. 2006) (holding that a fire causation expert’s opinion was
admissible where the methodology involved no testing but the application of specialized
knowledge to observations of a fire scene); see also Kumho Tire, 526 U.S. at 137 (stating
that “no one denies that an expert might draw a conclusion from a set of observations
based on extensive and specialized experience”).
If testing to establish fire causation is performed it “must be appropriate and must
analytically prove the expert’s hypothesis.” Presley v. Lakewood Eng’g & Mfg. Co., 553
F.3d 638, 646-47 (8th Cir. 2009) (holding that metallurgical tests and flammability tests
were insufficient to establish ignition or spread, and that opinions regarding ignition and
spread should be excluded as speculative when based upon the witness’ supposition).
Under Federal Rule of Evidence 704(a), expert testimony may embrace an
ultimate issue in a case, but ‘“courts must guard against invading the province of the jury
on a question which the jury [is] entirely capable of answering without the benefit of
expert opinion.’” Rottlund Co. v. Pinnacle Corp., 452 F.3d 726, 732 (8th Cir. 2006)
(quoting Robertson v. Norton Co., 148 F.3d 905, 908 (8th Cir.1998)). Expert opinions
- 10 -
also may run afoul of Rule 403 because their potential prejudicial effect may outweigh
their probative value. See Fed. R. Evid. 403.
B. Opinions of Thomas Eagar, Ph.D.
Plaintiff’s expert, Thomas Eagar, Ph.D., is a metallurgist and arc physicist, and a
frequent litigation consultant in the area of metallurgy and metal failure. Eagar is to offer
expert opinion testimony with respect to three issues: causation, i.e., whether TracPipe
caused the Kostecki fire; the efficacy of bonding to improve the safety of TracPipe; and
whether TracPipe’s design, including warnings and instructions was defective. In
Eagar’s report, he opines that TracPipe was defective, that bonding would not have
prevented the fire, and that Defendant’s warnings and instructions were inadequate to
warn of the danger posed by TracPipe.
With respect to causation, Eagar opines that a lightning-generated electrical arc
perforated the TracPipe, releasing propane gas that ignited and in turn caused the fire.
This opinion is based on a metallurgic analysis of the voltage and duration of a
hypothetical lightning strike; Eagar’s asserted ability to discern whether the holes in the
CSST are the result of lightning, or arcing from the household electrical system or other
cause; and simulations of fire ignition consistent with Eagar’s hypothesis. On the basis
of tests he performed, Eagar claims that perforations like the ones found here can in turn
result in fires, but he has acknowledged various flaws in those tests.
In support of its Daubert motion, Defendant argues that Eagar’s causation
opinions are outside the scope of his expertise because he is not a specialist in fire
causation. In addition, Defendant asserts that Eagar’s causation opinion is premised on a
- 11 -
series of steps unsupported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence or a reliable
methodology. Defendant further contends that Eagar’s opinion that an indirect lightning
strike was sufficient to perforate TracPipe is based on flawed testing, and also
inconsistent with his own testimony in other cases regarding his expertise. 3 Finally,
Defendant asserts that Eagar’s opinions with respect to defective design and warnings are
outside the scope of his expertise and inconsistent with his own testimony regarding his
expertise.4
Defendant objects to the reliability of Eagar’s opinion that the energy generated by
an indirect lightning strike was sufficient to perforate the TracPipe and cause the fire,
because his report contains no data regarding indirect lightning strikes. Similarly,
Defendant objects to Eagar’s testimony that he can discern whether the holes in the CSST
were caused by lightning, because Eagar also states that metallurgical analysis alone
cannot offer such answers.
3
See, e.g., Eagar Dep. (Sauer) at 27:15-22 (“I am not an expert on lightning. I do not
profess to be an expert on lightning.”); Eagar Dep. (Holes) at 30:11-19 (“I am not an
expert on lightning.”); Eagar Dep. (Becnel) at 84:3-19 (“I have not pretended to be a
lightening [sic] expert here. I am a metallurgi[st] and am an arc physicist, but I am not
specifically a lightening [sic] expert.”); Eagar testified at his deposition in the Karlin case
that he does “not hold [him]self out as an origin and cause expert.” Eagar testified at his
deposition in the Sauer case that he does “not hold [him]self out as an expert in the
design of corrugated stainless steel systems” or in the installation of CSST.
4
Eagar testified at his deposition in the Sauer case that he does “not hold [him]self out
as an expert in the design of corrugated stainless steel systems” or in the installation of
CSST. Eagar Dep. (Sauer) at 197:6-22. Eagar testified at his deposition in the Grimm
case that he does not “hold [him]self out as an expert in warnings.” Eagar Dep. (Grimm)
at 82:24-83:6).
- 12 -
Defendant also argues that Eagar offers no basis from which the Court could
conclude that his credentials and training as a metallurgist and arc physicist qualify him
to offer opinions regarding product design and the efficacy of bonding and warnings.
Defendant notes that, in the context of other litigation involving TracPipe, Eagar has
testified that he is not an expert with respect to product design or warnings, and that
another federal court excluded his opinions with respect to these issues. See Cincinnati
Ins. Co. v. Omega Flex, Inc., No. 3:10-CV-00670M, 2013 WL 2120322 (W.D. Ky. May
15, 2013).
Pursuant to Rule 702, a court’s primary consideration as to the admission of expert
testimony is whether such testimony will assist the trier of fact. Upon review of the
record before it, the Court concludes that Plaintiff has not shown by a preponderance of
the evidence that Eagar can qualify as an expert with respect to product design and
product warnings to provide a reliable basis for his opinions on these issues. Eagar has
specifically disavowed such expertise and his areas of expertise bear no more than a
remote relationship to product design and warnings. In the absence of specific expertise
on these issues, his testimony will provide little assistance to the jury. Cincinnati Ins.
Co., 2013 WL 2120322, at *1 (refusing to reconsider a previous order holding that “Dr.
Eagar may not opine generally as to the standard of care of manufacturers or specifically
as to Omega Flex’s conduct . . . [because s]uch opinions are outside his field of expertise,
metallurgy.”); see also Barrett, 606 F.3d at 980.
In addition, Eagar’s proposed testimony on the issue of the adequacy of the
warnings presents a real risk of invading the province of the jury by directing its
- 13 -
determination on an ultimate issue. See Rottlund, 452 F.3d at 732; Robertson, 148 F.3d
at 908 (affirming exclusion of expert’s opinion in light of his lack of qualifications
regarding warnings and his failure to systematically consider the problems inherent in
devising a warning). Moreover, the proposed testimony as to design and warnings may
run afoul of Fed. R. Evid. 403. The jury might afford it greater weight than warranted
because “[t]he shroud of his [irrelevant] expertise [in another area] will likely elevate his
opinion above a mere observation to a legal conclusion.” Cincinnati Ins. Co., 2013 WL
2120322, at *2; Hayes v. MTD Prod., Inc., 518 F. Supp. 2d 898, 901 (W.D. Ky. 2007)
(holding that legal conclusions are reserved for the jury). For these reasons, Eagar may
not offer opinion testimony relating to product design and warnings.
With respect to Eagar’s opinions regarding fire causation and the efficacy of
bonding, the Court concludes that his metallurgical and arc physics expertise is closely
and logically related to these issues and qualifies him to opine with respect to these
issues. The fire causation and bonding questions here hinge upon the possible effects of
an electrical arc on a metal, CSST, and the measures required to alter the conductivity of
that metal. Therefore, the Court is satisfied that Eagar’s claimed areas of expertise, as
established by a preponderance of the evidence on the record, make him a reliable
witness with respect to these issues.
Defendant asserts that Pro Service Automotive, L.L.C. v. Lenan Corp., 469 F.3d
1210 (8th Cir. 2006), requires exclusion of Eagar’s testimony regarding fire causation
and bonding because “there is too great an analytical gap between the data and his
opinion.” 469 F.3d at 1215-16. But the holding in Pro Service is readily distinguishable.
- 14 -
There, the proposed expert offered a causation opinion without performing any testing,
and “only vague theorizing based on general principles.” Id. By contrast, Eagar has
performed tests relating the response of CSST to various voltage levels and to the ignition
of gas at the resulting temperatures. Defendant’s argument that Eagar’s opinion is
unreliable because it believes he drew the wrong conclusion from scientifically accepted
testing goes to the weight and credibility of his testimony, not its reliability. Compare
Pro Serv. Auto., L.L.C., 469 F. 3d at 12 with White v. Cooper Indus., Inc., No. Civ. 064272-KES, 2009 WL 234347, *6-7 (D.S.D., Jan. 29, 2009).
Similarly, the other flaws Defendant identifies in Eagar’s data, theories and testing
methods go to the weight rather than the admissibility of that evidence and should not be
excluded on this basis. See Kudabeck v. Kroger Co., 338 F.3d 856, 862 (8th Cir. 2003).
Defendant will have the opportunity on cross-examination to challenge Eagar’s opinions
and the underlying justification for them. Id. (holding that “[v]igorous crossexamination, presentation of contrary evidence, and careful instruction on the burden of
proof are the traditional and appropriate means of attacking shaky but admissible
evidence”). Therefore, the Court concludes that Eagar may testify as to the matters
within his areas of expertise – metallurgy and arc physics – and may offer his opinion
regarding fire causation in relation to metallurgy and arc physics. Testimony outside of
these areas related to product design and warnings will be excluded.
- 15 -
C. Opinions of Harri Kytomaa, Ph.D.
Defendant’s expert, Harri Kytomaa, Ph.D., is a mechanical engineer and “fire
causation specialist.” He is to testify with respect to fire causation, but the thrust of his
opinion is to demonstrate the flaws in Eagar’s causation hypothesis.
Kytomaa asserts that the energy generated by an indirect lightning strike is
insufficient to perforate the TracPipe CSST and ignite escaping propane. He asserts that
propane gas escaping from the perforations in the CSST could not have been ignited by
this lightning arcing event and that even if such ignition occurred, the force of the
propane flowing through the perforations would have extinguished any spark or fire.
Kytomaa opines that an arcing event energized the CSST but did not melt the
CSST at this time. He contends that energy from the lightning strike arced off the CSST
to another unknown conductive material and ignited some non-specific combustible
material, such as wood joists, gypsum board, sawdust or dander. This unidentified “first
fuel” ignited and sustained the fire, which spread. Kytomaa claims that as the fire spread
it attacked an aluminum feeder wire that was extremely close to the CSST, burning away
the insulation on the electrical wiring, and triggering a second electrical arc between the
CSST and the wiring. Kytomaa posits that this second arc, powered by the home’s
electrical system, was capable of perforating the CSST, causing gas to escape into the ongoing fire.
Plaintiff seeks to exclude certain of Kytomaa’s opinions as speculative, and not
based on physical evidence, appropriate testing or reliable principles, and methods.
- 16 -
Plaintiff also asserts that Kytomaa’s opinions are not derived from any recognized
methodology and directly contradict accepted scientific principles.
Applying the principles set forth above, the Court concludes that Kytomaa’s
testimony with respect to causation should be permitted. His expertise in fire causation
and electrical engineering has been duly demonstrated and his opinions regarding the
cause of the fire are supported by scientific literature and the testing he performed.
Plaintiff’s assertions regarding the reliability of Kytomaa’s methods and testing
are also best addressed on cross examination because they go to the weight rather than
the reliability of his opinion. Plaintiff’s objections are largely conclusory and
unsupported by examples from Kytomaa’s report or scientific authority challenging his
methods or data. Therefore, upon review of the report, the Court cannot say that
Kytomaa’s theory is unsupported by scientific methodology. Indeed, a review of his
report indicates numerous references to peer reviewed literature as a basis for his data and
tests. Therefore Kytomaa’s testimony with respect to the cause of the fire will be
permitted.
III. Motions for Summary Judgment
Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56(c), the district court “shall grant
summary judgment if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any
material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P.
56(c); Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). In the face of a properly
supported summary judgment motion, the non-moving party must “set forth specific facts
showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S.
- 17 -
242, 250 (1986); Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(e)(2). That is, the non-movant must “do more than
simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts.” Matsushita
Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586 (1986). “If the nonmoving
party fails to produce such evidence, summary judgment is proper.” Olson v. Pennzoil
Co., 943 F.2d 881, 883 (8th Cir. 1991).
“By its terms, Rule 56 provides that the mere existence of some alleged factual
dispute between the parties will not defeat an otherwise properly supported motion for
judgment; the requirement is that there be no genuine issue of material fact.” Anderson,
477 U.S. at 247-48. Material facts are those “that might affect the outcome of the suit
under the governing law,” and a genuine material fact is one such that Aa reasonable jury
could return a verdict for the nonmoving party.” Id. Further, if the nonmoving party has
failed to “make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to
that party’s case, . . . there can be ‘no genuine issue as to any material fact,’ since a
complete failure of proof concerning an essential element of the nonmoving party’s case
necessarily renders all other facts immaterial.” Celotex Corp., 477 U.S. at 322-23.
A. Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment
Plaintiff moves for summary judgment asserting that because the jury in a prior
suit, Tincher v. Omega Flex, Inc., No. 2008-00974CA (Pa. Commw. Oct. 20, 2010),
determined that the TracPipe CSST at issue there was defective, Defendant is collaterally
estopped from asserting otherwise in this lawsuit.
In Tincher, Terrence and Judith Tincher owned a residence in Chester County,
Pennsylvania. The Tincher residence was constructed in 1999 and equipped with CSST
- 18 -
manufactured by Defendant under the brand name TracPipe, which was used to transport
natural gas to appliances within the home. On June 20, 2007, a thunderstorm moved
through the Chester County area, accompanied by rain and lightning. During the storm, a
lightning discharge struck at or near the residence; a fire began, and the residence was
severely damaged by heat, smoke and water as a result of the fire. The Tinchers filed suit
against Defendant and following an eight-day trial that commenced on October 11, 2010,
a jury of twelve found Defendant’s TracPipe CSST product defective. A judgment
against Defendant arising out of the Tincher fire was filed in the Chester County,
Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas.
Under the doctrine of collateral estoppel, or issue preclusion, once a court has
decided an issue of fact or law necessary to its judgment, that decision precludes
relitigation of the issue in a suit in a different cause of action involving the same parties
or privities. Kinsky v. 154 Land Co., 371 S.W.3d 108 (Mo. Ct. App. 2012) (citing San
Remo Hotel, L.P., v. City & Cnty. of San Francisco, Cal., 545 U.S. 323, 336 n.16
(2005)); see also Shahan v. Shahan, 988 S.W.2d 529, 532-33 (Mo. 1999). Collateral
estoppel may be applied if: (1) the issue decided in the first action is identical to the issue
in the second; (2) the prior litigation resulted in a judgment on the merits; (3) the party to
be estopped was a party or in privity with a party to the prior adjudication; and (4) the
party to the prior adjudication had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the
prior suit. Shahan, 988 S.W. 2d at 532-33.
Defendant opposes the application of offensive collateral estoppel and upon
consideration of the points set forth below, the Court concludes that it should not be
- 19 -
applied here. First, the issues in Tincher and this case, while similar, are not identical and
the factual differences between the two counsel against the application of collateral
estoppel. In addition, Pennsylvania law, as applied in Tincher, differs from Missouri law
regarding principles of product liability and failure to warn. Further, the presiding judge
in Tincher specifically opined that the verdict should not be deemed to have preclusive
effect in other cases involving TracPipe and Omega Flex. Finally, Plaintiff offers no
authority for the proposition that one jury verdict against a defendant forever decides the
issue of that defendant’s liability with respect to all other similar circumstances involving
other plaintiffs in other jurisdictions. When asked at the hearing whether such authority
exists, Plaintiff admitted that none did. For these reasons, the Court will deny Plaintiff’s
motion for summary judgment on the basis of offensive collateral estoppel.
B. Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment
1. Evidence of Causation
Defendant first asserts that Plaintiff’s claims fail in their entirety because it has not
produced admissible evidence of (1) causation, (2) defective design, or (3) inadequate
warnings. Missouri law requires a Plaintiff to establish “causation” in all product liability
claims – i.e., that the defendant’s product caused the Plaintiff’s injury. See Pro Serv.
Auto., 469 F.3d at 1214.
In light of the Court’s ruling on the Daubert motion relating to Eagar’s testimony,
Defendant’s assertion that Plaintiff has produced no admissible causation evidence is
simply incorrect. In addition, Plaintiff has disclosed four other experts whose expertise
relates not only to the origin and cause of the fire but also to product design and the
- 20 -
efficacy of bonding and warnings. These witnesses will presumably be available to offer
testimony on these issues. Therefore, the Court cannot accept Defendant’s contention
that there is no admissible evidence with respect to the essential issues of causation,
design, and warnings. As such, Defendant’s motion for summary judgment on this
ground fails.
2. Voluntary Payment Doctrine
Defendant also moves for summary judgment contending that the plain language
of the insurance policy expressly excludes coverage for the Kosteckis’ loss and that
Plaintiff’s voluntary payment to them despite this exclusion precludes Plaintiff’s
subrogation claim under Missouri law.
In support of this position, Defendant references the language of the policy in
Section B.1.e that excludes recovery for “loss caused by or resulting from . . . inherent
vice, hidden or latent defect or any quality in property that causes it to damage or destroy
itself.” Defendant also contends that Section B.3.c, which provides that Plaintiff does
“not cover loss caused by”. . . “faulty, inadequate or defective” . . .“design,
specifications, workmanship, repair, construction, renovation, remodeling, grading,
compaction,” or “materials used in repair, construction, renovation or remodeling,”
excludes coverage for the Kosteckis’ loss. Defendant asserts that Plaintiff’s allegations
regarding the defective nature of the TracPipe fit these exclusions, and therefore, that
Plaintiff had no obligation under the policy to cover the Kosteckis’ loss.
Plaintiff responds that it properly extended coverage pursuant to policy language
defining an “occurrence,” because the policy language does not expressly exclude from
- 21 -
coverage a loss arising from a lightning strike and resultant fire. Plaintiff further asserts
that that even if the “inherent vice or defective materials” provision applies to the
Kostseckis’ loss, the policy as quoted above provides coverage for damage resulting from
“inherent vice or defective materials” unless the resulting loss is itself caused by an
“inherent vice or defective materials.” (Doc. No. 56, at 1.) Plaintiff contends that even if
it had been known or presumed that the TracPipe was defective, Plaintiff would have
been required to cover the resulting loss caused by fire, smoke, and water damage and
therefore, that its payment under the policy was not voluntary. In the alternative, Plaintiff
asserts that it is an assignee rather than a subrogee of its insureds and therefore, that the
voluntary payment doctrine does not apply here.
The voluntary payment doctrine, ‘“well established [under Missouri law, provides]
that a person who voluntarily pays money with full knowledge of all the facts in the case,
and in the absence of fraud and duress, cannot recover it back, though the payment is
made without a sufficient consideration, and under protest.’” Huch v. Charter
Commc’ns, Inc., 290 S.W.3d 721, 726 (Mo. 2009) (quoting Am. Motorists Ins. Co. v.
Schrock, 447 S.W.2d 809, 812 (Mo. Ct. App. 1969)). The doctrine applies to subrogation
claims under insurance policies. But where there is a dispute regarding coverage, courts
have held that an insurer who pays its insured may still bring a subrogation action if it
made its payment in good faith as a result of a valid dispute over unclear policy language
or relevant facts. See id.; Shrock, 447 S.W.2d at 812.; see also Childers v. E. Foam
Prods., Inc., 94 F. R. D. 53, 56-57 (N.D. Ga. 1982) (stating that ‘“where an insurer makes
payments for only part of rather than all of its insured’s loss, the insurer is subrogated pro
- 22 -
tanto to the right of its insured and the insured retains that part of the claim in excess of
the insurer’s payment. A necessary corollary is that the insurer retains a part interest in
its insured’s claim against the tortfeasor, to the extent that the insurer has compensated
the insured for his loss.’”) (quoting Lindsey v. Samoluk, 219 S.E.2d 464, 466 (1975),
rev’d on other grounds, 223 S.E.2d 147 (1976)).
With respect to the language of the policy, the Court notes that the parties’
differing interpretations belie Defendant’s assertion that the plain language of the policy
excludes coverage and renders Plaintiff’s payment voluntary. In addition, each of the
alternative policy interpretations Plaintiff suggests is plausible and required it to cover the
Kosteckis’ loss. Moreover, there is no indication that Plaintiff did not act in good faith
when it provided coverage for the loss. Finally, even if the Court were to assume that the
“inherent vice or defect” exclusion applied, Defendant has not demonstrated that
Plaintiff’s coverage of the Kosteckis’ loss would be voluntary, because there is no
indication in the record that when payment was made Plaintiff had full knowledge of the
facts relating to the alleged role of TracPipe in causing the loss. Id.
The Court concludes that the alternative bases for coverage offered by Plaintiff are
reasonable and therefore, that Plaintiff had a contractual obligation to indemnify its
insureds under the policy. In addition, the payment was made in the absence of the full
knowledge regarding the fire’s causation. Therefore, Plaintiff did not “volunteer” or
make payment for a loss it was not obliged to cover, and the voluntary payment doctrine
does not apply to extinguish Plaintiff’s right to subrogation or assignment under the
policy. See Keisker v. Farmer, 90 S.W.3d 71, 74 (Mo. 2002) (holding that the doctrine
- 23 -
will extinguish a subrogation claim when the subrogee is “a mere volunteer who pays the
debt of another without any assignment or agreement for subrogation, and who is under
no legal obligation to make the payment, and is not compelled to do so for the
preservation of any rights or property of his own”)
In light of this determination, the Court need not reach the issue of whether the
agreement between Plaintiff and its insureds is in the nature of a subrogation or an
assignment. Accordingly, Defendant’s motion for summary judgment on the basis of the
voluntary payment doctrine also is denied.
3. Bonding and Unintended Use
Defendant moves for summary judgment on Plaintiff’s negligent design and strict
liability product defect claims asserting that because the undisputed facts demonstrate
that the TracPipe was not properly installed at the Kostecki residence, Plaintiff cannot
show as required that the product was put to a “reasonably anticipated use.” Keener v.
Dayton Elec. Mfg. Co., 445 S.W.2d 362, 366 (Mo. 1969). Defendant further asserts that
the failure of the Kosteckis’ contractor to bond and ground the TracPipe system as
required by the product instructions constitutes a misuse of the product that was not
reasonably foreseeable and precludes any finding of proximate causation on either of
these claims.
Plaintiff responds that summary judgment is not warranted on the negligent design
and strict liability product defect claims because there are material questions of fact
regarding the clarity and efficacy of the instructions for the use of TracPipe. Specifically,
Plaintiff notes that the question of whether the NEC-approved grounding method used in
- 24 -
the Kostecki home, a three pronged plug and a 14 GW wire, complies with the
instructions in the 2001 D&I Guide, or constitutes a reasonably foreseeable use of the
product.
With respect to the strict liability product defect claim, Missouri law requires
Plaintiff to prove that at the time of sale, the product was in a defective condition when
put to a “reasonably anticipated use,” and that the Plaintiff was damaged as a result of the
product’s defective condition. Keener, 445 S.W.2d at 366; Menz v. New Holland N. Am.,
Inc., 460 F. Supp. 2d 1050, 1054 (E.D. Mo. 2006). “[A] supplier is not liable when it
delivers a product in a safe condition but subsequent mishandling renders the product
defective.” Stanger v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 401 F. Supp. 2d 974, 979 (E.D. Mo. 2005).
Upon review of the record the Court agrees that there is a material dispute of fact
with respect to the clarity of the installation instructions, whether the grounding method
used could be said to comply with the 2001 D&I Guide instructions, and whether
TracPipe was unreasonably dangerous or defective even when bonded according to the
instructions in the 2001 D&I Guide instructions. Therefore, this portion of Defendant’s
motion for summary judgment will be denied. Peitzmeier v. Hennessy Indus., Inc., 97
F.3d 293, 298-99 (8th Cir. 1996) (affirming summary judgment where accident was
caused by mechanic’s mishandling of tire, not design defect).
4. Adequacy of Warnings
Defendant also moves for summary judgment on Plaintiff’s failure-to-warn strict
liability claim. Defendant asserts that the claim fails because Plaintiff has produced no
evidence demonstrating that TracPipe’s warning was inadequate, that the Kosteckis’
- 25 -
contractor lacked relevant information, or that that the allegedly inadequate warning
directly “caused” the damage or would have altered the Kostecki contractor’s behavior.
Plaintiff responds that the efficacy of bonding to prevent an incident such as this
one is disputed, and therefore that the question of whether heeding the warning would
have prevented the fire is disputed.
Under Missouri law, “[t]he elements of a cause of action for strict liability under a
failure to warn theory are as follows: (1) defendant sold the product in question in the
course of his business; (2) the product was unreasonably dangerous at the time of sale
when used as reasonably anticipated without knowledge of its characteristics; (3)
defendant did not give adequate warning of the danger; (4) the product was used in a
reasonably anticipated manner; and (5) plaintiff was damaged as a direct result of the
product being sold without an adequate warning.” Cole v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.,
967 S.W.2d 176, 183 (Mo. Ct. App. 1998) (internal citation omitted).
In addition, there are two distinct causation requirements for a failure to warn
claim: “(1) the product for which there was no warning must have caused plaintiff's
injuries; and (2) plaintiff must show a warning would have altered his behavior.” Id. at
184 (citing Arnold v. Ingersoll-Rand Co., 834 S.W.2d 192, 194 (Mo. 1992)). Summary
judgment properly is entered if either causation element is lacking. Mothershead v.
Greenbriar Country Club, Inc., 994 S.W.2d 80, 89 (Mo. Ct. App. 1999) (citation
omitted).
With respect to the second element, in order to overcome the presumption that
warnings are heeded, there must be “sufficient evidence from which a jury could find
- 26 -
[that] the [recipient of the warning] did not already know of the specific danger
involved.” Menz v. New Holland N. Am., Inc., 507 F.3d 1107, 1112 (8th Cir. 2007); see
also Arnold, 834 S.W.2d at 194 (holding that “[a]s causation is a required element of the
plaintiff’s case [and] the burden is on plaintiff to show that lack of knowledge”). “Where
warning is given, the seller may reasonably assume that it will be read and heeded; and a
product bearing such a warning, which is safe for use if it is followed, is not in defective
condition, nor is it unreasonably dangerous.” RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF TORTS
§ 402A.
Finally, in a case such as this, involving technical and complex processes whose
properties are outside the common knowledge or experience of a jury, “[a] failure to warn
claim requires admissible expert testimony that additional or other warnings might have
altered the behavior of the plaintiff.” Davidson v. Besser Co., 70 F. Supp. 2d 1020, 1023
(E.D. Mo. 1999) (citation omitted); see also Bryant v. Laiko Int’l Co., Inc.,
No.1:05CV00161, 2006 WL 2788520 at *10 (E.D. Mo. Sept. 26, 2006).
Plaintiff has not identified the contractor responsible for the TracPipe installation
in the Kostecki home, and the Plaintiff’s expert, Eagar, will not be permitted to testify
with respect to the adequacy of the warnings contained in the 2001 D&I Guide. Because
the installing contractor has not been identified, there is no evidence on the record from
which the jury could conclude that the installer did not already know of the danger
associated with TracPipe or that a warning different than that included in the 2001 D&I
Guide would have altered the installer’s actions. See Mothershead, 994 S.W.2d at 89.
Therefore, the Court concludes that Defendant’s motion for summary judgment with
- 27 -
respect to the strict liability failure to warn claim should be granted because Plaintiff has
offered no evidence with respect to this required element of its claim. See, e.g., Gallatin
v. Delta Int’l Mach. Corp., No. 05-4416-CV-C-NKL, 2007 WL 188449, at *3 (W.D. Mo.
Jan. 23, 2007) (granting summary judgment where the plaintiff produced no evidence that
“his injuries were proximately caused by any defect in or lack of warning on [the
defendant’s] table saw as opposed to his own misuse of the equipment”); Menz, 507 F.3d
at 1112 (affirming a grant of summary judgment where machine operator was aware of
dangers associated with tractor).
Without this critical, threshold information, Plaintiff’s failure-to-warn claim fails
as a matter of law. Morton v. Homelite, Inc., 183 F.R.D. 657, 659 (W.D. Mo. 1998)
(holding that plaintiff was precluded from pursuing the failure-to-warn claim, where
plaintiff presented no evidence that “a warning would have communicated any additional
information”).
5. Express and Implied Warranty Claims
Defendant asserts that Plaintiff’s express and implied warranty claims are barred
by Defendant’s explicit disclaimer of warranties in the Suggested Price List and
Missouri’s four year statute of limitations. Plaintiff asserts that the warranty disclaimer
in the Suggested Price List is ineffective, because there is no evidence that the Kosteckis
ever received or read the Suggested Price List or that it ever became part of a contract
between Defendant and the Kosteckis. Neither party asserts a basis for express or
implied warranty arising from a document other than the Suggested Price List.
- 28 -
It is undisputed that Defendant’s Suggested Price List contained language stating
that the TracPipe was accompanied by a limited one-year warranty that expired before
the Kostecki fire; expressly disclaimed consequential damages of the sort Plaintiff seeks
here; expressly voided the limited warranty in situations where the product was subjected
to “misuse or neglect” or was not “installed, maintained or operated in accordance with
the TracPipe Design and Installation Guide”; and expressly disclaimed all warranties
other than the limited one-year warranty, whether express or implied. See Defendant’s
Suggested Price List. However, Plaintiff correctly asserts that there is no evidence before
the Court that the Suggested Price List was ever presented to the Kosteckis, much less
that it constitutes a contract between the Kosteckis and Defendant.
Under Missouri law, a document like the Suggested Price List, such as “ a
brochure, catalog, or advertisement,” may constitute part of an express warranty. Hope v.
Nissan N. Am., Inc., 353 S.W.3d 68, 86 (Mo. Ct. App. 2011). However, a party claiming
protection under such an express warranty must have seen and the catalog, advertisement,
or brochure or other document. Id.; In re Bisphenol-A (BPA) Polycarbonate Plastic
Prods. Liab. Litig., 687 F. Supp. 2d 897, 906-07 (W.D. Mo. 2009) (collecting case law
for the proposition that for a representation to become part of the bargain, it must be
known to all parties to that bargain and if a party is not aware of the statement, that party
cannot claim it was part of the bargain). In light of this principle, the Court concludes
that Defendant’s motion for summary judgment on the express warranty claims should be
granted because there is no evidence in the record that the Kosteckis received or read the
- 29 -
Suggested Price List or that it became part of any contract with them. Hope, 353 S.W.3d
at 86.
Even if the Court were to presume that the Kosteckis had read the Suggested Price
List, the disclaimer of warranties in that document is effective to bar a claim based on
express warranty. Verbrugge v. ABC Seamless Steel Siding, Inc., 157 S.W.3d 298, (Mo.
Ct. App. 2005); Karr-Bick Kitchens & Bath, Inc. v. Gemini Coatings, Inc.,932 S.W.2d
877, 879 (Mo. Ct. App. 1996). A manufacturer may expressly disclaim liability via
prominent markings on packaging, brochures, or other marketing materials. Groppel Co.,
Inc. v. U.S. Gypsum Co., 616 S.W.2d 49, 61 n. 13 (Mo. Ct. App.1981). The language of
the Suggested Price List effectively disclaimed Defendant’s liability for any express
warranties which were made to the Kosteckis and hence to Plaintiff. Id.
Turning to the implied warranty claim, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 400.2–314 creates an
implied warranty of merchantability, under which the seller warrants that goods are at
least “fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used.” Hope, 353 S.W.3d at
89-90 (Mo. Ct. App. 2011). To prove a claim for breach of implied warranty of
merchantability in Missouri, a plaintiff must show:
(1) That a merchant sold goods, (2) which were not “merchantable” at the
time of the sale, (3) injury and damages to the plaintiff or his property (4)
which were caused proximately or in fact by the defective nature of the
goods, and (5) notice to the seller of the injury.
Id. (internal quotation omitted).
Assuming without deciding that these elements could be established here, the
question becomes who may claim the protection of that warranty and what is the effect of
- 30 -
its disclaimer. A manufacturer’s disclaimer of warranties differs conceptually from a
reseller’s disclaimer of warranty. Karr-Bick Kitchens & Bath, Inc., 932 S.W.2d at 879.
“When the manufacturer sells the goods to a dealer who resells the goods to the ultimate
purchaser, the latter cannot sue the manufacturer if the manufacturer ha[s] made a
[legally effective ] disclaimer of warranties.” Id. The manufacturer’s disclaimer of
warranties does not “run with the goods” and does not protect any subsequent seller from
liability under an implied warranty. Id.
Defendant contends and the Court agrees that it effectively disclaimed any implied
warranty that would have attended its sale of the TracPipe to a dealer or installer and
therefore that no implied warranty extended to the Kosteckis. Under Missouri law,
Defendant’s implied warranty extends to the dealer or installer who purchased from
Defendant but it does not extend to the Kosteckis and hence to Plaintiff. Id.
In addition, even if the implied warranty did extend to the subsequent purchasers,
the language of the Suggested Price List effectively disclaims the implied warranty under
Missouri law. Id. The disclaimer language complies with the requirements of Mo. Rev.
Stat. § 400.2A–214(2) as it was in writing, was conspicuous, and mentions
merchantability. See, e.g., Graham Const. Serv., Inc. v. Hammer & Steel, Inc.,
No.:11CV1316JCH, 2012 WL5438994, at *7 (E.D. Mo. Nov.7, 2012) (dismissing
implied warranty claim based on disclaimer in lease agreement.)
Thus, Plaintiff’s claims regarding implied warranties fail as a matter of law, and
Defendant’s motion for summary judgment on this ground is granted. In light of this
determination, the Court need not reach the statute of limitations question.
- 31 -
Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant’s motion to exclude the testimony of
Plaintiff’s expert, Dr. Thomas Eagar, is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part.
(Doc. No. 51.)
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant’s motion for summary judgment
(Doc. No. 55) is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part, as follows:
1. Defendant’s motion for summary judgment is DENIED with respect to
Plaintiff’s claims for negligent design and strict liability, defective product theory.
2. Defendant’s motion for summary judgment is GRANTED with respect to
Plaintiff’s claims for strict liability, failure to warn theory, and breach of express and
implied warranties.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment is
DENIED. (Doc. No. 59.)
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff’s motion to exclude the testimony of
Defendant’s expert, Dr. Harri Kytomaa, is DENIED. (Doc. No. 63.)
AUDREY G. FLEISSIG
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Dated this 11th day of June, 2013.
- 32 -
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?