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predicting that the Nevada Supreme Court would apply the four-corners rule only when the complaint raises the possibility of coverage but the insurer's own investigation suggests there is no possibility of coverage
Summary of this case from Assurance Co. of Am. v. Ironshore Specialty Ins. Co.Opinion
Case No. 2:12-cv-00978-APG-PAL
04-29-2014
DANA ANDREW, as Legal Guardian of RYAN T. PRETNER, and RYAN PRETNER, individually, Plaintiffs, v. CENTURY SURETY COMPANY, a foreign corporation; and DOES 1-10, inclusive, Defendants.
Order Granting and Denying In Part
Plaintiffs' and Defendant's Motions for
Reconsideration
Pending before the Court are the parties' respective motions for reconsideration (ECF## 127, 132) of this Court's Order denying their cross-motions for summary judgment (ECF #123). For the reasons discussed below, the Court grants reconsideration and enters the following Order.
I. Background and Procedural History
The background and procedural posture of this case are set forth in detail in this Court's October 10, 2013 Order, and are incorporated herein by reference. The following is relevant to the parties' cross-motions for reconsideration.
On January 12, 2009, plaintiff Ryan Pretner was riding his bicycle on the eastbound shoulder of St. Rose Parkway in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael Vasquez was driving his truck when the truck's side-view mirror struck Pretner's head, resulting in a catastrophic brain injury.
There remains a factual dispute among the parties as to whether Mr. Pretner was lawfully riding his bicycle on the shoulder of St. Rose Parkway, or whether he was riding on the white solid line of the highway itself. Compare Plaintiffs' Motion, (EFC#14-1 at 6), with Declaration of Michael Vasquez ("Vasquez Declaration"), (ECF#25 at 2). That issue is irrelevant to the pending motions.
At the time of the accident, Vasquez was covered under two insurance policies, one issued by defendant Century Surety Company ("Century") and the other issued by Progressive Insurance (not a party to this litigation). The Century policy insured Vasquez's business, Blue Streak Auto Detailing ("Garage Policy"). (ECF#14-2 at 2). Following the accident, Vasquez told the police tiiat "he had just gotten off work," and that he "was on Ins way to his Uncle's home coming from his house." (ECF#14-1 at 9 & 18). Shortly after the accident, Vasquez reported the claim to Progressive Insurance. On January 13, 2009, Vasquez confirmed in a recorded statement that he was off work and "just going to run errands." (ECF#23-1 at 7). On June 12, 2009, Vasquez signed an affidavit in which he stated that he "was driving from home...and going to [his] aunt and uncle's house...for the purpose of a visit." (Vasquez Declaration at ¶10; ECF#25-1 at 3). Vasquez did not notify Century about the accident until March 26, 2009 because he believed that the accident did not occur while he was driving on Blue Streak business. (Vasquez Declaration at ¶11). When Century's adjuster called Vasquez to discuss the accident, Vasquez apparently confirmed to the adjuster that Vasquez was not on Blue Streak business at the time of the accident. (ECG#24-1 at 19).
On May 26, 2009, Plaintiffs demanded that Century settle for its policy limits in exchange for a complete release. (ECF#14-9). On June 5, 2009, Century denied coverage because Vasquez was not driving his truck in the course of his business at the time of the accident. (ECF#14-10 at 3). Thus, Century rejected Plaintiffs' demand. (ECF#14-11).
On January 7, 2011, Plaintiffs filed in state court the underlying lawsuit entitled Lee Pretner and Dana Andrew as Legal Guardians of Ryan T. Pretner v. Michael Vasquez and Blue Streak Auto Detailing, LLC, Clark County Case No. A-11-632845-C ("Underlying Lawsuit"). (ECF#14-12). In their Complaint, Plaintiffs alleged that: (1) Vasquez was an agent and/or employee of Blue Streak; (2) at the time of the accident he was driving his truck in the course and scope of his employment with Blue Streak; and (3) Vasquez was negligent in operating the truck, causing injury to Pretner. (Id. at 3-5). Plaintiffs' counsel forwarded a copy of the Complaint to Century. (ECF#14-13). Subsequently, Century informed Blue Streak and Vasquez that after a "complete review" of the Complaint, Century was again denying coverage based on the police reports and Vasquez's consistent statements that he was not operating the truck in connection with the business. (ECF#14-20).
Blue Streak and Vasquez failed to answer the Underlying Lawsuit, so defaults were entered against them. (ECF#23-1 at 51). Plaintiffs sent Century copies of the defaults. (ECF#14-22). Century responded that its policy did not cover the loss. (ECF#14-23).
On October 20, 2011, Vasquez and Blue Streak entered into a settlement agreement ("Settlement Agreement") under which Progressive Insurance paid Plaintiffs the $100,000 policy limit under its policy. Plaintiffs agreed not to execute upon any judgment entered against Vasquez and Blue Streak, and Vasquez and Blue Streak assigned to Plaintiffs their rights against Century under the Garage Policy. (ECF#14-25).
Plaintiffs sought entry of default judgment in the Underlying Lawsuit, requesting $12,496,084.52 in damages. (ECF#14-26). The Application claimed that "[a]t the time of the accident, Vasquez was in the course and scope of Iris employment with Blue Streak...." (Id. at 3). No opposition was filed to the Application, and no one appeared at the hearing to challenge it. (ECF#26-2). Following the hearing, the court entered default judgment ("Default Judgment") against Vasquez and Blue Streak, finding that:
1. On January 12, 2009, Ryan T. Pretner was riding his bicycle traveling eastbound on the paved shoulder of St. Rose Parkway. While riding his bicycle, defendant Vasquez negligently collided with Pretner violently throwing him from his bicycle to the ground resulting in serious, catastrophic and life altering injuries.(ECF#14-27 at 5). According to the Court Minutes, Plaintiffs' counsel "requested and the COURT ORDERED 40% contingency attorney fees in the amount of-$5,155,396.80 and costs in the amount of $6,295.99." (ECF#26-2). The total amount of the Default Judgment is $18,050,185.45 plus accruing interest. (Id. at 6).
2. At the time of the accident, Vasquez was an employee and/or agent of defendant Blue Streak Auto Detailing, LLC. At the time of the accident, Vasquez was in the course and scope of his employment and/or agency of Blue Streak acting in furtherance of its business interests. Accordingly, defendant Blue Streak is legally liable for the injuries and damages sustained by Pretner caused by defendant Vasquez's negligence.
3. As a result of the negligence of the defendants, Pretner sustained catastrophic and life altering injuries. Among the injuries Pretner sustained was a severe traumatic brain injury. . . . .
On April 23, 2012, Plaintiffs, as assignees of Blue Streak and Vasquez, filed the instant lawsuit against Century in Nevada state court ("Bad Faidi Action"). (ECF#1 at 8). Century removed it to this Court. (ECF#1).
Meanwhile, Century filed a Motion for Leave to Intervene in the Underlying Lawsuit, seeking to set aside the Default Judgment. (ECF#26-3). Century argued that the Default Judgment was based on misrepresentations of fact, including that the accident took place while Vasquez was driving in the course and scope of his employment with Blue Streak. (ECF 26-4 at 4). On December 10, 2012, the state court heard and denied Century's Motion to Intervene. The court stated that:
I think [Century] stuck their head in the sand and said, ['Hey, we] determined we're not going to have coverage here because of what we believe the facts to be. So we're going to stand back and we're not going to defend. We're not going to intervene. We're not going to seek any reservation of rights or any declaratory relief. We're just going to let the baby fall forward and hopefully we won't have any involvement. Then oops. It's going into default. I know the lawsuit says course and scope of employment. Clear as day on page 3 of the facts alleged in the complaint. But that's okay. Now they're in default.['](ECF #60 at 33). The state court denied Century's Motion to Intervene because (1) it was untimely filed; (2) Century knew of the pendency of the action and had an opportunity to participate, but chose not to; and (3) the entry of Default Judgment was valid. (Id. at 47-48). Century did not appeal the denial of its Motion to Intervene.
Just like I'm certain that Mr. Prince could guess that the insurance company was going to try and take a position of, [']you know what[?'] ['T]his wasn't course and scope. ['] I would fall out of my chair if the insurance company said [']even though the lawsuit was filed alleging course and scope, even diough it went into default, I never guessed they were actually assess [sic] tiiat position when they came in for judgment and put it in the order. [']
In this Bad Faidi Action, the parties filed cross-motions for Summary Judgment, which the Court denied in its October 10, 2013 Order. (ECF#123.) The Court concluded that issue preclusion did not bind Century to the findings in the Underlying Lawsuit, that Rooker-Feldman was inapplicable to this case, diat the assignment in the Underlying Lawsuit was immaterial, and diat issues of material fact relating to Century's investigation supported denying its motion for summary judgment widi respect to the breach of contract and bad faith claims. (Id.)
Subsequently, Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Reconsideration or in the Alternative for Certification of a Question of Law to the Nevada Supreme Court. (ECF#127.) Plaintiffs move the Court to decide whether Century breached its duty to defend, and if so, to determine the extent of damages flowing from that breach, or certify the question to the Nevada Supreme Court. (Id. at 6.) Plaintiffs also ask the Court to specifically determine whether Century is bound to the default judgment in the Underlying Lawsuit. (Id.)
Century likewise filed a Motion for Clarification, or in the Alternative, Motion for Reconsideration. (ECF#132.) Century moves the Court to rule specifically on the breach of the duty to defend claim, the bad faith claim, and to determine the measure of damages, if any. (Id. at 2.)
ANALYSIS
1. Reconsideration is appropriate under Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(b).
Rule 54(b) provides that:
[A]ny order or other decision, however designated, that adjudicates fewer than all the claims or the rights and liabilities of fewer dian all the parties does not end the action as to any of the claims or parties and may be revised at any time before the entry of judgment adjudicating all the claims and all the parties' rights and liabilities.Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(b). Put more simply, "absent an express entry of final judgment, all orders of a district court are 'subject to reopening at the discretion of the district judge.'" W. Birkenfeld Trust v. Bailey, 837 F.Supp. 1083, 1085 (E.D. Wash. 1983) (quoting Moses H. Cone Mem 7 Hosp. v. Mercury Const. Corp., 460 U.S. 1, 12 (1983)). After reviewing the parties' respective motions, the Court concludes that reconsideration of its prior Order is warranted.
2. Plaintiffs' Motion for Reconsideration (ECF #127).
Plaintiffs' Motion raises the following issues: (i) whether Century owed a duty to defend the defendants in the Underlying Lawsuit, (ii) the measure of damages against an insurer diat breaches the duty to defend, and (iii) whether Century is bound by the Default Judgment.
(a) Century owed a duty to defend the defendants in the Underlying Lawsuit.
Century asserts tiiat "the existence of a duty to defend under a particular insurance policy is a question of law because it involves the interpretation of a written contract." (ECF#127 at 9.) That question of law begins with determining whedier Nevada is a "four corners" jurisdiction—that is, does the duty to defend arise solely from the allegations contained within the four corners of the Complaint, or may the insurer investigate the facts underlying the Complaint in order to determine whether coverage (and thus the duty to defend) exists. (ECF#127 at 2.)
The Nevada Supreme Court has never explicitly held that Nevada follows the "four corners" rule, but it has used language that implies diat it embraces the rule. In United Nat'l Ins. Co. v. Frontier Ins. Co., Inc., 120 Nev. 678,687, 99 P.3d 1153, 1158 (2004), the court stated that "[a] potential for coverage only exists when there is arguable or possible coverage. Determining whedier an insurer owes a duty to defend is achieved by comparing the allegations of the complaint with the terms of the policy." Id. (citing Hecla Min. Co. v. New Hampshire Ins. Co., 811 P.2d 1083, 1089 (Colo. 1991) ("the obligation to defend arises from allegations indie complaint, which if sustained, would impose a liability covered by the policy")). Plaintiffs assert that this is the four corners rule. (ECF#127 at 10.) Century counters that United National did not adopt the four corners rule, but rather held diat "an insurer must investigate the 'facts behind a complaint' before denying a defense, signifying tiiat an insurer is not limited solely to considering the allegations in a complaint in determining its duty to defend." (ECF #134 at 4 (quoting United National, 99 P.3d at 1158).) The Nevada Supreme Court's opinion is not clear:
The duty to defend is broader than the duty to indemnify. There is no duty to defend "[wjhere tiiere is no potential for coverage." Bidart v. Am. Title Ins. Co., 103 Nev. 175, 177, 734 P.2d 732, 733 (1987). In other words, "[a]n insurer ... bears a duty to defend its insured whenever it ascertains facts which give rise to the potential of liability under the policy." Gray v. Zurich Insurance120 Nev. at 686-87, 99 P.3d at 1158 (emphasis added). The second paragraph (particularly the last sentence) seems to adopt the four corners rule by stating tiiat the insurer must compare the allegations in the (four corners of the) complaint with the terms of the policy. However, the first paragraph says the insurer may "investigat[e] the facts behind a complaint" to ascertain whether "facts [exist] which give rise to the potential of liability under the policy." Id.
Company, 65 Cal.2d 263, 54 Cal.Rptr. 104, 419 P.2d 168, 177 (1966). Once the duty to defend arises, "diis duty continues diroughout the course of the litigadon." Home Sav. Ass'n v. Aetna Cas. & Surety, 109 Nev. 558, 565, 854 P.2d 851, 855 (1993). If tiiere is any doubt about whether the duty to defend arises, diis doubt must be resolved in favor of the insured. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., Inc. v. Centennial Ins. Co., 838 F.2d 346, 350 (9tii Cir. 1988) (interpreting California law). The purpose behind construing the duty to defend so broadly is to prevent an insurer from evading its obligation to provide a defense for an insured without at least investigating the facts behind a complaint. Hecla Min. Co. v. New Hampshire Ins. Co., 811 P.2d 1083, 1090 (Colo.1991).
However, "the duty to defend is not absolute." Aetna Cas. & Sar. Co., 838 F.2d at 350. A potential for coverage only exists when there is arguable or possible coverage. Morton by Morton v. Safeco Ins. Co., 905 F.2d 1208, 1212 (9tii Cir. 1990) (interpreting California law). Determining whether an insurer owes a duty to defend is achieved by comparing the allegations of the complaint with the terms of the policy. Hecla, 811 P.2d at 1089-90.
The most plausible reading is that the "facts" an insurer must rely on are those alleged in the complaint, rather tiian facts derived from an insurance company's investigation. United National relied on Hecla, a case from Colorado, which explicitly applies the four corners rule. See Cyprus Amax Minerals Co. v. Lexington Ins. Co., 74 P.3d 294, 299 (Colo. 2003) (citing Hecla and affirming that "we have long held that to determine whether a duty to defend exists, courts must look no further than the four corners of the underlying complaint (the 'four corners' or 'complaint' rule)"). Moreover, both United National and Hecla discuss the strong public policy that the duty to defend is to be construed broadly to enforce "the insured's legitimate expectation of a defense." See Hecla, 811 P.2d at 1090. Finally, the Nevada Supreme Court decided United National consistently with the four corners doctrine, never looking past the allegations contained in the complaint in determining whether a duty to defend existed. The logical conclusion is that Nevada has adopted the four corners doctrine even tiiough the Nevada Supreme Court has yet to explicitly state diat.
Several cases from this District have concluded that Nevada has adopted the four corners rule. See OneBeacon Ins, Co. v. Probitilders Specialty Ins. Co., 2009 WL 2407705 *8 (D. Nev. Aug. 3, 2009) ("Nevada has adopted the [four corners rule] pursuant to which an insurer that seeks to avoid its duty to defend its insured may only do so by comparison of the complaint in the underlying litigation to the terms of the policy."); Beazley Ins. Co. v. Am, Econ. Ins, Co., 2013 WL 2245901 *4 (D. Nev. May 21, 2013) (quoting OneBeacon Ins., 2009 WL 2407705 at *8); Liberty Ins. Underwriters Inc. v. Scudier, 2013 WL 3427902 *4 (D. Nev. July 8, 2013) (same); Discover Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Scudier, 2013 WL 2153079 *4 (D. Nev. May 16, 2013) (same);
On the other hand, at least two decisions from this District have looked beyond the four corners of the complaint when applying United National. (ECF#134 at 4 (citing United Nat. Ins. Co. v. Assurance Co. of Am., 2012 WL 1931521 *3 n.2 (D. Nev. May 29, 2012) ("The Court assumes for the purpose of this order, without determining whether the Nevada Supreme Court would so hold, that an insurer may go beyond the four corners of a complaint to matters of public record in making its coverage/duty to defend determination."); Gary G. Day Constr. Co., Inc. v. Clarendon Am. Ins. Co., 459 F. Supp. 2d 1039, 1050 (D. Nev. 2006) (citing United National, 99 P.3d at 1158 ("The duty arises when the allegations of the complaint and the facts known to the insurer indicate a potential for coverage.")).
However, in Day Construction the court never applied its statement of the rule because both parties failed to "submit[] argument or evidence demonstrating a duty to defend." 459 F. Supp. 2d at 1050.
Century contends that an exception to the four corners rule exists where the allegations in the complaint are not bona fide, but rather are framed only to trigger a duty to defend under an insurance policy. (ECF#22 at15 (citing Cotter Corp. v. A.M. Empire Surplus Lines Ins. Co., 90 P.3d 814, 829 n.9 (Colo. 2004).) Century points out that on the basis of this exception, the Tenth Circuit approved an insurer's reliance on extrinsic evidence in rejecting a defense. Pompa v. Am. Family Mut. Ins. Co., 520 F.3d 1139, 1146 (10th Cir. 2008). However, in Pompa the court held that reliance on extrinsic evidence was appropriate where the insurer first provided a defense and then later sought to recover defense costs from the insured. Id. Here, Century failed to first provide a defense, and unlike the insurance carrier in Pompa, Century is not relying on extrinsic evidence to seek recovery of the costs of defending its insured. Thus, Century's proffered exception to the four corners rule is inapplicable here.
The Court concludes that the Nevada Supreme Court would adopt the four corners rule. Thus, an insurance company's duty to defend is determined "by comparing the allegations of the complaint widi the terms of the policy." United National, 99 P.3d at 1158.
Here, the complaint in the Underlying Lawsuit alleged, among other diings, diat "Vasquez was driving in the course and scope of his employment with Blue Streak when he negligently hit Pretner, causing him catastrophic injuries. (See generally ECF#14-12.) Century's Garage Policy included coverage for such an event. At the time of the accident, Vasquez's truck was covered under the policy. Comparing the allegations contained in the complaint widi the Garage Policy, it appears diere was at least a potential for coverage under the policy. Accordingly, Century breached its duty to defend.
If Century's investigation led it to believe that Vasquez was not driving within the course and scope of his employment with Blue Streak, it could have provided a defense, reserved its rights, and filed a motion for summary judgment in the early stages of the Underlying Lawsuit to resolve that issue up front.
(b) Century is not bound by the Default Judgment by operation of law.
Plaintiffs urge this Court to apply a line of Nevada cases arising in the uninsured motorist context to hold that Century is bound by the findings in the Default Judgment in the Underlying Lawsuit. (ECF#127 at 17.) Century counters diat the holding and rationale in those cases are limited to the uninsured motorist context. (ECF#157 at 2.) For the reasons discussed below, the Court agrees with Century.
The Nevada Supreme Court has held that where an insurer has notice of an adversarial proceeding that implicates uninsured motorist coverage under its policy but refuses to intervene, the insurer will be bound by the judgment thereafter obtained. Allstate Ins. Co. v. Pietrosh, 85 Nev. 310, 316, 454 P.2d 106, 111 (1969). This is true notwithstanding the fact that it subverts the element of privity normally required for the application of the principles of claim and issue preclusion. Id.
The insurance policy at issue in Pietrosh included a provision stating that any judgment obtained by its insured against an uninsured motorist would not be binding upon the insurance company. 454 P.2d at 110. The insurance company received notice of litigation by its insured against an uninsured motorist, but did not intervene, seek arbitration, or consent to the suit. Id. The court emphasized tiiat insurance policies are not ordinary contracts but rather are "complex instrument[s], unilaterally prepared and seldom understood by the insured. The parties are not similarly situated. The company and its representatives are expert in the field; the insured is not." Id. (citation omitted.) Because of this, the court would "not hesitate to place the burden of affirmative action upon the insurance company...." Id. The court concluded tiiat it was unreasonable for the insurer to do nothing, and held that where an insurer has notice of litigation that may give rise to coverage under its policy and fails to intervene, it will be bound by the judgment thereafter obtained against the uninsured motorist. Id. at 110-11.
The court noted that its holding "subverted] the requirement of privity normally present with the application of [principles of claim and issue preclusion]. Privity is absent here." Id. at 111. The court reasoned that the public policy favoring intervention and "avoiding multiple litigation carries . . . greater weight" than the policy requiring privity for application of preclusion in the insurance context. Id. The Nevada Supreme Court has not applied Pietrosh in any context other than uninsured motorist litigation.
In Christensen, the Nevada Supreme Court applied the holding and rationale of Pietrosh to bind a non-intervening insurer to a finding of liability in a default judgment entered against an uninsured motorist. 88 Nev. 160, 494 P.2d 552. Cliristensen was injured in a collision with an uninsured motorist. She sued the uninsured motorist, notified her insurer, and the insurer elected not to intervene. After obtaining default judgment against the uninsured motorist, Christensen sued her insurance carrier. The court held that the insurance carrier was bound by the default judgment. The court noted that tire effect of Pietrosh was "to impliedly pronounce the insurer as an indirect party," and then extended that notion to the context of a default judgment. Id. at 553. Like Pietrosh, the Nevada Supreme Court has never applied Christensen outside of the uninsured motorist context.
In Lomastro, Lomastro died while driving Leach's car. 195 P.3d at 342. Leach was uninsured. Lomastro's insurance carrier denied Lomastro's parents' uninsured motorist claim. Lomastro's parents sued Leach claiming negligent entrustment, and notified their insurance carrier of the action. Leach did not answer the complaint. Before seeking entry of default, the Lomastros notified their insurance carrier that they intended to do so. After entering default against Leach, the Lomastros once again notified their insurance carrier of this development. Finally, after receiving notice of a hearing for entry of default judgment, the Lomastros' insurance carrier moved to intervene.
The trial court allowed intervention, but held that the entry of default precluded the insurance carrier from contesting Leach's liability. The Lomastros then amended their complaint to assert causes of action against the insurance carrier, including breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The insurance carrier moved for summary judgment on the basis that uninsured motorist coverage does not apply to single-vehicle accidents. The trial court granted the motion for summary judgment, and cross-appeals followed.
Citing both Pietrosh and Christensen, the Nevada Supreme Court reversed the lower court's grant of summary judgment and held that uninsured motorist coverage does apply to single-vehicle accidents. 195 P.3d at 351. However, the court affirmed the lower court's conclusion that entry of default against Leach was sufficient to bind the insurer. Id. at 344-45. The court noted that "entry of default acts as an admission by the defending party of all material claims made in the complaint." Id. Entry of default, therefore, generally resolves the issues of liability and causation and leaves open only the extent of damages." Id. at 345. The court relied on the holdings in Pietrosh and Christensen diat the lack of privity normally required for application of preclusion would be ignored in the context of uninsured motorist claims. Id. Similarly to Pietrosh and Christensen, Lomastro has never been applied in the general liability insurance context.
Under "Nevada issue preclusion law, this would be insufficient to meet the "actually litigated" element, yet the court bound the insurance company to the liability established by the entry of default. As discussed below, however, the Nevada Supreme Court did not confront the "actually litigated" requirement in the context of a default judgment until two years after it decided Lomastro.
The Pietrosh, Christensen, and Lomastro line of cases is best limited to the context of uninsured motorist claims. The Nevada Supreme Court has never applied them in the general liability context, as Plaintiffs ask this Court to do. The fact diat they have not been expanded to that context is not surprising, given the court's explicit exemption of only the privity element of preclusion. Privity between parties "designates] a person so identified in interest widi a party to former litigation that he represents precisely the same right in respect to the subject matter involved." United States v. Schimmels (In re Schimmels), 127 F.3d 875, 881 (9th Cir. 1997); Stratosphere Litig. L.L.C. v. Grand Casinos, Inc., 298 F.3d 1137, 1143 (9th Cir. 2002) (quoting same). Rather than require an insured to bear the burden of proving privity between the insurer and the uninsured motorist (which likely would be impossible), the Nevada Supreme Court opted for subverting the requirement all together. Pietrosh, 454 P.2d at 111. As Century persuasively argues, "the reason insurance companies were bound by the judgments in the Pietrosh line of cases, was not that the companies did not defend their respective insureds, but that tiiey did not intervene to assert their defenses to the claims of their insureds against the at-fault parties." (ECF#157 at 3.) Because contractual privity does not exist between the insurer and the uninsured tortfeasor, the Nevada Supreme Court eliminated that requirement in this context. 454 P.2d at 111. However, the Nevada Supreme Court has not completely abandoned that requirement for all other applications of preclusion; that fact supports the conclusion that the Pietrosh line of cases should be limited to the uninsured motorist context.
The Ninth Circuit recognizes several relationships "sufficiently close" to justify a finding of privity for purposes of preclusion:
First, a non-party who has succeeded to a party's interest in property is bound by any prior judgment against the party. Second, a non-party who controlled the original suit will be bound by the resultingjudgment. Third, federal courts will bind a non-party whose interests were represented adequately by a party in the original suit. In addition, "privity" has been found where there is a "substantial identity" between the party and nonparty.
Even were the Court to apply the Pietrosh line of cases in the general liability context, Plaintiffs would still be required to prove the remaining elements of issue preclusion: identity of issues, final judgment on the merits, and whether the issue was actually litigated. Five Star Capitol Corp. v. Ruby, 124 Nev. 1048, 1055, 194P.3d 709, 713 (2008). The Nevada Supreme Court never announced a default judgment rule that completely displaces the preclusion inquiry, and this Court is disinclined to do so now. Under the Pietrosh trilogy, only the element of privity need not be proved.
This is further confirmed by the Nevada Supreme Court's decision in In re Sandoval, 232 P.3d 422 (Nev. 2010). In that case, the court held that "[w]hen a default judgment is entered based on failure to answer, issue preclusion is not available because the issues raised in the initial action were never actually litigated." 232 P.3d at 423. This decision came two years after Lomastro. The Nevada Supreme Court could have used Sandoval to extend the Pietrosh line of cases beyond the uninsured motorist context but chose not to. Nothing in Sandoval's holding or rationale suggests it was limited to the facts of that case. The Nevada Supreme Court has never applied the Pietrosh trilogy in the general liability context, and this Court will not expand it so. Accordingly, the Pietrosh trilogy has no bearing on this Action as the analysis under those cases is properly limited to the uninsured motorist context.
(c) The proper measure of damages for breach of the duty to defend
Plaintiffs assert that because Century breached its duty to defend, (1) the defendants in the Underlying Lawsuit had the right to enter into the Settlement Agreement with Plaintiffs, and (2) Century is liable for all the consequential damages proximately caused by that breach, including amounts in excess of the policy limits. (ECF#127 at 11-16.) In its earlier Order denying the cross-motions for summary judgment, the Court found that Vasquez' assignment of rights to Plaintiffs was valid (ECF#123 at 14-16), and Century has not asked for reconsideration of that finding. Thus, the Court need only consider the proper measure of damages when an insurer breaches the duty to defend.
Plaintiffs urge that when an insurer breaches the duty to defend, the appropriate finding is liability against the insurer for the full amount of the resulting judgment, even if it exceeds the policy limits. (ECF#127 at 13.) Plaintiffs rely on several cases from other jurisdictions, none of which stands for the proposition that by itself "the breach of the duty to defend creates liability for the full amount of damages of a resulting judgment. Instead, those cases analyze damages in the context of the insurer's bad faith. Plaintiffs also cite to Allstate Ins. Co. v. Miller, 125 Nev. 300, 313-14, 212 P.3d 318, 327-28 (2009), in which the Nevada Supreme Court analyzed several factors underlying bad faith but never held that mere breach of the duty to defend was a sufficient basis for awarding the full amount of the resulting judgment that exceeds the policy limits. The court recognized that "[i]f an insurer violates its duty of good faith and fair dealing by failing to adequately inform the insured of a reasonable settlement opportunity, the insurer's actions can be a proximate cause of the insured's damages arising from a foreseeable settlement or excess judgment." Id. (emphasis added.)
See e.g., Besel v. Viking Ins. Co. of Wisconsin, 146 Wash. 2d 730, 735, 49 P.3d 887, 890 (2002) ("[I]f an insurer acts in badfaith by refusing to effect a settlement for a small sum, an insured can recover from the insurer the amount of a judgment rendered against the insured, even if the judgment exceeds contractual policy limits.") (emphasis added); Amato v. Mercwy Cas. Co., 53 Cal. App. 4th 825, 831, 61 Cal. Rptr. 2d 909 (1997) ("Breach of an insurer's duty to defend violates a contractual obligation and, where unreasonable, also violates the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for which tort remedies are appropriate.") (emphasis added); Rupp v. Transcon. Ins. Co., 627 F. Supp. 2d 1304, 1320 (D. Utah 2008) ("[T]he heart of the insurer's fiduciary duty, when handling third-party claims against its insured, is to guard the best interests of the insured as zealously as it would its own. If the insurer's decision to reject offers of settlement and go to trial is unreasonable, it is at that time that the breach of duty occurs, which is the crux of the insured's cause of action for bad faith.") (emphasis added) (citations omitted).
It does not appeal' that the Nevada Supreme Court has articulated the measure of damages for an insurer's mere breach of the duty to defend absent bad faith. However, in Reyburn Lawn & Landscape Designers, Inc. v. Plaster Dev. Co., Inc., 255 P.3d 268, 277 (Nev. 2011), the court considered the measure of damages where an indemnitor breached a duty to defend. The court stated tiiat such a clause "is construed under the same rules tiiat govern other contracts." Id. Citing California law, the court held diat "[t]he breach of tiiat duty, 'may give rise to damages in the form of reimbursement of the defense costs the indemnitee was thereby forced to incur' in defending 'against claims encompassed by the indemnity provision.'" Id. (quoting Crawford v. Weather Shield Mfg. Inc., 44 Cal. 4th 541, 557, 187 P.3d 424, 433 (2008).).
Similarly, courts in Colorado have held that the measure of damages for breach of the duty to defend begins with the proposition that the breach is fundamentally a breach of a contractual duty. Bainbridge, Inc. v. Travelers Cas. Co. of Connecticut, 159 P.3d 748, 756 (Colo. Ct. App. 2006). When an insurer breaches the duty to defend, damages are characterized as general damages and consequential damages. Id. General damages include attorney fees and the reasonable costs of defense. Id. (citing Giampapa v. Am. Fam. Mut. Ins. Co., 64 P.3d 230, 237 n.3 (Colo. 2003)). Consequential damages include those damages that arise naturally from the breach and were reasonably foreseeable at the time of contract. Id. (citing Vanderbeekv. Vernon Corp., 50 P.3d 866, 870-72 (Colo.2002)).
No Nevada case supports the Plaintiffs' argument that an insurer who breaches its duty to defend is automatically liable for the full amount of the resulting judgment even if it exceeds the limits of the insurance policy. California—another jurisdiction the Nevada Supreme Court relied on in articulating the duty to defend in United National, 120 Nev. at 687, 99 P.3d at 1158—recognizes that "[w]here there is no opportunity to compromise the claim and the only wrongful act of the insurer is the refusal to defend, the liability of the insurer is ordinarily limited to the amount of the policy plus attorneys' fees and costs." Comunale v. Traders & Gen. Ins, Co., 50 Cal. 2d 654, 659, 328 P.2d 198 (1958). Similarly, Nevada has not recognized extra-contractual damages for breach of the duty to defend in the absence of a finding of bad faith. Given that and the holding in Comimale, the Court concludes that the Nevada Supreme Court would not allow for extra-contractual damages if the insurer did not act in bad faith.
Both Century and Plaintiffs rely extensively on California law when it supports their respective positions. See e.g., Plaintiffs' Motion for Reconsideration, (ECF#127 at 9, 12, 13); Century's Motion for Summary Judgment, (ECF#73 at 18 (urging the Court to consult California insurance law because United National relied more heavily on California law than any other state)).
The Court acknowledges that Plaintiffs had sent Century an offer of settlement. However, as discussed below, under United National, Century permissibly relied on facts extrinsic to the complaint in determining it had no duty to indemnify. Indeed, the complaint had not yet been filed. Because there was no apparent evidence suggesting that Century's Garage Policy would provide coverage, Century reasonably believed it had no duty to defend. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that no real opportunity to compromise existed under that settlement offer.
Notably, Plaintiffs rely in part on Comimale in asserting that they are owed the full amount of the judgment. (ECF#127 at 13.)
In a diversity action, this Court applies the substantive law of the forum state; in this case, Nevada law controls. Mirch v. Frank, 295 F. Supp. 2d 1180, 1183 (D. Nev. 2003) (citing St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Werner, 606 F.2d 864, 867 (9th Cir.1979)). In interpreting state law, federal courts are bound by the pronouncements of the state's highest court. Id. (citing Dyackv. Commonwealth ofN. Mariana Islands, 317 F.3d 1030, 1034 (9th Cir.2003)). In the absence of a controlling state decision, a federal court applying state law must apply the law as it believes the state supreme court would apply it. Id. (citing Gravquick A/S v. Trimble Navigation Intn'l. Ltd., 323 F.3d 1219, 1222 (9th Cir.2003)).
Here, the claims alleged in the underlying complaint gave rise to the possibility of coverage under Century's policy. Century breached its duty to defend under the policy, and thus is liable for damages. As discussed below, there is insufficient evidence in the record to support a finding of bad faith by Century. To the contrary, its investigation revealed that the accident likely was not a covered event. Absent bad faith, the breach of the duty to defend results in typical contractual damages. Because the defendants in the Underlying Lawsuit did not hire counsel and did not file any responsive pleadings, they apparently incurred no costs or attorney fees. Accordingly, Century's liability for breaching its duty to defend is restricted to the damages reasonably foreseeable at the time of the contract, as capped by the $1 million policy limit.
3. Century's Motion for Clarification or Reconsideration (ECF#132).
Century's Motion seeks reconsideration of the following language from this Court's prior Order:
Although this evidence is thin, at this point it is barely sufficient to establish a potential factual dispute whether Century conducted its investigation in good faith. Discovery ultimately may not produce sufficient evidence to sustain Plaintiffs' burden of proof on this point. But at this stage of the case, summary judgment in favor of Century must be denied to the extent Century(ECF#132 at 3 (quoting ECF#123 at 12) (emphasis added).) Century points out that discovery was closed at tire time the Court entered its Order. Thus, there could be no additional discovery to "produce sufficient evidence to sustain Plaintiff's burden of proof" that Century acted in bad faith. Century next asserts that it met its burden of presenting evidence tiiat negated an essential element in Plaintiffs' claim (bad faith), and thus the burden shifted to Plaintiffs to establish a genuine—rather than a potential—issue of material fact.
relies only on Vasquez's statements to "conclusively establish" he was driving in a capacity outside the scope of Century's insurance coverage.
The bad faith inquiry sounds in tort for the breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. U.S. Fid. & Guar. Co. v. Peterson, 91 Nev. 617, 620, 540 P.2d 1070 1071 (1975). Because the touchstone in determining bad faith is reasonableness, bad faith is usually a question of fact for the jury. Allstate Ins. Co. v. Miller, 125 Nev. 300, 310, 212 P.3d 318, 325 (2009). However, when there is no factual basis for concluding that the insurer acted in bad faith, a court may determine the issue of bad faitii as a matter of law. Am. Excess Ins. Co. v. MGM Grand Hotels, Inc., 102 Nev. 601, 605, 729 P.2d 1352,1355 (1986).
Here, Century reasonably relied on the fact that Vasquez repeatedly and "unequivocally confirmed to Century and to the police that he was not driving for the business at the time of the accident." (ECF#22 at 2-3.) Although the Court has found above that Century breached its duty to defend (based on the four corners of the complaint), Vasquez's statements—and the lack of contrary evidence—establish diat Century did not act in bad faith in denying coverage. Plaintiffs have failed to provide evidence to show a genuine dispute of material fact as to the reasonableness of Century's decision. Thus, the Court grants Century's cross-motion for summary judgment on the claims of bad faith and violations of the Unfair Claims Practices Act. Accordingly, Plaintiffs are not entitled to recover any damages in excess of the $1 million policy limit.
This holding is consistent with Nevada's rule on the duty to indemnify. The duty to indemnify arises when an insured "becomes legally obligated to pay damages in the underlying action that gives rise to a claim under the policy." United Nat'l Ins. Co. v. Frontier Ins. Co., Inc., 120 Nev. 678, 686, 99P.3d 1153, 1157(2004). In United National, the court discussed the duty to indemnify in a different part of the opinion from the duty to defend, and it rejected an analysis based on the four corners rule. Id. at 1157-58. "The right to indemnification for litigation expenses should not depend on the pleading choices of a third party, who through an excess of caution or optimism may allege far more than he can prove at trial." Id. at 1158 (citation and quotations omitted). Instead, the court considered evidence extrinsic to the complaint and concluded that the defendants had no duty to indemnify. Id.
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III. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiffs' Motion for Reconsideration (ECF# 127) is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART, and Century's Counter-Motion for Reconsideration (ECF#132) is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.
Century breached its duty to defend the defendants in the Underlying Lawsuit However, Century is not bound by the default judgment entered against the defendants in the Underlying Lawsuit. Plaintiffs may recover the damages incurred as a result of Century's breach of its duty to defend that were reasonably foreseeable at the time of the contract, but those damages are capped by the $1 million limit in the Garage Policy. A trial will be needed to determine the amount of those damages.
Summary judgment is entered in favor of Century on Plaintiffs' claims of bad faith and violation of the Unfair Claims Practices Act.
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ANDREW P. GORDON
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Schimmels, 127 F.3datS81.