Opinion
No. 2:14-cv-00060-TLN-DB
10-28-2016
AMERICAN ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY, et al., Plaintiffs, v. IRONSHORE SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendant.
ORDER
This matter is before the Court pursuant to Defendant Ironshore Specialty Insurance Company's ("Defendant") Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF No. 20) and Plaintiffs American Zurich Insurance Company ("American Zurch"), Northern Insurance Company of New York ("Northern"), and Steadfast Insurance Company's ("Steadfast") (collectively referred to as "Plaintiffs") Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF No. 26). The parties have both opposed each other's motions (see ECF Nos. 25 & 32), and filed the appropriate replies (see ECF Nos. 31 & 33). The Court has carefully considered the arguments raised by both parties. For the reasons set forth below, Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF No. 20) is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiffs' ("Plaintiff") Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF No. 26) is DENIED. ///
I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
The instant action is an insurance coverage matter in which Defendant disclaimed coverage in connection with twenty-one separate legal matters. While the underlying legal matters which involved alleged construction defects were eventually settled and resolved, a coverage dispute still exists between insurers arising from Defendant's decision to disclaim coverage. Matt's Roofing and Sherman Loehr, who were both insured by Defendant, were named as defendants in these lawsuits alleging defects in the construction of homes. Defendant disclaimed coverage in those suits asserting that the projects were completed prior to the policy's issue date and thus excluded under the Continuous or Progressive Injury or Damage Exclusion. At issue in this motion are the following three insurance policies issued by Defendant:
| Insured | Exhibit | Policy No. | Policy Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt's Roofing | ECF No. 21-2 at 66 | 00VMU0905001 | 01/01/09-01/01/10 |
| Matt's Roofing | ECF No. 25-7 | 000085201 | 01/01/10-01/01/11 |
| Sherman Loehr | ECF No. 21-3 | 017U00905001 | 10/31/09-10/31/10 |
Plaintiffs brought the instant action against Defendant alleging sixty-three causes of action. (Second Am. Compl. ("SAC"), ECF No. 10.) Essentially Plaintiffs have alleged a count for decaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity as to each of the twenty-one legal matters settled by Plaintiffs. Defendant has moved for summary judgment as to all sixty-three counts. (See Def's P&A is Supp. of Mot. for Summ. J., ECF No. 20-1.) Plaintiffs move for partial summary judgment as to Defendant's duty to defend in connection with Causes of Action Nos. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58 and 61. Each of these Causes of Action is for Declaratory Relief as to Defendant's duty to defend in connection with each separate underlying matter. (See Pls' Mot. for Summ. J., ECF No. 26.)
II. LEGAL STANDARD
Summary judgment is appropriate when the moving party demonstrates no genuine issue as to any material fact exists, and therefore, the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c); Adickes v. S.H. Kress & Co., 398 U.S. 144, 157 (1970). Under summary judgment practice, the moving party always bears the initial responsibility of informing the district court of the basis of its motion, and identifying those portions of "the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file together with affidavits, if any," which it believes demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323 (1986). "[W]here the nonmoving party will bear the burden of proof at trial on a dispositive issue, a summary judgment motion may properly be made in reliance solely on the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file." Id. at 324 (internal quotations omitted). Indeed, summary judgment should be entered against a party who does not make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial.
If the moving party meets its initial responsibility, the burden then shifts to the opposing party to establish that a genuine issue as to any material fact actually does exist. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 585-87 (1986); First Nat'l Bank of Ariz. v. Cities Serv. Co., 391 U.S. 253, 288-89 (1968). In attempting to establish the existence of this factual dispute, the opposing party may not rely upon the denials of its pleadings, but is required to tender evidence of specific facts in the form of affidavits, and/or admissible discovery material, in support of its contention that the dispute exists. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c). The opposing party must demonstrate that the fact in contention is material, i.e., a fact that might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law, Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986), and that the dispute is genuine, i.e., the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the nonmoving party. Id. at 251-52.
In the endeavor to establish the existence of a factual dispute, the opposing party need not establish a material issue of fact conclusively in its favor. It is sufficient that "the claimed factual dispute be shown to require a jury or judge to resolve the parties' differing versions of the truth at trial." First Nat'l Bank, 391 U.S. at 288-89. Thus, the "purpose of summary judgment is to 'pierce the pleadings and to assess the proof in order to see whether there is a genuine need for trial.'" Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587 (quoting Rule 56(e) advisory committee's note on 1963 amendments).
In resolving the summary judgment motion, the court examines the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with any applicable affidavits. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c); SEC v. Seaboard Corp., 677 F.2d 1301, 1305-06 (9th Cir. 1982). The evidence of the opposing party is to be believed, and all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the facts pleaded before the court must be drawn in favor of the opposing party. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255. Nevertheless, inferences are not drawn out of the air, and it is the opposing party's obligation to produce a factual predicate from which the inference may be drawn. Richards v. Nielsen Freight Lines, 602 F. Supp. 1224, 1244-45 (E.D. Cal. 1985), aff'd, 810 F.2d 898 (9th Cir. 1987). Finally, to demonstrate a genuine issue that necessitates a jury trial, the opposing party "must do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts." Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 586. "Where the record taken as a whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the nonmoving party, there is no 'genuine issue for trial.'" Id. at 587.
III. ANALYSIS
Because the insurance policies issued by Defendant to Matt's Roofing and Sherman Loehr contain the same provisions, the Court finds it prudent to first discuss the language of the policies and then address the relevant California insurance law principles that will apply to this Court's interpretation of the policies. Because Plaintiffs have brought claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity as to each legal action brought against both Matt's Roofing and Sherman Loehr, the Court then turns to each case brought against these companies to determine whether there was potential coverage under Defendant's policy.
A. Policy Language
The Insuring Agreement in each of these policies provides in part:
We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of ... "property damage" to which this insurance applies. We will have the right and duty to defend the insured against any "suit" seeking those damages. However, we will have no duty to defend the insured against any "suit" seeking damages for ... "property damage" to which this insurance does not apply.
. . .
This insurance applies to ... "property damage" only if:
(1) The ... "property damage" is caused by an "occurrence"
[and](Def's Reply to Pl.'s Resp. to Def's Sep. Statement of Facts ("DRPRDSSF"), ECF No. 31-1, No. 1.)
(2) The ... property damage occurs during the policy period ... .
The Ironshore Policies include the following definitions:
13. "Occurrence" means an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions.(DRPRDSSF, ECF No. 31-1, No. 2.)
16. "Products-completed operations hazard":
a. Includes all . . . "property damage" occurring away from premises you own or rent and arising out of "your work" except:
(1) Products that are still in your physical possession; or
(2) Work that has not yet been completed or abandoned. . . .
17. "Property damage" means:
a. Physical injury to tangible property, including all resulting loss of use of that property. All such loss of use shall be deemed to occur at the time of the physical injury that caused it ... .
22. "Your work":
a. Means:
(1) Work or operations performed by you or on your behalf; and
(2) Materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations.
b. Includes
(1) Warranties or representations made at any time with respect to the fitness, quality, durability, performance or use of "your work", and
(2) The providing or failing to provide warnings or instructions.
The policies contain numerous exclusions including coverage for "damage to your work arising out of it or any part of it and included in the 'products completed operations hazard.'" (DRPRDSSF, ECF No. 31-1, No. 3.) Additionally, The Ironshore policies' declarations pages list specific "Endorsements Attached To This Policy," one of which is "Continuous or Progressive Injury Exclusion" (the "CP Exclusion"), which provides in relevant part:
This insurance does not apply to any. "property damage":(DRPRDSSF, ECF No. 31-1, No. 4.)
1. which first existed, or is alleged to have first existed, prior to the inception of this policy. "Property damage" from "your work" ... performed prior to policy inception will be deemed to have first existed prior to the policy inception, unless such "property damage" is sudden and accidental and takes place within the policy period; or
2. which was, or is alleged to have been, in the process of taking place prior to the inception date of this policy, even if such ... "property damage" continued during this policy period; or
3. which is, or is alleged to be, of the same general nature or type as a condition, circumstance or construction defect which resulted in ... "property damage" prior to the inception date of this policy.
Keeping in mind the terms of the policy and the language set forth above, the Court turns to a brief discussion of the duty to defend under California law and then turns to the individual claims brought against Matts Roofing and Sherman Loehr.
B. Duty to Defend
The duty to defend does not depend on the insurer's investigation and determination that the plaintiff has a reasonable probability of success. It must protect the insured against groundless as well as probable claims; i.e., it must defend whenever the complaint shows a claim for covered damages, i.e., "potential coverage." See Kazi v. State Farm Fire and Cas. Co., 24 Cal. 4th 871, 879 (2001); Horace Mann Ins. Co. v. Barbara B., 4 Cal. 4th 1076, 1081 (1993), as modified on denial of reh'g (May 13, 1993). "The duty to defend is not without limitation; it extends only to the defense of those actions of the nature and kind covered by the policy." Dillon v. Hartford Acc. & Indem. Co., 38 Cal. App. 3d 335, 339-40 (1974) (citing Gray v. Zurich Insurance Co., 65 Cal. 2d 263, 275 (1966)). "If the insurer, after taking into consideration facts gathered from its own investigation or information supplied by the insured, determines that there is no potential liability under the policy, it may refuse to defend the lawsuit; this it does at its own risk, and if it later develops liability, or potential liability existed under the policy, the company will be held accountable to its insured, or to one who obtained judgment against its insured in the action it refused to defend." Id. (internal quotations omitted). In making a determination as to whether the insurer owes a duty to defend the court compares the allegations of the complaint with the terms of the policy. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081.
Keeping this in mind, the Court turns to the individual cases brought against both Matt's Roofing and Sherman Loehr.
C. Matt's Roofing
Defendant issued an insurance policy with the aforementioned language to Matt's Roofing from June 1, 2009 through June 1, 2011. (DRPRDSSF, ECF No. 31-1, No. 21.) Plaintiffs' Causes of Action One through Nine and Twenty-eight through Forty-eight pertain to ten legal actions against Matt's Roofing. Among these, eight of the cases alleged the following identical facts:
Appel v. Atherton Homes, LLC, San Joaquin County Case No. 39-2009-00185411-CU-CD-STK ("Appel"); Baluyot v. Morrison Homes, Inc., San Joaquin County Superior Court, Case No. CV035047 ("Baluyot"); Bolton v. K. Hovnanian Forecast Homes, Inc., San Joaquin County Superior Court, Case No. 39-2011- 00259783-CU-CD-STK ("Bolton"); Branch v. Woodside Weston Ranch, Inc., San Joaquin County, Case No. CV034440 ("Branch"); Ali v. Arnaiz Development Inc., San Joaquin Superior Court, Case No. 39-2008-00199202 ("Ali"); Anderson v. Frontier Land Companies, San Joaquin County Superior Court, Case No. 39-2009-00212356 ("Anderson"); Palacios v. Ticino Building Partners, San Joaquin County Superior Court, Case No. 39-2010-00239095-CU-BC-STK ("Palacios"); Reis v. Manteca Vintage Estates, San Joaquin Superior County, Case No. 39-2011-00262450-CU-CD-STK ("Reis").
At the time of the purchase by Plaintiffs, the PROPERTY was defective and unfit for its intended purposes because Defendants did not construct the PROPERTY in a workmanlike manner as manifested by, but not limited to, numerous defects which have resulted in damage to the homes and their component parts. The defects include, without limitation and to various degrees on the plaintiffs' respective residences, the following:(Def's Reply to Plaintiffs' Add'l Facts ("DRPAF"), ECF No. 31-1, Nos. 4, 10, 16, 22, 34, 52, 58 (emphasis added).) All of the aforementioned cases against Matt's Roofing allege that the damage or condition existed at the time that the plaintiffs purchased the residences. Of these eight cases, Appel, Baluyot, Branch, and Ali were filed prior to the 2009 date that Defendant insured Matt's Roofing. Thus, the plaintiffs in these matters were aware of the alleged defect and damage that allegedly existed prior to Defendant's issuance of the policy. Under the plain language of the policy, these claims would not be covered: "This insurance does not apply to any... 'property damage': 1. which first existed, or is alleged to have first existed, prior to the inception of this policy" ("CP Exclusion Section 1"). (DRPRDSSF, ECF No. 31-1, No. 4.) It is plainly clear that these causes of action would not be covered under the policies issued by Defendant. As such, the Court finds that there was not a duty to defend as to these causes of action because Defendant's duty to defend only extends to the defense "of those actions of the nature and kind covered by the policy." Dillon, 38 Cal. App. 3d at 339-40. Because Defendant did not have a duty to defend or liability as to these causes of action, the Court finds that Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity on the Appel, Baluyot, Branch, and Ali cases and thus grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' First through Tenth Causes of Action as well as Plaintiffs' Twenty-eighth through Thirtieth Causes of Action.
Faulty soil compaction, faulty existing underlying soils and expansive soils resulting in soil movement and damage to the structures, concrete slabs, flatwork and foundation defects; plumbing defects; electrical defects; drainage defects; roof defects; HVAC defects; waterproofing defects; window and door defects; landscaping and irrigation defects; framing, siding and structural defects; ceramic tile, vinyl flooring and countertop defects; drywall defects; fence and retaining wall defects; cabinet and wood trim defects; fireplace and chimney defects; tub and shower door defects; painting defects; sheet metal defects; and stucco defects.
All of these cases alleged the following causes of action: strict product liability; strict product liability for components; breach of implied warranties of merchantability; breach of contract; negligence; and breach of express warranties. (See Ali Compl., Ex. 64, ECF No. 21-16; Appel Compl., Ex. 7, ECF No. 21-5; Baluyot Compl., Ex. 12, ECF No. 21-6; Branch Compl., Ex. 15, ECF No. 21-6.)
The remaining four cases which utilized the aforementioned pleading were filed after the inception of the insurance policy. Thus, the Court now turns to the remaining four cases: Anderson, Bolton, Palacios, and Reis to determine whether Defendant had a duty to defend against any of these actions.
i. Anderson
Anderson was filed on May 15, 2009, in San Joaquin County Superior Court. (See Compl., Ex. 73, ECF No. 21-17.) The Complaint alleged causes of action for: strict product liability; strict product liability for components; violations of California Civil Code § 896; breach of implied warranties of merchantability; breach of contract; negligence; and breach of express warranties. (Ex. 73, ECF No. 21-17.) Of the 41 homeowners in said action, twenty-eight were the original owners of the properties which were purchased from early 2000 until early 2005. (See Anderson Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 77, ECF No. 21-17 at 74.) The homeowners all alleged that the defect existed at the time of purchase. In addition, the homeowners alleged that defendants "did not construct the property in a workmanlike manner as manifested by, but not limited to, numerous defects which have resulted in damage to the homes and their component parts." (ECF No. 21-17 at 22-23, ¶15.) In doing so, homeowners specifically contended that the roof was not properly constructed. (ECF No. 21-17 at 22-23, ¶15.) Furthermore, homeowners specified in their Third Cause of Action that the defects/damage to their property was caused by violations of building standards set forth in California Civil Code § 896 resulting in "roofs, roofing systems, chimney caps, and ventilation components . . . that allow water to enter the structure or to pass beyond, around, of through the designed or actual moisture barriers, including without limitation, internal barriers located within the systems themselves." (ECF No. 21-17 at 29, ¶ 44.)
Throughout this Order, the Court refers to homeowner plaintiffs as they pertain to the separate cases against Matt's Roofing and Sherman Loehr. In doing so, the Court's reference to the number of homeowners corresponds with the amount of properties in the action. For example, if the action concerned forty properties and some of those properties were owned by a husband a wife, for purposes of this Order they are considered one joint homeowner.
The complaint does not differentiate as to subsequent purchasers as to whether the defect existed at the time of the original purchase of the home, i.e. the date of completion, or that of the subsequent purchase.
These allegations support the notion that the defect existed at the time the home was completed and continued to cause damage from the date of completion up to the time that homeowners repaired the properties. As such, these claims are excludable under two legal theories. First, if the Court looks only to the allegation that the defect existed at the time that the plaintiffs purchased their home, many of the plaintiffs purchase their homes prior to January 1, 2009 and thus are exempted because the alleged damage existed prior to the policy. However, a more holistic reading of the allegations supports the argument that even if a plaintiff was a subsequent purchaser who did not purchase the home until after the policy inception date, the claim would still be excluded under CP Exclusions 1 or 2, since the claims in the Anderson litigation are dependent on a defective/negligent construction theory.
a. Date of Purchase
As referenced above, of the 41 homeowners in this action, twenty-eight were the original owners of the properties which were purchased from early 2000 until early 2005. (See Anderson Homeowners Matrix, ECF No. 21-17 at 74.) As for the thirteen homeowners that were not the original purchasers, ten of the homeowners purchased the homes prior to the policy's January 1, 2009 inception date. Therefore these thirty-eight claims would not have been covered by the policy since the pleadings state that the defect and damage existed at time of purchase. (See CP Exclusions 1 and 2.) This leaves three homeowners who purchased their homes in 2009, after the policy inception date. Under Plaintiffs' theory of possible sudden or accidental damage, these are the only three homeowners that Plaintiffs' theory could apply to. The problem with this theory is that there is no factual allegation within the Complaint that would allow the reader to infer a sudden or accidental cause of the alleged damage. To the contrary, the allegations taken as a whole reinforce the notion that the defect and damage complained of existed at the time that the homes were completed. (See ECF No. 21-17 at 22-29.)
Pursuant to a Minute Order issued by this Court, Defendant provided the Court with Deeds of Trust as to the properties involved in litigation against both Matt's Roofing and Sherman Loehr which have been filed with the County Recorders. Defendant requests that this Court take judicial notice of these documents under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 201. (See ECF No. 42.) Under Rule 201, facts appropriate for judicial notice are those "not subject to reasonable dispute in that it is either (1) generally known within the territorial jurisdiction of the trial court or (2) capable of accurate and ready determination by resort to sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned." Fed. R. Evid. 201(b). The documents attached hereto are "not subject to reasonable dispute" and are "capable of accurate and ready determination by resort to sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned." Fed. R. Evid. 201. In fact, Deeds of Trust and similarly recorded public documents are widely held as proper subjects of judicial notice. See, e.g., In the Matter of Manges, 29 F.3d 1034, 1042 (5th Cir. 1994) (taking judicial notice of deeds and assignments). As such, the Court GRANTS Defendant's request for judicial notice (ECF No. 42) of the aforementioned documents.
Homeowners Anthony and Regina Vincent purchased their home on January 8, 2009. (See Vincent Deed of Trust, ECF No. 41-5 at 30.) Homeowners David and Kimberly Ott purchased their home on February 11, 2009. (See Ott Deed of Trust, ECF No. 41-5 at 32.) Homeowner Rosie Robinson purchased her home on October 22, 2009. (See Robinson Deed of Trust, ECF No. 41-5 at 28.)
b. Date of Completion
Under the insurance policy, specifically CP Exclusion 1, "'Property damage' from 'your work' . . . performed prior to policy inception will be deemed to have first existed prior to the policy inception, unless such 'property damage' is sudden and accidental." Thus, pursuant to the insurance policy, even if damages were not present prior to the policy inception, they may still be excluded where the "property damage . . . was, or is alleged to have been, in the process of taking place prior to the inception date of this policy, even if such ... 'property damage' continued during this policy period" ("CP Exclusion 2").
The evidence before the Court shows that Matt's Roofing completed all work on the homes in the Anderson litigation in or before Spring 2005. (ECF No. 21-17 at 74.) Thus, the defect causing the damage existed at the time that the work was completed, which at the latest was in 2005. Because the nature of the claims against Matt's Roofing consist of faulty construction that would cause immediate and gradual damage due to water exposure, these claims fall squarely within CP Exclusions 1 and/or 2, as they existed prior to the policies January 2009 inception. Therefore, these claims are clearly excluded from the policy as the homeowners alleged that the defects existed at the time of purchase.
As referenced above, Plaintiffs have repeatedly alleged that the damages in Anderson could have been sudden or accidental and thus covered under Defendant's policy. (ECF No. 26 at 11.) In fact, Plaintiffs make this same argument as to all the cases against Matt's Roofing and Sherman Loehr at issue in the instant litigation. However, Plaintiffs fail to produce any evidence of allegations that would support a claim of sudden or accidental damage in this case or the foregoing. Instead, Plaintiffs rely on their assertion that the homeowners' claims against Matt's Roofing were "silent pleadings." (See ECF No. 26 at 12.) This Court finds no merit in Plaintiffs' claims. It is clear that the homeowners plead with specificity that the damage complained of was slowly caused by alleged construction defects. Here, Defendant compared the allegations of the complaint with the terms of the policy and determined that it did not owe a duty to defend as is required under the law. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081. Therefore, the Court hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Thirty-first through Thirty-third Causes of Action because Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
ii. Bolton
The Bolton litigation was filed on May 10, 2011. (Compl., ECF No. 21-20 at 75.) The Complaint alleged causes of action for: strict product liability; strict product liability for components; violations of California Civil Code § 896; breach of implied warranties of merchantability; breach of contract; negligence; and breach of express warranties. (ECF No. 21- 20 at 75.) As referenced above, Bolton also alleged that the defect caused by Matt's Roofing's work existed at the time of purchase. (ECF No. 21-20 at 79, ¶14.) Of the thirty homeowner plaintiffs in said litigation, only eight are original purchasers, all of whom purchased their homes in or before the end of 2003. Thus—pursuant to assertion that the defects existed at the time of purchase—those claims would be excluded as a prior defect/damage under the policy. The Court is not in receipt of the closing dates of the twenty-two subsequent purchasers, but notes that all of the homes were completed between May 2001 and April 2004. (See Boldon Homeowners Matrix, ECF No. 21-21 at 38.) Thus, Matt's Roofing performed work on these properties during that same time frame, roughly four and a half years prior to Defendant issuing its insurance policy.
A review of the pleadings in this matter shows that, like the Anderson litigation, the homeowners alleged violation of the Cal. Building Code (Cal. Civil Code § 896). (ECF No. 21-20 at 29, ¶ 43.) Specifically, homeowners alleged that the roof was installed in such a way that allowed "water to enter the structure or to pass beyond, around, or through the designed or actual moisture barriers." (ECF No. 21-20 at 29, ¶ 43.) Therefore, as discussed above as it pertained to the Anderson litigation, the defects would be excluded from the policy under CP Exclusions 1 and/or 2. Furthermore, there are no allegations or information that would lead to the conclusion that sudden or accidental damage occurred and caused the water damage to the homes. As such, the Court concludes that Defendant reasonably compared the allegations of the complaint with the terms of the policy and determined that it did not owe a duty to defend as is required under the law. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081. Hence, the Court hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Thirty-seventh through Thirty-ninth Causes of Action because Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
iii. Palacios
The Palacios litigation was filed on April 12, 2010, in San Joaquin County Superior Court, California. (Compl., Ex. 108, ECF No. 21-22 at 63.) The Complaint alleged strict products liability and negligence. (ECF No. 21-22 at 63.) Palacios also alleged that defects caused by Matt's Roofing's work existed at the time of purchase. (ECF No. 21-22 at 66, ¶ 13.) Of the five homeowner plaintiffs in said litigation, none are original purchasers, but all purchased the homes between December 2002 and December 2008. Thus, as the complaint alleges that the defects and damage existed at the time of purchase, the defects in those homes would be excluded as a prior defect/damage under the policy, under CP Exclsuion 1. Moreover, the complaint alleges a negligence cause of action that clarifies that the damages complained of stem from the careless and negligent construction of the properties. (ECF No. 21-22 at 66, ¶¶ 19-22.) Since these homes were completed in 2000 and 2001 (see ECF No. 20-22 at 90), these defects and the resultant damage existed prior to the 2009 insurance policy and are excluded under CP Exclusions 1 and 2. As such, the Court hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Forty-third through Forty-fifth Causes of Action because Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
The Palacios litigation originally involved seven properties. The homeowners of two of the properties were dismissed from the action. (See Palacios Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 111, ECF No. 20-22 at 90.)
iv. Reis
The Reis litigation was filed on June 24, 2011, in San Joaquin County Superior Court, California. (Compl., Ex. 116, ECF No. 21-23 at 2.) The Complaint alleged causes of action for: strict product liability; strict product liability for components; violations of California Civil Code § 896; breach of implied warranties of merchantability; breach of contract; negligence; and breach of express warranties. (ECF No. 21-23 at 2.) As referenced above, Reis also alleged that the defect caused by Matt's Roofing's work existed at the time of purchase. (ECF No. 21-23 at 6, ¶ 14.) The litigation included 23 homeowners, fifteen of which were the original purchasers and closed on the homes between June 2002 and July 2005. (Reis Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 120, ECF No. 21-23 at 55.) The remaining eight homeowners purchased the properties between July 2005 and September 2010. (See Deeds of Trusts, Ex. 165, ECF No. 41-4.) Many of the homeowner claims in the Reis litigation are likely excluded because the defect and damage existed prior to the January 1, 2009, policy inception date. However, even those plaintiffs' claims who purchased the homes after the policy inception are likely excluded under CP Exclusion 2.
Like the other cases, the Reis plaintiffs allege that the defects and subsequent damage to their properties stems from violations of California's Building Code (Cal. Civil Code § 896). (ECF No. 21-23 at 29, ¶¶ 36-49.) Specifically, homeowners alleged that the "roof, roofing systems, chimney caps, and ventilation components at the propertie[s] allow water to enter the structure or to pass beyond, around, or through the designed or actual moisture barriers." (ECF No. 21-23 at 12, ¶ 45(a)(4).) Therefore, as discussed as above, the defects would be excluded from the policy under CP Exclusion 2 since the defect existed at the time construction was completed. Furthermore, there are no allegations or information that would lead to the conclusion that sudden or accidental damage occurred and caused the water damage to the homes. As such, the Court concludes that Defendant reasonably compared the allegations of the complaint with the terms of the policy and determined that it did not owe a duty to defend as is required under the law. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081. Therefore, the Court hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Forty-sixth through Forty-eighth Causes of Action because Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
v. Bautista
The Bautista litigation was filed on September 17, 2010, in San Joaquin County Superior Court, California. (First Am. Compl. ("FAC"), Ex. 84, ECF No. 21-19, at 19.) The FAC asserts the following causes of action: violations of standards for residential construction; strict liability; breach of implied warranty of merchantability; breach of contract; negligence; and breach of express warranty. (ECF No. 21-19 at 19.) Specifically, the FAC alleges:
At the time PLAINTIFFS took possession of the PROPERTY, and thereafter, the PROPERTY was defective in design and construction in that, among other things the building envelope was designed and constructed so as to permit intrusion of water and/or moisture into its interior including, without limitation, water and moisture intrusion; the Structure was under designed and built to the wrong wind exposure causing movement or the structure and damage thereto; the building was improperly constructed, including improper construction of the framing system and related components; excessive cracking of exterior wall finishes so as to permit moisture intrusion; improper installation of the fenestration
system; improper construction of the roofing system and deviations from building plan specifications; improper design and construction of the exterior drainage system.(ECF No. 21-19, at 23, ¶ 16.) All of the claims arise out of a faulty construction theory. The homes in this litigation were all completed between October 2000 and October 2004. (Bautista Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 89, ECF No. 21-20 at 33.) Thus, any work by Matt's Roofing was completed at least four years prior to the 2009 insurance policy issued by Defendant. Like the aforementioned litigation against Matt's Roofing, the Bautista properties are excluded from the insurance policy under CP Exclusion 2 since the defects existed prior to the insurance policy. Moreover, there are no allegations that would usher these claims within the sudden and accidental realm of coverage, as Plaintiffs unsuccessfully urge. Therefore, Defendant's motion for summary judgement as to Plaintiffs' Thirty-fourth through Thirty-sixth Causes of Action is granted because Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
vi. Pacheo
The Pacheo litigation was filed on November 7, 2011, in San Joaquin County Superior Court, California. (Compl., Ex. 103, ECF No. 21-22 at 15.) The Complaint alleges strict liability, strict products liability, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of implied warranty of fitness, negligence, and negligence per se. (ECF No. 21-22 at 15.) The complaint alleges that "the construction defects complained of concern standard components of the development including leaking roofs, leaking windows, showers/tubs, stucco cracks, drywall cracks, inadequate draining, . . . " (ECF No. 21-22 at 17, ¶ 5(F).) The Pacheo litigants alleged that the construction defects "continu[ed] to deteriorate and to degrade, and the damages will continue in the future." (ECF No. 21-22 at 21, ¶ 19.) Thus, this litigation arises out of allegations that the homes were defectively constructed and those defective conditions existed at the original close of escrow.
The complaint states that the homes were built from 2001-2003. (ECF No. 21-22 at 17, ¶ 6.) Thus, any work by Matt's Roofing was completed at least five to six years prior to the 2009 insurance policy issued by Defendant and is excluded from the insurance policy under CP Exclusions 1 and/or 2. Again, this Court finds no evidence to support an inference that the damages complained of could have been "sudden" or "accidental" and thus covered by Defendant's insurance policy. As such, Defendant's motion for summary judgement as to Plaintiffs' Fortieth through Forty-second Causes of Action is granted since Plaintiffs have not shown that they are capable of success on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
D. Sherman Loehr
Sherman Loehr is a custom tile company that performed work in numerous newly constructed residences. Defendant issued Sherman Loehr an insurance policy with the aforementioned language from October 31, 2009 through October 31, 2010. (DRPRDSSF, ECF No. 31-1, No. 4; see also Insurance Policy, Ex.4, ECF No. 21-3.) Plaintiffs' Causes of Action Ten through Twenty-seven and Forty-nine through Sixty-three pertain to ten legal actions against Sherman Loehr. (SAC, ECF No. 9.) Defendant asserts that the CP Exclusion bars coverage for all claims against Sherman Loehr because Sherman Loehr completed its work years before the 2009 inception date of the Ironshore policy. (ECF No. 20-1 at 15.) For the reasons set forth below, this Court agrees.
Defendants did not defend the following cases due to their determination that the alleged defects were excluded under the policy: Yakel v. Elliott Homes, Inc., Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2008 01025452 ("Yakel"); Zavala v. Lennar Renaissance, Inc., Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2009-00061399 ("Zavala"); Perry v. Elliott Homes, Inc., Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2009-00046856 ("Perry"); Dobbins v. U.S. Home Corp., Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2010-00070141 ("Dobbins"); Peterson v. Del Webb California Corp., Placer County Superior Court, Case No. SCV 27125 ("Peterson"); Aoki v. Lennar Renaissance, Inc., Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2010-00074166 ("Aoki") Babel v. Del Webb California Corp., Placer County Superior Court, Case No. SCV-0031692 ("Babel"); Barry v. Dunmore Homes, LLC, San Joaquin County Superior Court, Case No. 39-2010-00252992-CU-CDSTK ("Barry"); Bell v. Meadowview Village Limited Partnership, Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2011-00105467 ("Bell"); Chess v. Myers Homes, Yolo County Superior Court, Case No. CV10-2703 ("Chess"); and Morataya v. Lennar Homes, Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2011-00095176 ("Morataya").
In Defendant's brief and Plaintiffs' opposition, the parties present the same arguments as to each legal matter discussed below. Basically, Defendant asserts that CP Exclusion bars coverage of the claims because Sherman Loehr completed its work years before the 2009 inception date. (ECF No. 20-1 at 15.) Plaintiffs oppose arguing that because the complaint is silent as to sudden and/or accidental damage that Defendant had a duty to defend. (ECF No. 26 at 11.) Thus, at the outset the Court notes these arguments and limits the discussion of each case below to the facts supporting the Court's position instead of repeating these arguments continually throughout this Order.
i. Yakel
The Yakel litigation was first filed in 2008. (Compl., Ex. 24, ECF No. 21-7 at 18.) Sherman Loehr was named as a cross-defendant on July 29, 2009, prior to the inception of the Ironshore policy, on October 31, 2009. (Cross-complaint, Ex. 25, ECF No. 21-7 at 32.) Therefore, the property damage existed and was known of prior to the policy's inception and is excluded because the property damage did not occur during the policy period. (See DRPRDSSF, ECF No. 31-1, No. 1 (limiting coverage of property damage to damage that occurs during the policy period).) Accordingly, the Court hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Tenth through Twelfth Causes of Action because Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
ii. Zavala
The Zavala litigation was filed in October 23, 2009 in Sacramento County Superior Court, California. (See First Am. Compl., Ex 27, ECF No. 21-7; Cross-compl., Ex. 28, ECF No. 21-8.) Zavala brought claims for strict liability, breach of express warranties, breach of implied warranties of merchantability, breach of implied warranties of fitness, and negligence. Zavala alleged that eight homes, all built in 2000 and 2001, were discovered to be defective in the three years prior to bringing the suit. (ECF No. 21-7 at 61, ¶ 25.) Specifically, the complaint lists defective conditions in:
the concrete slabs, stucco, water intrusion membranes, roofs, floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, sliding glass doors, decks, shear walls. concrete flatwork, sheet metal, insulation, electrical systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. pavement system, plumbing and plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, and structural systems, were and are not of merchantable quality, nor were they designed, erected, constructed or installed in a workmanlike manner but instead, are defective and, as now known, the subject structures demonstrate improper, non-existent, and/or inadequately designed and/or constructed, concrete slabs, stucco, water intrusion membranes, roofs, floors, walls, ceilings, doors and windows, sliding glass doors, shear walls, concrete flatwork, sheet metal, insulation, electrical systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, pavement system, plumbing and plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, and structural systems, so the subject structures as constructed are defective and improper and have resulted in damaged and defective structures and defective real property.(ECF No. 21-7 at 61, ¶ 25.) Thus, the damage complained of was caused by defective work done prior to the inception of Defendant's policy and furthermore was known of prior to the policy issuance. Plaintiff has not offered any evidence from which this Court could find a possibility of the damage being caused by a sudden or accidental occurrence, whereas Defendant has provided sufficient evidence that the allegedly defective work was completed prior to the policy and thus excluded under the policy. Such evidence supports Defendant's reasonable belief that it did not have a duty to defend claims that were not within the policy's coverage. As such, the Court hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Thirteenth through Fifteenth Causes of Action for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity.
iii. Perry
The First Amended Complaint ("FAC") in the Perry action was filed on August 11, 2009 in Sacramento County Superior Court, California. (FAC, Ex. 33, ECF No. 21-8 at 50.) The FAC asserted seven causes of action for strict liability, strict liability of components, violations of California Building Standards set forth in California Civil Code § 896, breach of implied warranties of merchantability, breach of contract, negligence, and breach of express warranty. (ECF No. 21-8 at 50.) This case, like the others discussed above, asserted defective construction and workmanship which allegedly led to damage of the properties. The Perry litigation involved 78 homes all constructed during or before 2007. The FAC asserts that the properties were not constructed in a workmanlike manner which resulted in defects, including but not limited to tile, vinyl flooring and countertop defects. (ECF No. 21-8 at 57 at ¶ 14.) As discussed at length above, the work was done prior to the effective date of Defendant's insurance policy. Plaintiffs have provided no facts that would support an allegation that damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. Thus, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend as is required under the law, see Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081, and hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Sixteenth through Eighteenth Causes of Action.
iv. Dobbins
The First Amended Complaint ("FAC") in Dobbins was filed on April 7, 2010, in Sacramento County Superior Court, California. (FAC, Ex. 40, ECF No. 21-9 at 46.) The FAC asserted five causes of action, including strict liability, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of contract, negligence, and breach of express warranty. (ECF No. 21-9 at 46.) The FAC alleged that seventeen properties were defectively designed and constructed. (ECF No. 21-9 at 48-49, ¶¶ 7-9.) All of the homes in this litigation were completed prior to the end of 2001, almost nine years prior to the insurance policy at issue. (Dobbins Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 43, ECF No. 21-9 at 91.) Because the legal claims in this matter are all based on faulty construction, the defects and/or damages alleged existed prior to the effective date of Defendant's insurance policy. The complaint does not allege any facts that would lend to a belief that the damages complained of were the result of a sudden or accidental occurrence. Moreover, Plaintiffs have not provided any evidence that would support an allegation that damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. Thus, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend as is required under the law, see Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081, and hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Nineteenth through Twenty-first Causes of Action.
v. Peterson
The First Amended Complaint ("FAC") in the Peterson litigation was filed on August 16, 2010, in Placer County Superior Court, California. (FAC, Ex. 40, ECF No. 21-10 at 2.) The FAC asserted five causes of action for strict liability, breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of implied warranty of fitness, and negligence. (ECF No. 21-10 at 2.) The FAC alleged that thirty-three properties were defectively designed and constructed and that these homes "were defective when they left the Developer Defendants' possession and control." (ECF No. 21-10 at 10, ¶ 20.) The FAC alleges that the defective conditions included:
concrete slabs, stucco, water intrusion membranes, roofs, f1oors/floor coverings, walls, ceilings, drywall, cabinets, doors and windows, sliding glass doors, shear walls, concrete flat work, sheet metal, insulation, electrical systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, pavement system, plumbing and plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, soils, grading, framing, stairs, foundations, garage doors, shower door, mirrors, drainage, paint, fences, fireplaces/chimneys, decks, and structural systems, among other areas.(ECF No. 21-10 at 10, ¶ 20.) All of the properties were completed between September of 2000 and had closed escrow prior to March of 2003. (Peterson Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 50, ECF No. 21-10 at 64.) Thus, the defect/damage existed over six years prior to the inception of the insurance policy at issue. (ECF No. 21-10 at 64.) These claims fall squarely within CP Exclusion 1 and/or 2 because the alleged defects existed prior to the policy. Once again, there are no facts or allegations provided that would support that damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. Thus, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend as is required under the law, see Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081, and hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Twenty-second through Twenty-forth Causes of Action.
vi. Aoki
The Aoki Complaint for Damages was filed on March 30, 2010, in Sacramento County Superior Court, California. (Compl., Ex. 56, ECF No. 21-14 at 15.) The Aoki Complaint asserted six causes of action, including: strict products liability, strict components product liability, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of contract, negligence, and breach of express warranty. (ECF No. 21-14 at 15.) The Aoki litigation involved over one-hundred residences. (Aoki Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 59, ECF No. 21-14 at 74-87.) The Complaint alleged that the properties were defective and unfit for their intended purposes at the time construction was completed. (ECF No. 21-14 at 16, 19, ¶¶ 2, 14.)
Defendants did not construct the PROPERTY in a workmanlike manner as manifested by, but not limited to, numerous defects which have resulted in damage to the homes and their component parts. The defects include, without limitation and to various degrees on the plaintiffs' respective residences, the following:(ECF No. 21-14 at 19, ¶ 14.) Construction on the homes in this matter was completed on or before October 21, 2005. (ECF No. 21-14 at 74-87.) Thus, the homes were completed and allegedly defective four years prior to the inception of the October 2009 insurance policy. The Complaint does not allege any facts that would support that damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. Therefore, these claims fall squarely within CP Exclusion 1 and/or 2 because the defects existed prior to the policy. Based on the evidence provided, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend as is required under the law, see Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081, and hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Twenty-fifth through Twenty-seventh Causes of Action.
Faulty soil compaction, faulty existing underlying soils and expansive soils resulting in soil movement and damage to the structures, concrete slabs, flatwork and foundation defects; plumbing defects; electrical defects; drainage defects; roof defects; HVAC defects; waterproofing defects; window and door defects; landscaping and irrigation defects; framing, siding and structural defects; ceramic tile, vinyl flooring and countertop defects; drywall defects; fence and retaining wall defects; cabinet and wood trim defects; fireplace and chimney defects; tub and shower door defects; painting defects; sheet metal defects; and stucco defects.
vii. Babel
The Babel action was filed on September 7, 2012, in Placer County Superior Court, California. (Compl., Ex. 124, ECF No. 21-23 at 86.) The Complaint asserted three causes of action: violations of building standards as set forth in California Civil Code § 896; breach of contract; and breach of express warranty. (ECF No. 21-23 at 86.) Babel involved eleven residences, two of which subsequently withdrew from the litigation. (Babel Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 176, ECF No. 41-14 at 2.) The Complaint alleged that the properties were defective and unfit for their intended purposes at the time of purchase by plaintiffs. (ECF No. 21-23 at 90-91, ¶ 13.) Babel plaintiffs further alleged that the defective condition was the result of:
Defendants did not construct the SUBJECT PROPERTY and/or SUBJECT PROPERTIES in a workmanlike manner as manifested by, but not limited to, numerous defects which have resulted in damage to the homes and their component parts. The defects include, without limitation and to various degrees of plaintiffs' perspective residences, the following violations of California Civil Code Section 869 at seq:(ECF No. 21-23 at 90-93, ¶ 13.) All of the homes within the Babel litigation were completed on or before July 8, 2005. (ECF No. 41-14 at 2.) The Complaint does not allege any facts that would support that damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. All of the claims are based on the theory of defective construction. Because the construction of these homes was completed at least four years prior to the 2009 insurance policy, these claims fall squarely within CP Exclusion 1 and/or 2. Based on the evidence provided, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that the Babel claims were not covered by the policy and thus Defendant did not owe a duty to defend. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081. As such, the Court finds that Plaintiffs cannot succeed on their claims for declaratory relief, equitable contribution, and equitable indemnity and hereby grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Forty-ninth through Fifty-first Causes of Action.
. . .
(16) Ceramic tile and tile countertops at the SUBJECT PROJECT AND/OR SUBJECT PROPERTIES allow water into the interior walls, flooring systems, or other components.
viii. Berry
The First Amended Complaint ("FAC") in the Berry litigation was filed on January 5, 2011, in San Joaquin County Superior Court, California. (FAC, Ex. 129, ECF No. 21-25.) The FAC alleges seven causes of action consisting of: strict products liability; strict products liability of components; violations of California Building Standards set forth in California Civil Code § 896; breach of implied warranties of merchantability; breach of contract; negligence; and breach of express warranty. (ECF No. 21-25.) Berry involved fifty-nine residences, each of which was completed and closed escrow on or before April 18, 2003. (Berry Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 133, ECF No. 21-26 at 37-44.) The FAC alleged that the properties were defective and unfit for their intended purposes at the time construction was completed. (ECF No. 21-25 at 7, ¶ 14.)
Defendants did not construct the PROPERTY in a workmanlike manner as manifested by, but not limited to, numerous defects which have resulted in damage to the homes and their component parts. The defects include, without limitation and to various degrees on the plaintiffs' respective residences, the following:(ECF No. 21-25 at 7, ¶ 14.) Thus, the FAC alleged that the homes were defective upon completion, and that such defects existed at least five years prior to the inception of the October 2009 insurance policy. The FAC does not allege any facts that would support that the alleged damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. Therefore, these claims are excluded under CP Exclusion 1 and/or 2 because the defects existed prior to the policy. Based on the evidence provided, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend based on the evidence before it, as is required under the law. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081. Thus, the Court grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Fifty-second through Fifty-fourth Causes of Action.
Faulty soil compaction, faulty existing underlying soils and expansive soils resulting in soil movement and damage to the structures, concrete slabs, flatwork and foundation defects; plumbing defects; electrical defects; drainage defects; roof defects; HVAC defects; waterproofing defects; window and door defects; landscaping and irrigation defects; framing, siding and structural defects; ceramic tile, vinyl flooring and countertop defects; drywall defects; fence and retaining wall defects; cabinet and wood trim defects; fireplace and chimney defects; tub and shower door defects; painting defects; sheet metal defects; and stucco defects.
ix. Bell
The Complaint for Damages in the Bell litigation was filed on June 20, 2011, in Sacramento County Superior Court, California. (Compl., Ex. 137, ECF No. 21-26 at 76.) The Complaint alleges three causes of action: strict products liability; breach of implied warranties of merchantability; and negligence. (ECF No. 21-26 at 76.) The Bell litigation involved six residences, all of which were completed on or before April 3, 2003. (Bell Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 140, ECF No. 21-27 at 4.) Of the six residences, one of the homeowners was the original owner and closed escrow on the property in 2001. (ECF No. 21-27 at 4.) The remaining five residences were owned by subsequent purchasers who closed escrow on the homes on or before December 5, 2008. (ECF No. 21-27 at 4.) The Complaint alleged that the properties were defective and unfit for their intended purposes at the time construction was completed. (ECF No. 21-26 at 79, ¶ 13.)
Defendants did not construct the PROPERTY in a workmanlike manner as manifested by, but not limited to, numerous defects which have resulted in damage to the homes and their component parts. The defects include, without limitation and to various degrees on the plaintiffs' respective residences, the following:(ECF No. 21-26 at 79, ¶ 13.)
Faulty soil compaction, faulty existing underlying soils and expansive soils resulting in soil movement and damage to the structures, concrete slabs, flatwork and foundation defects; plumbing defects; electrical defects; drainage defects; roof defects; HVAC defects; waterproofing defects; window and door defects; landscaping and irrigation defects; framing, siding and structural defects; ceramic tile, vinyl flooring and countertop defects; drywall defects; fence and retaining wall defects; cabinet and wood trim defects; fireplace and chimney defects; tub and shower door defects; painting defects; sheet metal defects; and stucco defects.
Because the Complaint alleged that the homes were defective upon completion, any such defect would have existed at least by early 2003, six years prior to the inception of the October 2009 insurance policy. The Complaint does not allege any facts that would support even an inference that the alleged damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. Therefore, these claims fall squarely within CP Exclusion 1 and/or 2 because the defects existed prior to the policy. Based on the evidence provided, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend based on the evidence before it, as is required under the law. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081. Thus, the Court grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Fifty-fifth through Fifty-seventh Causes of Action.
x. Chess
The First Amended Complaint ("FAC") in the Chess litigation was filed on December 29, 2010, in Yolo County Superior Court, California. (FAC, Ex. 143, ECF No. 21-27 at 23.) The FAC alleges six causes of action consisting of: strict products liability; strict products liability of components; breach of implied warranties of merchantability; breach of contract; negligence; and breach of express warranty. (ECF No. 21-27 at 23.) Chess involved twelve residences, each of which was completed and closed escrow on or before November 11, 2002. (Chess Homeowners Matrix, Ex. 146, ECF No. 21-27 at 57-58.) The FAC alleged that the properties were defective and unfit for their intended purposes at the time construction was completed. (ECF No. 21-27 at 27, ¶ 18.)
Defendants did not construct the PROPERTY in a workmanlike manner as manifested by, but not limited to, numerous defects which have resulted in damage to the homes and their component parts. The defects include, without limitation and to various degrees on the plaintiffs' respective residences, the following:(ECF No. 21-27 at 27, ¶ 18.) The Complaint further alleges negligence based on the same theory that the properties were negligently constructed and that such negligence is the proximate cause of the defects in the residences. (ECF No. 21-27 at 33, ¶¶ 52-53.)
Faulty soil compaction, faulty existing underlying soils and expansive soils resulting in soil movement and damage to the structures, concrete slabs, flatwork and foundation defects; plumbing defects; electrical defects; drainage defects; roof defects; HVAC defects; waterproofing defects; window and door defects; landscaping and irrigation defects; framing, siding and structural defects; ceramic tile, vinyl flooring and countertop defects; drywall defects; fence and retaining wall defects; cabinet and wood trim defects; fireplace and chimney defects; tub and shower door defects; painting defects; sheet metal defects; and stucco defects.
The FAC states that the homes were defective upon completion, and thus any defect would have existed at least by the end of 2002, roughly seven years prior to the inception of the October 2009 insurance policy. The FAC does not allege any facts that would support that the alleged damage in this litigation was the result of a sudden occurrence or accident. In fact, the allegations support the opposite. Therefore, these claims fall squarely within CP Exclusion 1 and/or 2 because the defects existed prior to the policy. Based on the evidence provided, the Court finds that Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend based on the evidence before it. See Horace Mann Ins. Co., 4 Cal. 4th at 1081. Thus, the Court grants Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Fifty-eighth through Sixtieth Causes of Action.
xi. Morataya
The Morataya Complaint was filed on January 14, 2011, in Sacramento Superior Court, California. (Compl., Ex. 150, ECF No. 21-28 at 19.) Unlike the previous cases, this case was brought by a single homeowner alleging that defective construction caused a fire in the home on December 22, 2010. Morataya alleged causes of action for strict liability, strict product liability, negligence, negligence per se, and breach of contract. (See Cross-compl., Ex. 151, ECF No. 21-28 at 32, ¶ 31.)
Defendant asserts that the work on the home was completed prior to the policy inception and thus is excluded under CP Exclusions 1 and 2. (ECF No. 201- at 15-17.) Furthermore, Defendant states that the fire occurred after the expiration of the policy on October 21, 2010, and thus any damage from the December 22, 2010 fire is beyond the scope of the policy. (ECF No. 201- at 17-18.) Plaintiffs response is limited to "[f]inally, as to Morataya, Ironshore['s] contention that the damages at issue were limited to a fire occurring outside of its policy is misplaced as allegations of damages unrelated to the fire were alleged." (ECF No. 25 at 17; see also ECF No. 26 at 17 (alleging the exact same thing about Morataya in Pls' Mot. for Summ. J.).)
The residence was completed on January 24, 2001. (Not. of Completion, Ex. 152, ECF No. 21-28 at 58.) The Court is in receipt of the original Complaint in this action. The original Complaint alleged three causes of action: breach of contract, negligence, and strict liability. (ECF No. 21-28 at 19-24.) In the Cross-complaint provided to the Court, Plaintiff Lennar states that the First Amended Complaint ("FAC") alleges six causes of action: strict liability, strict product liability, negligence, negligence per se, and breach of contract. (See Cross-compl., Ex. 151, ECF No. 21-28 at 32, ¶ 31.) The Court is not in receipt of the FAC. The original Complaint seems to rely on a legal theory that the property was defectively constructed. (See ECF No. 21-28 at 24 ("On December 22, 2010, the residential structure which was designed, built, developed, and sold by Defendants, and each of them, to Plaintiffs was the subject of a significant structure fire, the genesis of which was a defectively designed and constructed chimney.").) However, this Court cannot determine whether the Morataya plaintiffs made any allegations about a sudden or accidental occurrence that may have caused the fire without viewing the operative complaint, in this case the FAC. Thus, the Court cannot make a determination as to whether Defendant reasonably determined that it did not owe a duty to defend. As such, the Court finds that Defendant has not met its burden as to Plaintiffs' causes of action relating to the Morataya litigation and hereby denies Defendant's motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Sixty-first through Sixty-third Causes of Action. For the same reason, the Court cannot conclude that Plaintiffs are owed summary judgment on these claims and thus the Court denies Plaintiffs' cross-motion for summary judgment as to Plaintiffs' Sixty-first through Sixty-third Causes of Action.
The Court notes that the original Complaint lists a first, second, and fourth cause of action. Upon first glance, it seems that there is a page missing from the Complaint. However, after further review, it appears that the Morataya plaintiffs misnumbered their causes of action. --------
IV. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF No. 20) is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART, and Plaintiffs' Cross-motion for Summary Judgment (ECF No. 26) is DENIED:
(1) Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment as to Plaintiffs' First through Sixtieth Causes of Action is GRANTED.
(2) Defendant's motion for Summary Judgment as to Plaintiffs' Sixty-first through Sixty-third Causes of Action is DENIED.
IT IS SO ORDERED. Dated: October 28, 2016
/s/_________
Troy L. Nunley
United States District Judge