Evanston Ins. Co. v. Xytex Tissue Servs., LLC
Evanston Ins. Co. v. Xytex Tissue Servs., LLC
Opinion of the Court
Before the Court are the following motions: (1) Plaintiff and Defendants Xytex Issue Services, LLC, Lindsey Meagher, Mary M. Meagher, and Emma G. Meacher's ("Existing Parties") joint motion to add defendants (Doc. 48); (2) Plaintiff's motion to exclude expert testimony (Doc. 24); and (3) Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment (Doc. 25). The joint motion to add defendants is GRANTED . Plaintiffs' motion to exclude expert testimony is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART . Finally, Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART .
I. BACKGROUND
A. Underlying State Court Action
The facts alleged in the underlying state court tort action, Meagher v. Xytex Tissue Services, LLC, No. 2017RCCV00492, Superior Court of Richmond County, Georgia ("Underlying Lawsuit"), giving rise to the present coverage action are largely undisputed. (See Underlying Lawsuit Compl., Doc. 1-2.) Defendant Xytex Tissue Services, LLC ("Defendant Xytex") stores biological material at low temperatures. (St. of Mat. Facts, Doc.
*127525-2, ¶ 1 (admitted).)
The discharge of the nitrogen into the warehouse set in motion a series of unfortunate events. At the outset, the oxygen level in the warehouse began to drop, triggering the warehouse's oxygen sensor alarm. (Id. ¶ 11 (admitted).) The accumulation of gaseous nitrogen in the warehouse formed a dense fog setting off the warehouse's motion detectors and burglar alarms. (Id. ¶¶ 14, 15 (admitted).) A Defendant Xytex employee first responded to the alarms, then collapsed in the warehouse. (Id. ¶¶ 21-22; Underlying Lawsuit Compl., ¶ 30.) Next, Deputy Greg Meagher entered the warehouse. (St. of Mat. Facts, ¶ 23 (admitted).) He, too, succumbed to the conditions in the warehouse and died as a result. (Id. ¶ 24; Underlying Lawsuit Compl., ¶ 33.)
Following Deputy Meagher's passing, Lindsey Meagher, Mary Margaret Meagher, and Grace Meagher ("Meagher Defendants") filed the Underlying Lawsuit against Defendant Xytex and other defendants. (Underlying Lawsuit Compl.) Plaintiff, disputing its duties to indemnify and defend, is defending Defendant Xytex in the Underlying Lawsuit under a reservation of rights. (Reservation of Rights Letters, Docs. 22-1, 22-3, 22-4, 22-6.)
B. The Declaratory Judgment Action
Believing coverage is excluded under two insurance policies, Plaintiff filed the instant declaratory judgment suit. (See Compl., Doc. 1.) Defendant Xytex is an additional named insured under commercial general liability policy number 3AA116895 ("Primary Policy") and named insured on commercial excess policy number EZXS1005877 ("Excess Policy," and collectively with Primary Policy, "Policies"). (St. of Mat. Facts, ¶¶ 33, 34 (factual assertions admitted).) Plaintiff asks that the Court grant summary judgment, thereby declaring that it has no duty to defend or indemnify Defendant Xytex in connection with the Underlying Lawsuit. (Mot. for Summ. J., Doc. 25, at 1.)
1. Insurance Policies
The General Policy contains the following coverage:
SECTION I - COVERAGES
*1276COVERAGE A - BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY
1. Insuring Agreement
a. We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of "bodily injury" ... to which this insurance applies.2 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 "bodily injury" ... to which this insurance does not apply. We may, at our discretion, investigate any "occurrence" and settle any claim or "suit" that may result. But:
(1) The amount we will pay for damages is limited as described in Section III - Limits Of Insurance; and
(2) Our right and duty to defend ends when we have used up the applicable limit of insurance in the payment of judgments or settlements under Coverages A or B or medical expenses under Coverage C.
No other obligation or liability to pay sums or perform acts or services is covered unless explicitly provided for under Supplementary Payments - Coverages A and B.
(Primary Policy, Doc. 1-3, at 30.)
The Parties
The Punitive or Exemplary Damages Exclusion in the Combination General Endorsement further modifies the Primary Policy: "This insurance does not apply to: ... Fines, penalties, and punitive or exemplary damages, or any expenses or any obligation to share such damages or repay another." (Id. at 59.) The Combination General Endorsement also contains a Hazardous or Toxic Materials exclusion: "This insurance does not apply to: ... 'Bodily injury' ... or any injury, loss, or damage, including consequential injury, loss or damage, arising out of, caused or contributed to by 'hazardous or toxic materials' ..." (Id. at 59-60.) "Hazardous or toxic materials" is defined as "asbestos, lead, silica dust, toxic dust, 'fungi', bacteria, organic pathogens, bio-organic growth or systemic chemical poison." (Id. at 61.)
The Excess Policy insured Defendant Xytex beyond the limits of the Primary Policy. (St. of Mat. Facts, ¶¶ 40-41 (factual assertions admitted).) As with the Primary Policy, the Excess Policy contains a Pollution exclusion: "This policy does not apply to ... [a]ny liability arising out of actual, alleged or threatened discharge, dispersal, *1277seepage, migration, release or escape of 'pollutants' at any time." (Excess Policy, Doc. 1-4, at 37.) "Pollutants," in relevant part, is defined the same in the Excess Policy as the Primary Policy. (Compare id., with Primary Policy, at 44.) The Excess Policy additionally contains a Punitive or Exemplary Damages exclusion. (Excess Policy, at 38.)
2. Reservation of Rights
Plaintiff drafted and sent Defendant Xytex several "Reservation of Rights" letters. The first letter, dated February 13, 2017, explained that Plaintiff was investigating the incident and reserved the right to supplement the letter in the future. (Doc. 22-1.) At the time of the second Reservation of Rights letter, dated June 12, 2017, no lawsuit had been filed, and Plaintiff notified Defendant Xytex that it was continuing to investigate the matter. (Doc. 22-3.) The third Reservation of Rights letter confirmed Defendant Xytex's receipt of notice of the Underlying Lawsuit. (Doc. 22-4.) In relevant part, the third letter "reserve[d] the right to seek reimbursement of any defense costs paid on Xytex's behalf if a court finds that [Plaintiff] has no duty to defend Xytex for all of the claims in the Lawsuit." (Id. at 12.) Plaintiff sent a final letter (Doc. 22-6) in response to a letter from Defendant Xytex's counsel. Plaintiff again expressed it would "continue to defend Xytex for the Lawsuit, but that defense will be subject to the full reservation of rights set out in the" third Reservation of Rights letter. (Id. )
3. Testimony of Dr. Eric J. Zuckerman
Defendant Xytex offers the testimony of Dr. Eric J. Zuckerman as an expert in chemistry. (Resp. to Mot. to Exclude Test., Doc. 31, at 2, 7.) Dr. Zuckerman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Augusta University. (Zuckerman Curriculum Vitae, Doc. 16-1, at 1.) Dr. Zuckerman holds bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in chemistry. (Id. ) Defendant Xytex tenders Dr. Zuckerman's testimony to support its position that liquid nitrogen is not an irritant, contaminant, or systemic chemical poison. (Zuckerman Expert Report, Doc. 16; Resp. to Mot. to Exclude Test., at 7.)
Plaintiff asks the Court to exclude Dr. Zuckerman's testimony entirely or, in the alternative, exclude portions of his testimony interpreting the insurance contract. (Br. Supp. Mot. to Exclude Test., Doc. 24-1, at 11-21.) Plaintiff argues that Dr. Zuckerman's testimony is improper because interpreting the contract is a matter of law for the Court and he is unqualified to testify as an expert regarding matters of insurance. (Id. )
4. Joint Motion to Add Defendants
After completing summary judgment briefing, the Parties filed their joint motion to add Lindsey Meagher, as Executor for the Estate of Greg Meagher
II. JOINT MOTION TO ADD DEFENDANTS
The Parties agree that with the addition of the Joinder Defendants to the Underlying Lawsuit, they are necessary defendants in this action. (Joint Mot. to Add Defs., ¶¶ 1-2, 4-5.) The Court agrees that adding the Joinder Defendants is proper.
III. MOTION TO EXCLUDE EXPERT TESTIMONY
Plaintiff objects to the admission of Dr. Zuckerman's testimony pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and Daubert. Defendant Xytex responds that Dr. Zuckerman meets all necessary requirements as a chemistry expert. The Court initially addresses the standard employed to analyze such disputes.
A. Daubert Standard
Federal Rule of Evidence 702 provides:
A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if:
(a) the expert's scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue;
(b) the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data;
(c) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and
(d) the expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case.
"As the Supreme Court recognized in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharms., Inc., [
The Eleventh Circuit has explained that district courts are to engage in a three-part inquiry to determine the admissibility of expert testimony under Rule 702. Quiet Tech.,
(1) [t]he expert is qualified to testify competently regarding the matters he intends to address; (2) the methodology by which the expert reaches his conclusions is sufficiently reliable as determined by the sort of inquiry mandated in Daubert; and (3) the testimony assists the trier of fact, through the application of scientific, technical, or specialized expertise, to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue.
First, an expert may be qualified to testify due to his knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education. Trilink Saw Chain, LLC v. Blount, Inc.,
Second, the testifying expert's opinions must be reliable. In Daubert, the Supreme Court directed district courts faced with the proffer of expert testimony to conduct a "preliminary assessment of whether the reasoning or methodology underlying the testimony is scientifically valid and of whether that reasoning or methodology properly can be applied to the facts in issue."
Regardless of the specific factors considered, "[p]roposed testimony must be supported by appropriate validation - i.e., 'good grounds,' based on what is known." Daubert,
Third, expert testimony must assist the trier of fact to decide a fact at issue. The Supreme Court has described this test as one of "fit." Daubert,
B. Discussion
Plaintiff asserts that Dr. Zuckerman's testimony will not assist the trier of fact, that Dr. Zuckerman is not qualified to testify as an insurance expert, and that Dr. Zuckerman's methodology is unreliable. The Court addresses each contention.
1. Fit
Plaintiff's primary objection to the admission of Dr. Zuckerman's testimony is that his testimony does not "fit" the issue the trier of fact will decide. The Court understands Plaintiff's "fit" argument to be multifaceted. First, Plaintiff argues that Dr. Zuckerman's testimony does not assist with interpreting the Pollution and Hazardous or Toxic Materials exclusions. Second, Plaintiff contends Dr. Zuckerman offers impermissible legal conclusions. The Court addresses Plaintiff's positions in turn.
The Court agrees with Plaintiff's argument that, as discussed in Section IV(B), infra , determining the plain language of the contract and applying rules of construction when necessary is a matter of law for the Court. But Plaintiff does not address whether Dr. Zuckerman's testimony fits in the event the Court determines the Policies' language is ambiguous and the rules of contract construction do not resolve the ambiguity as a matter of law.
Plaintiff takes the position that if the Court refuses to conclude that the policy unambiguously excludes coverage Plaintiff is obligated to provide a defense under Georgia law. At that point, the issue is resolved, and Dr. Zuckerman's testimony will be useless to a jury. Again, the Court agrees with Plaintiff's interpretation of Georgia law on this point. See BBL-McCarthy, LLC v. Baldwin Paving Co.,
Second, Plaintiff offers authority stating that the expert may not simply reiterate Defendant Xytex's contract interpretation or the legal arguments of its *1281counsel. (Br. Supp. Mot. to Exclude Test., at 12.) Pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 704, "[a]n opinion is not objectionable just because it embraces an ultimate issue." "However, an expert may not 'merely tell the jury what result to reach.' " N. Am. Specialty Ins. Co. v. Wells, No. CV 412-146,
To the extent Defendant Xytex proffers Dr. Zuckerman to inform the jury that liquid nitrogen is outside the general Pollution or Hazardous or Toxic Materials exclusion or comments on Plaintiff's duty to defend or indemnify, his testimony is excluded. (See, e.g., Zuckerman Expert Report, Doc. 16, ¶ 7) ("Liquid nitrogen is not a 'pollutant' as defined in section (ii) below because it is neither an irritant nor a contaminant under the facts of this case."), ¶ 14 ("In addition, liquid nitrogen is not a 'hazardous or toxic material' as defined in section (ii) below.") However, to the extent fact issues remain as to the intent and understanding of ambiguous terms - i.e., irritant, contaminant, or systemic chemical poison - Dr. Zuckerman is permitted to testify regarding the nature of liquid nitrogen, its classification as one of the ambiguous terms in the science community, and any other opinions he is qualified to offer that are not merely a legal conclusion or legal opinion. Ultimately, the contracting parties' intended meaning of ambiguous terms is a question of fact. Dr. Zuckerman's opinions regarding these ambiguous terms are not excluded simply because his opinions may embrace an ultimate issue for the jury. See Cook ex rel. Estate of Tessier,
2. Qualified to Testify
Plaintiff next disputes Dr. Zuckerman's competency to testify under the "qualified" prong of Daubert, and the cases in the Eleventh Circuit interpreting it, claiming that he is unqualified to testify as an insurance expert. First, the Court agrees that Dr. Zuckerman is not qualified to testify as an insurance expert, and Defendant Xytex concedes that it is not offering Dr. Zuckerman for his insurance expertise. (Resp. to Mot. to Exclude, at 7.) Authority does not require an expert to be qualified as to all issues that may arise in a particular case. Before his testimony may be admitted, the expert must be "qualified to testify competently regarding the matters he intends to address. " City of Tuscaloosa v. Harcros Chems., Inc.,
With that said, the Court reaches the following conclusions. Although the Court finds little, if anything, in the record that needs to be excluded as outside the *1282scope of Dr. Zuckerman's expertise,
3. Methodology
Finally, Plaintiff moves to exclude Dr. Zuckerman's testimony because his methodology is unreliable. The record shows that Dr. Zuckerman applied his knowledge in the field of chemistry to certain terms at issue in this case. Dr. Zuckerman has studied the nature of liquid nitrogen over the course of his career. Through that time, he gained a sufficient familiarity and expertise with liquid nitrogen to reliably classify liquid nitrogen under certain scientific terminology.
Plaintiff first takes issue with the fact that Dr. Zuckerman did not conduct on-site testing or recreate an oxygen-deprived environment before arriving at his conclusions. The Court finds this argument unavailing. The Eleventh Circuit has recognized the existence of experience-based methodology. See Frazier,
In the context of this case, field testing was unnecessary. Dr. Zuckerman's scientific opinion is that vaporized liquid nitrogen is never an irritant, contaminant, or poison under the facts presented based upon the meaning of those terms.
Furthermore, although applying "common knowledge" to "fundamental definitions" in the scientific world does not easily lend itself to peer review or an error rate, Dr. Zuckerman consulted additional sources to confirm his understanding of the issue. (Zuckerman Dep., Doc. 23-1, at 8-11, 41.) There is little left for Dr. Zuckerman to do when relying on his own expertise and experience with nitrogen and scientific terminology. For this reason, district courts are given flexibility to determine which, if any, of the Daubert reliability factors apply in a particular case.
*1283Quiet Tech.,
Under these circumstances, Plaintiff's reliance on the reliability factors set forth in Daubert is misplaced. Although Dr. Zuckerman's opinions are scientific, his opinions do not rely on experimental testing or scientific methodology. As stated in Valdes, when the methodology involves "mere identification and comparison" utilizing the expert's years of experience on that particular subject, the factors outlined in Daubert are generally inapplicable.
Here, Dr. Zuckerman's significant experience as a chemistry scholar and professor and his involvement with liquid nitrogen satisfy the Court that his opinions are reliable in the scientific community. Because the Court concludes (1) Dr. Zuckerman is qualified to testify as a chemistry expert; (2) his methodology for his opinions as to the meaning of terms in the scientific community is sufficiently reliable; and (3) his testimony will assist the trier of fact, except as otherwise limited herein, Dr. Zuckerman's testimony is admissible.
IV. MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
A. Summary Judgment Standard
Summary judgment is appropriate only if "there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." FED. R. CIV. P. 56(a). Facts are "material" if they could "affect the outcome of the suit under the governing [substantive] law," Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc.,
The moving party has the initial burden of showing the Court, by reference to materials on file, the basis for the motion. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett,
In this action, the Clerk of Court gave Defendants notice of the motion for summary judgment and informed them of the summary judgment rules, the right to file affidavits or other materials in opposition, and the consequences of default. (Doc. 26.) For that reason, the notice requirements of Griffith v. Wainwright,
B. Discussion
The Parties disagree whether the release of nitrogen implicates exclusions under the Primary and Excess Policies. Accordingly, the questions before the Court are ones of contract interpretation. First, as this is a diversity jurisdiction case, the Court is bound by the applicable state law governing the contract. Giddens v. Equitable Life Assurance Soc'y of the U.S.,
Initially, under Georgia law, the construction of a contract "is a question of law for the court." Am. Empire Surplus Lines Ins. Co. v. Hathaway Dev. Co.,
Consistent with the general rule governing contract interpretation, construction of an insurance contract is a question of law. Elan Pharm. Research Corp. v. Emp'rs Ins. of Wausau,
Under Georgia's contract construction methodology, the first question is whether the terms contained in the Policies' exclusions are unambiguous. "Where the contractual language is explicit and *1285unambiguous, 'the court's job is simply to apply the terms of the contract as written, regardless of whether doing so benefits the carrier or the insured.' " Jones v. Golden Rule Ins. Co.,
1. Pollution Exclusion
Plaintiff argues that the released nitrogen meets the definitions of "pollutant" in the Primary Policy and the Excess Policy. Strictly from the definitions in the Policies, the Court is unable to conclude that "pollutant" unambiguously governs the factual scenario in this case. "Pollutant" is not defined to expressly include nitrogen.
Defendant Xytex contends that Barrett v. Nat'l Union Fire Ins. Co., controls.
In response, Plaintiff contends this Court is bound by decisions of the Georgia Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Plaintiff relies on Smith,
Plaintiff also directs attention to the unpublished Eleventh Circuit decision, Owners Ins. Co. v. Lake Hills Home Owners Ass'n, No. 02-14556,
Plaintiff argues that to the extent there is contention in authority between the Court of Appeals of Georgia, the Supreme Court of Georgia, and the Eleventh Circuit, the Court is required to follow the Georgia Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit. (Pl.'s Reply to Def.'s Resp. to Mot. for Summ. J., Doc. 37, at 3.) Plaintiff's conclusion is correct. See Great Am. All. Ins. Co. v. Anderson,
*1286must follow the decision of the state's highest court.") (internal quotation marks omitted); EmbroidMe.com, Inc. v. Travelers Prop. Cas. Co. of Am.,
In Barrett, the underlying complaint alleged that the accumulation of natural gas created an oxygen-deprived environment causing the brain injury at issue; the complaint did not allege that the actual inhalation of natural gas caused the injury. Conversely, Reed and Smith addressed carbon monoxide poisoning and lead poisoning, respectively, both harmful substances known to cause injury. As such, those cases can be distinguished from Barrett in that the release of lead or carbon monoxide is undoubtedly an irritant or contaminant. Lake Hills is also distinguishable from Barrett.
Furthermore, dictionary definitions of irritant and contaminant do not solve the discrepancy. When an insurance term is undefined, courts may "use the dictionary to determine the plain and generally accepted meaning of the term."
*1287Empire Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Daniels,
The Parties supplied the Court a generous stock of definitions to consider. Upon reviewing several definitions, the Court concludes that Plaintiff's definitions, applied in Lake Hills, do not render nitrogen's status as an "irritant" or "contaminant" unambiguous.
If the plain language of the policy does not result in a finding that the terms are unambiguous, Georgia law requires the reviewing court to apply rules of contract construction. Geiger v. Ga. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co.,
[If contract provisions] are "susceptible to more than one meaning, even if each meaning is logical and reasonable[,]" ... there are three [additional] well-known rules of contract construction that apply: (1) ambiguities are strictly construed against the insurer as the drafter; (2)
*1288exclusions from coverage the insurer seeks to invoke are strictly construed; and (3) the contract is to be read in accordance with the reasonable expectations of the insured when possible.
Auto-Owners Ins. Co. v. Neisler,
The Pollution exclusion in the Primary Policy states: "This insurance does not apply to ... 'Bodily injury' ... which would not have occurred in whole or part but for the actual, alleged or threatened discharge, dispersal, seepage, migration, release or escape of 'pollutants' at any time."
Defendant Xytex argues that because the Underlying Lawsuit fails to allege that inhalation of nitrogen caused the health issue, it is not a "pollutant." Plaintiff, on the other hand, argues that a substance as "innocuous" as storm water run-off meets the pollutant exclusion. (Br. Supp. Mot. for Summ. J., Doc. 25-1, at 12.) Although true, when reading the provision in its entirety, the type of injury sustained is essential to analyzing the exclusion. Where property damage is the injury, as was the case in Lake Hills, water run-off that has "significant detrimental effects on the quality of waters into which they flow" is unambiguously a "contaminant." The same is true for carbon monoxide and lead poisoning caused bodily injury. The adverse health affects of lead poisoning and carbon monoxide poisoning are well known. See Smith,
When read as a whole, the provision is susceptible to multiple meanings. Plaintiff reasons that because nitrogen displaces oxygen in the air, it is an "irritant" to persons attempting to breathe the air and is a "contaminant" to the breathable air; the resulting bodily injury arose from that pollution. Defendant Xytex responds that the Underlying Lawsuit alleges that lack of oxygen caused the injury and there is no contamination or irritation of the body in the way carbon monoxide and lead contaminate and irritate the body or water run-off contaminates a lake.
Finally, the Court cannot ignore the mandate to construe ambiguities against the insurer and that insurance exclusions are to be strictly construed. There is evidence in the record that, considering Defendant Xytex is in the business of storing tissue at low temperatures using liquid nitrogen, Defendant Xytex reasonably expected *1289that liability related to a nitrogen leak would be insured.
2. Hazardous of Toxic Materials Exclusion
The Court finds Plaintiff's argument that the Hazardous or Toxic Materials exclusion unambiguously excludes coverage less convincing than its Pollution exclusion argument. Again, reviewing the plain language, "hazardous or toxic materials" is defined as "[a]sbestos, lead, silica dust, toxic dust, 'fungi', bacteria, organic pathogens, bio-organic growth or systemic chemical poison." Nitrogen is not enumerated. Instead, Plaintiff argues that nitrogen is undoubtedly a "systemic chemical poison." (Br. Supp. Mot. for Summ. J., at 14.) Because systemic chemical poison is not defined, Plaintiff combines definitions of "systemic" and "poison." The Parties appear to agree that "systemic" is intended to mean "affecting the body generally" or something similar. The issue, like under the Pollution exclusion, becomes whether the plain language of the exclusion is read to include nitrogen as a poison.
Here, nitrogen is not certainly a poison, and the Court is faced with equally plausible interpretations of poison. "Poison" carries either its broad meaning as a substance that inhibits the activity of another substance or the course of a chemical reaction or process, (id. at 14) or more narrow meaning as a substance that causes illness or death when absorbed. (Def.'s Resp. to Mot. for Summ. J., at 21.) The plain language of the Policies does not require a finding that Plaintiff's definition prevails.
Plaintiff further argues that based on the underlying allegations - namely, Defendant Xytex's failure to advise or warn of the presence and storage of hazardous gas in the warehouse (Underlying Lawsuit Compl., ¶ 10) - that nitrogen must be hazardous. (Br. Supp. Mot. for Summ. J., at 15.) However, as noted in footnote eight, supra , the Court may not substitute another definition for "hazardous or toxic materials." The term "hazardous or toxic materials" is plainly defined in the Primary Policy. Consequently, for the purposes of this exclusion, the meaning of "systemic chemical poison" is determinative, and the Court concludes "systemic chemical poison" carries plausible meanings that do not necessarily encompass liquid nitrogen.
Turning to the rules of contract construction, the ambiguity is not resolved. Extrinsic evidence on the issue is limited, and the traditional rules of construction do not materially aid in resolving the ambiguity. For this and other reasons discussed in the contract construction analysis for the Pollution exclusion, a fact issue as to the intent of the Parties remains.
3. The Exclusions' Causation Requirements
Defendant Xytex further contests summary judgment because it contends a fact *1290issue exists as to whether the nitrogen release caused the injuries complained of in the Underlying Lawsuit. According to the relevant exclusions, to succeed on summary judgment, Plaintiff is required to show the absence of a genuine issue of material fact that nitrogen is a "pollutant" or "hazardous or toxic material" and that the release of the "pollutant" or "hazardous or toxic material" caused Greg Meagher's death.
a. Primary Policy
In relevant part, the Primary Policy excludes coverage for " 'bodily injury' ... which would not have occurred in whole or part but for the ... release ... of 'pollutants' at any time." The plain language of the Policy, "would not have occurred in whole or part but for," is unambiguous. Barrett concluded that when an exclusion provision contains causation language such as "arising out of," courts apply a "but for" or "cause-in-fact" analysis.
The Court agrees with Plaintiff that, according to the plain language, Plaintiff is not required to show the release of nitrogen was the sole cause. The record demonstrates that whether the release of nitrogen was a partial but for cause of the injuries is in dispute because nitrogen is naturally harmless. Moreover, as Barrett instructs, an evaluation of the Underlying Lawsuit complaint reveals that several actions attributed to Defendant Xytex beyond the release of liquid nitrogen are alleged to have caused the injury. (Underlying Lawsuit Compl., ¶¶ 40-44.) These factual disputes make it improper for the Court to determine which, if any, of the alleged causes constitute a partial but for cause of the bodily injury as a matter of law.
Although the language differs slightly, the Court reaches the same conclusion for the Hazardous or Toxic Materials exclusion: "This insurance does not apply to: ... '[b]odily injury ... arising out of, caused or contributed to by 'hazardous or toxic materials' ...." Because the language of the provision includes the words "contributed to," Plaintiff is not required to show that the release of a "hazardous or toxic material" was the only cause. However, Plaintiff still must satisfy the but for causation requirement. For the reasons set forth above, a jury must resolve the remaining fact issues.
b. Excess Policy
The Pollution exclusion in the Excess Policy requires Plaintiff to make a greater showing than the Primary Policy: "This policy does not apply to: ... [a]ny liability arising out of the ... release of 'pollutants' at any time." The "arising out of" language is unambiguous and precisely tracts the language in Barrett,
4. Punitive Damages Exclusions
Defendant Xytex concedes that the Primary and Excess Policies exclude *1291coverage for punitive damages in the Underlying Lawsuit. (Def.'s Resp. to Mot. for Summ. J., at 7 n.3.) Because Defendant Xytex does not oppose that the language excluding coverage for punitive damages is unambiguous, summary judgment is proper as to Plaintiff's claim that it has no duty to indemnify for punitive damages pursuant to the Policies.
5. Reimbursement of Defense Costs
Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment asks the Court to order the reimbursement of defense costs upon reaching the conclusion that it had no obligation to defend the Underlying Lawsuit. "Whether an insurer has a duty to defend depends on the language of the policy as compared with the allegations of the complaint." HDI-Gerling Am. Ins. Co. v. Morrison Homes, Inc.,
V. CONCLUSION
In sum, the following IS HEREBY ORDERED:
(1) The Parties' joint motion to add defendants (Doc. 48) is GRANTED . The Clerk is DIRECTED to ADD Lindsey Meagher, as Executor for the Estate of Greg Meagher; Xytex Cryo International, LTD.; and Xytex Properties LLC as defendants in this action. All submissions filed on behalf of Lindsey Meagher, individually; Mary Meagher; and Emma Meagher are treated as if they were filed on behalf of Lindsey Meagher, as Executor for the Estate of Greg Meagher. Additionally, all submissions filed on behalf of Xytex Tissue Services, LLC are treated as if they were filed on behalf of Xytex Cryo International, LTD. and Xytex Properties LLC. The defendants added pursuant to this Order are bound by all other rulings contained herein.
(2) Plaintiff's motion to exclude testimony (Doc. 24) is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART . To the extent Dr. Zuckerman offers opinions regarding Plaintiff's duties to defend and indemnify under the contract or general opinions regarding the provisions in the Primary and Excess Policies that constitute legal arguments, that testimony is excluded. Moreover, to the extent Dr. Zuckerman's testimony requires knowledge of the insurance industry, such testimony is also excluded. Dr. Zuckerman is permitted to testify regarding all other matters within his expertise, chemistry.
(3) Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment (Doc. 25) is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART . As a matter of law, Plaintiff has no duty to indemnify for punitive damages under the Policies. The remainder of Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment is denied.
ORDER ENTERED at Augusta, Georgia, this 27th day of March, 2019.
Here, Defendant Xytex specifically admits Plaintiff's Statement of Undisputed Material Fact. (Resp. to St. of Mat. Facts, Doc. 32-1, ¶ 1.) However, in admissions elsewhere, Defendant Xytex responds to Plaintiff's Statement of Undisputed Material Facts with the response: "Xytex admits the complaint in the underlying tort action makes the allegations contained in [the] statement." (See, e.g., id. ¶ 3.) Because "[a]n insurer's duty to defend turns on the language of the insurance contract and the allegations of the complaint asserted against the insured," Ga. Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co. v. Vanhuss,
The provision also contains coverage for "property damage." Property damage is not at issue because the complaint in the Underlying Lawsuit omits allegations of damages attributable to property damage. (See Underlying Lawsuit Compl.)
Unless otherwise stated, "Parties" refers to all parties to this action inclusive of the parties added pursuant to this Order. The additional parties are deemed to have been parties to this lawsuit from its inception. Moreover, all filings to this point are deemed, as stated herein, to also have been filed on behalf of the defendants added pursuant to this Order. (See Section V, infra. )
Lindsey Meagher is already a party to this suit in her individual capacity. (See Compl., at 1.)
Based on the well-established principle that contract construction is a question of law, the Court refrains from consulting the opinions of Dr. Zuckerman in determining whether the terms are ambiguous in Section IV(B), infra.
Dr. Zuckerman testified that he has almost zero experience reading and interpreting insurance policies, and he has never researched how courts interpret insurance policies. (Zuckerman Dep., Doc. 23-1, at 18-19.) Dr. Zuckerman further testified that he is not an insurance expert, he is offering his opinions based on his scientific qualifications, and he is qualified to give his opinion - "[c]hemically speaking" - on the definitions of certain terms at issue. (Id. at 63-64.)
The Court recognizes that Dr. Zuckerman testified that liquid nitrogen could be a thermal irritant based on its inherent temperature. (Zuckerman Dep., at 54-55.) However, thermal irritation is not at issue in this case.
Plaintiff cites definitions for "pollutant" not contained in the Policy. As stated below, under Georgia law, the Court may not substitute outside definitions for the plain language in the Policy. Sorema N. Am. Reinsurance Co. v. Johnson,
The Court recognizes that Lake Hills is not binding precedent. Although the Court will not ignore persuasive authority that is directly on-point, for the reasons contained herein, the difference between an irritant or contaminant in a property injury claim versus a bodily injury claim distinguishes Lake Hills from the present case.
Reed determined that analyzing outside definitions was unnecessary when carbon monoxide was the substance at issue:
We need not consult a plethora of dictionaries and statutes to conclude that [carbon monoxide] is [an irritant or contaminant]. After all, the very basis for [plaintiff's] lawsuit is her claim that the release of carbon monoxide gas inside the rental house "poisoned her" .... Accordingly, ... the plain language of the pollution exclusion clause excludes ... coverage....
Additionally, Plaintiff argues that "poison" is not a requirement of "pollutant." (Pl.'s Reply to Def.'s Second Resp. to Mot. for Summ. J., Doc. 45, at 3-4.) The Court is not determining, nor is it tasked with determining, whether "poison" or "poisoning," or the absence thereof, places a substance within or outside the definition of "pollutant." Reed found that carbon monoxide, which poisoned the plaintiff in the underlying litigation, unambiguously qualified as an irritant or contaminant, and therefore, a pollutant.
Defendant Xytex provided several more restrictive definitions in support of its position as well. (Def.'s Resp. to Mot. for Summ. J., Doc. 32, at 15-16.) However, because the Court concludes that the broader definitions supplied by Lake Hills do not render the plain language unambiguous, the Court need not supply analysis on other definitions.
Plaintiff directs the Court to the history of pollution exclusions in general liability contracts. The Court recognizes that Georgia law does not limit "pollutant" to traditional industrial and environmental pollutants. Smith,
The Court notes that the Excess Policy contains the words "[a]ny liability" in the place of "bodily injury." However, because the "bodily injury" remains the injury allegedly triggering coverage, the Court analyzes the Pollution exclusions in the Primary and Excess Policies together.
Defendant Xytex argues that the Pollution exclusion violates Georgia public policy. (Def.'s Resp. to Mot. for Summ. J., at 19.) Relying on Barrett, Defendant Xytex claims that liquid nitrogen qualifies as a "main product" of its business and excluding coverage for the release of nitrogen gas defies Defendant Xytex's reasonably held expectations for coverage. (Id. ) The Court finds there is insufficient evidence in the record to determine whether liquid nitrogen is one of Defendant Xytex's main products as a matter of law.
The Court finds no material difference between the language "arising out of" and "would not have occurred but for." For that reason, Georgia's application of the "but for" test for causation in insurance policy exclusions applies here.
The conclusions herein render the reimbursement issue moot. Thus, the Court refrains from addressing whether Georgia recognizes the "right of reimbursement."
Reference
- Full Case Name
- EVANSTON INSURANCE COMPANY v. XYTEX TISSUE SERVICES, LLC Xytex Cryo International, Ltd. Xytex Properties LLC Lindsey Meagher, Individually, and as for the Estate of Greg Meagher Mary M. Meagher and Emma G. Meagher
- Cited By
- 6 cases
- Status
- Published