in Re Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
FIRST COURT OF APPEALS
HOUSTON, TEXAS
1/2/2015 4:28:10 PM
CHRISTOPHER PRINE
CLERK
01-15-00003-CV
NO. ___________________
FILED IN
1st COURT OF APPEALS
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS HOUSTON, TEXAS
FOR THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS
1/2/2015 4:28:10 PM
AT HOUSTON CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE
Clerk
IN RE ALLSTATE FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
Original Proceeding from 434th Judicial District
Of Fort Bend County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. 14-DCV-215228
RELATOR ALLSTATE FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY’S
PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS
Ronald J. Restrepo
Texas State Bar No. 16791300
rrestrepo@drhrlaw.com
Sarah J. Allen
Texas State Bar No. 24064810
sallen@drhrlaw.com
Alexandra Ledyard
Texas State Bar No. 24087903
aledyard@drhrlaw.com
440 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300
Houston, Texas 77002
DOYLE, RESTREPO, HARVIN & ROBBINS, L.L.P.
(713) 228-5100 (telephone)
(713) 228-6138 (facsimile)
Attorneys for Relator Allstate
Fire and Casualty Insurance
Company
ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
Pursuant to Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 52.3(a), the following is a
complete list of all parties, and the names and addresses of all trial and appellate
counsel:
Relator:
Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
Trial Counsel for Relator:
John M. Causey
State Bar No.0419100
Hope & Causey
100 I-45 North, Ste. 600
Conroe, Texas 77301
(936) 441-4673 (telephone)
(936) 441-4674 (telecopier)
Appellate Counsel for Relator:
Ronald J. Restrepo
Sarah J. Allen
Alexandra Ledyard
DOYLE, RESTREPO, HARVIN & ROBBINS, L.L.P.
440 Louisiana, Suite 2300
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 228-5100 (telephone)
(713) 228-6138 (facsimile)
i
Respondents: *
The Honorable Judge James H. Shoemake
Judge of the 434th Judicial District of Fort Bend County, Texas
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas 77469
(281) 633-7653 (telephone)
The Honorable Judge John Hawkins
Associate Judge of the 434th Judicial District of Fort Bend County, Texas
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas 77469
(281) 341-4457 (telephone)
Real Parties in Interest:
Charlene T. Howard and William D. Howard
Trial Counsel for Real Party in Interest:
Mario Martinez
Law Offices of Mario A. Martinez
23123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., # 208
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 665-7924 (telephone)
(281) 665-7929 (telecopier)
*
Relator includes both Judge James H. Shoemake and Judge John Hawkins as Respondents
because both signed the Order at issue in this mandamus proceeding. (See MR 44–45.)
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL ...........................................................................i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................ iii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES...............................................................................................v
STATEMENT OF THE CASE ........................................................................................ vii
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION ................................................................................. viii
ISSUE PRESENTED.......................................................................................................ix
STATEMENT OF FACTS.................................................................................................1
ARGUMENT .................................................................................................................2
I. Standard of Review ............................................................................... 2
II. Mandamus relief is warranted in this case. ........................................... 2
A. The trial court abused its discretion when it refused to
abate discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual and bad
faith claims because these claims do not accrue, and
would therefore be moot, unless and until Plaintiffs
first succeed on their breach of contract claim. .......................... 3
1. Because Plaintiffs have not obtained a judgment
establishing the liability and underinsured status
of Mr. Carr, the other driver, Allstate has no
contractual duty to pay UIM benefits. .............................. 3
2. Allowing discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-
contractual claims before a determination on
Plaintiffs’ breach-of-contract claims is an abuse
of discretion. ..................................................................... 5
B. Allstate has no clear and adequate remedy by appeal
because it will lose substantial rights by being required
to conduct discovery on claims that may be rendered
moot...........................................................................................10
iii
PRAYER .....................................................................................................................11
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE.................................................................................13
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ..........................................................................................14
APPENDIX
October 23, 2014 Order Allowing Discovery on Plaintiffs’
Extra-Contractual Claims ........................................................................Tab A
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250 (Tex. App.—San Antonio
2010, orig. proceeding). .............................................................. Tab B
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2014, no pet.). ......................... Tab C
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., No. 01-14-00068-CV,
2014 WL 5285850 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.]
Oct. 16, 2014, no pet. h.) . ..........................................................Tab D
iv
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases Page(s)
Brainard v. Trinity Universal Ins. Co.,
216 S.W.3d 809 (Tex. 2006). ......................................................................3–4
Gilbert Tex. Constr., L.P. v. Underwriters at Lloyd’s London,
327 S.W.3d 118 (Tex. 2010). .......................................................................... 4
Henson v. State Farm Bureau Cas. Ins. Co.,
17 S.W.3d 652 (Tex. 2000). ............................................................................ 3
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co.,
No. 01-14-00068-cv, 2014 WL 5285850
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 16, 2014, no pet. h.) . ............ 4, 9–10, 11
In re Am. Nat’l County Mut. Ins. Co.,
384 S.W.3d 429 (Tex. App.—Austin 2012, orig. proceeding). ....................11
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co.,
439 S.W.3d 422 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2014, no pet.) ..... 4–7, 9–11
In re Prudential Ins. Co. of Am.,
148 S.W.3d 124 (Tex. 2004) (orig. proceeding). ..................................2–3, 11
In re United Fire Lloyds,
327 S.W.3d 250 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2010,
orig. proceeding). ................................................................... viii, 2, 7–8, 9, 11
Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co. v. Boyd,
177 S.W.3d 919 (Tex. 2005). .......................................................................... 5
U.S. Fire Ins. Co. v. Millard,
847 S.W.2d 668 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1993, no writ). ................. 3
Weir v. Twin City Fire Ins. Co.,
622 F. Supp. 2d 483 (S.D. Tex. 2009).........................................................5–6
v
Womack v. Berry,
291 S.W.2d 677 (Tex. 1956). .......................................................................... 7
Statutes Page(s)
TEX. GOV’T CODE § 22.221.................................................................................... viii
Rules Page(s)
TEX. R. APP. P. 52. ................................................................................................. viii
vi
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Nature of the This original proceeding arises from a lawsuit filed by
underlying case: Real Parties in Interest Charlene T. Howard and
William D. Howard (“Plaintiffs”) against Relator
Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
(“Allstate”), among others. (MR 1–14). Plaintiffs seek
the recovery of underinsured motorist benefits under an
automobile policy issued by Allstate to Plaintiffs, as
well as damages for Allstate’s asserted bad faith and
statutory violations related to the handling of Plaintiffs’
claims. (MR 3–6).
Respondents: The Honorable John Hawkins, Associate Judge of the
434th Judicial District of Fort Bend County, Texas, and
The Honorable James Shoemake, Judge of the 434th
Judicial District of Fort Bend County, Texas
Respondents’ actions Plaintiffs filed suit in the underlying case alleging that
from which relief Allstate breached the underinsured motorist provisions
sought: of its policy to Plaintiffs when Allstate denied full
payment of their claim and, in doing so, committed bad
faith and violated various statutory provisions. (MR 7–
10). Allstate moved to sever and abate the bad faith and
extra-contractual claims until the preliminary issue of
coverage is resolved. (MR 22–31). The trial court
granted Allstate’s motion except that it allowed
discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual claims to
continue. (MR 44–46).
Order at issue: The trial court’s October 23, 2014 order allowing
discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual and bad faith
claims (MR 44–46; see also App. at Tab A).
vii
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
This Court possesses jurisdiction to grant mandamus relief from the trial
court’s order allowing discovery on Plaintiffs’ bad faith and extra-contractual claims
before the preliminary issue of coverage is resolved because it constitutes a clear
abuse of discretion that impacts Allstate’s right to avoid the cost and expense of
preparing to defend claims that may be rendered moot for which no adequate remedy
exists by ordinary appeal. See TEX. GOV’T CODE § 22.221; TEX. R. APP. P. 52; In re
Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422, 427 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st
Dist.] 2014, no pet.) (holding that insurer had no adequate remedy by appeal where
trial court’s order allowing discovery on extra-contractual claims in an uninsured
motorist lawsuit would cause insurer to “lose substantial rights by being required to
prepare for claims that may be rendered moot and never even accrue”); In re United
Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250, 256 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2010, orig. proceeding)
(holding that insurer did not have adequate remedy by appeal where it would “lose
substantial rights by being required to prepare for claims that may be rendered moot
and may have not even yet accrued”).
viii
ISSUES PRESENTED
1. Whether the trial court’s refusal to abate discovery on Plaintiffs’ bad
faith and extra-contractual claims until the preliminary issue of coverage is resolved
is an abuse of discretion that warrants mandamus relief because Plaintiffs’ extra-
contractual and bad faith claims do not accrue, and would therefore be moot, unless
and until Plaintiffs first succeed on their breach of contract claim.
2. Whether Allstate has an adequate remedy by ordinary appeal where
Allstate will lose substantial rights by being required to conduct discovery on claims
that may be rendered moot.
ix
STATEMENT OF FACTS
On or about August 11, 2011, Real Parties in Interest Charlene T. Howard and
William D. Howard (“Plaintiffs”) were involved in an automobile accident with
another vehicle driven by James Alexander Carr. 1 As a result of that accident,
Plaintiffs submitted claims to Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
(“Allstate”) for underinsured motorist (“UIM”) coverage. 2 After evaluating the
claims, Allstate made an offer to settle the Plaintiffs’ claims, 3 however, the Plaintiffs
did not accept. 4
On or about June 5, 2014, Plaintiffs filed suit in the underlying case seeking
a declaration of coverage and the recovery of UIM benefits under an automobile
policy issued by Allstate to Plaintiffs (the “Policy”), as well as damages for
Allstate’s asserted bad faith and statutory violations related to the offering of those
benefits. 5 On August 11, 1014, Allstate filed a motion to sever and abate the
Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual and bad faith claims pending trial on the contractual
claim (the “Motion”).6 Plaintiffs responded to the Motion on October 5, 2014, 7 and
1
MR 3, ¶ 11.
2
Id. at ¶ 14.
3
See MR 22–23, Ex. 1.
4
See id., Ex. 2–3; see also MR 5.
5
MR 1–14.
6
MR 22–31.
7
MR 35–39.
1
the trial court signed an order on October 23, 2014 conditionally granting the Motion
save and except discovery. 8
ARGUMENT
I. Standard of Review
Mandamus will issue to correct a clear abuse of discretion for which the
relator has no adequate remedy at law. In re Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 148 S.W.3d
124, 135–36 (Tex. 2004, orig. proceeding). A trial court has no discretion in
determining what the law is or in applying the law to the facts, and a clear failure by
the trial court to analyze or apply the law correctly constitutes an abuse of discretion.
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250, 253 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2010, orig.
proceeding). Mandamus relief is justified when parties stand to lose substantial
rights. Id. Mandamus relief is also appropriate to “spare private parties and the
public the time and money utterly wasted enduring eventual reversal of improperly
conducted proceedings.” In re Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 148 S.W.3d at 136.
II. Mandamus relief is warranted in this case.
Mandamus relief is warranted in this case because the record establishes that
(A) the trial court abused its discretion when it refused to abate discovery on
Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual and bad faith claims until the preliminary issue of
8
MR 44–46.
2
coverage is resolved, and (B) Allstate has no clear and adequate remedy at law. See
id. at 135–36.
A. The trial court abused its discretion when it refused to abate
discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual and bad faith claims
because these claims do not accrue, and would therefore be moot,
unless and until Plaintiffs first succeed on their breach of contract
claim.
1. Because Plaintiffs have not obtained a judgment establishing
the liability and underinsured status of Mr. Carr, the other
driver, Allstate has no contractual duty to pay UIM benefits.
Underinsured motorist claims and bad faith claims are by their very nature
independent, and Texas courts have recognized them as “separate and distinct causes
of action which might each constitute a complete lawsuit within itself.” See U.S.
Fire Ins. Co. v. Millard, 847 S.W.2d 668, 672 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1993,
orig. proceeding). In the context of underinsured motorist claims, “the [UIM]
insurer is under no contractual duty to pay benefits until the insured obtains a
judgment establishing the liability and underinsured status of the other motorist.”
Brainard v. Trinity Universal Ins. Co., 216 S.W.3d 809, 818 (Tex. 2006) (citing
Henson v. State Farm Bureau Cas. Ins. Co., 17 S.W.3d 652, 653–54 (Tex. 2000)).
In Brainard, the Texas Supreme Court explained the unique nature of a UIM case as
follows:
The UIM contract is unique because, according to its
terms, benefits are conditioned upon the insured’s legal
entitlement to receive damages from a third party. Unlike
many first-party insurance contracts, in which the policy
3
alone dictates coverage, UIM insurance utilizes tort law to
determine coverage. Consequently, the insurer’s
contractual obligation to pay benefits does not arise until
liability and damages are determined.
Brainard, 216 S.W.3d at 818. As a result, Plaintiffs must succeed on their breach of
contract claim before any extra-contractual claims could even accrue.
To succeed on their breach of contract claim, Plaintiffs must first establish
that UIM coverage for their injuries existed at the time of the accident. See Gilbert
Tex. Constr., L.P. v. Underwriters at Lloyd’s London, 327 S.W.3d 118, 124 (Tex.
2010) (“Initially, the insured has the burden of establishing coverage under the terms
of the policy.”); In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., No. 01-14-00068-CV, 2014 WL
5285850, at *4 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] Oct. 16, 2014, no pet. h.) (providing
that in order “[t]o prevail on these [extra-contractual] claims, the [plaintiffs] must
first establish that Allstate is liable under the insurance contract”).
If they meet this initial burden, Plaintiffs must then establish that the other
driver, Mr. Carr, negligently caused the accident and was underinsured. In re
Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422, 427 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st
Dist.] 2014, no pet.). “Neither requesting UIM benefits nor filing suit against the
insurer triggers a contractual duty to pay.” Id. Accordingly, unless and until
Plaintiffs obtain a judgment not only establishing that the Policy provided UIM
coverage, but also establishing the liability and underinsured status of Mr. Carr,
Allstate has no contractual obligation to pay UIM benefits to Plaintiffs.
4
2. Allowing discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual claims
before a determination on Plaintiffs’ breach of contract
claims is an abuse of discretion.
Absent proof of a valid contract claim, Allstate should not be required to
provide discovery related to Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual and bad faith claims
because it is irrelevant, overly broad, and prejudicial. See In Progressive, 439
S.W.3d at 427 (finding severance and abatement of extra-contractual claims was
necessary to avoid prejudice because document requests relating to extra-contractual
claim were irrelevant to breach of contract claim and far broader than car accident
claim that must first be resolved). As already stated, in order to prevail on their
extra-contractual and bad faith claims, Plaintiffs must first demonstrate that Allstate
was contractually obligated to pay their UIM claim. See Progressive County Mut.
Ins. Co. v. Boyd, 177 S.W.3d 919, 922 (Tex. 2005) (recognizing bad faith claims are
generally negated by a lack of coverage under the insurance policy). Thus, unless
Plaintiffs can establish that Allstate breached the Policy by denying full payment of
Plaintiffs’ UIM claims, Allstate cannot be liable on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual and
bad faith claims based on that denial, and all the time, effort, money, and judicial
resources spent conducting discovery on those claims will have been for naught. See
Weir v. Twin City Fire Ins. Co., 622 F. Supp. 2d 483, 486 (S.D. Tex. 2009) (Harmon,
J.) (“If there is no contractual duty to pay, [the insurer] cannot be in ‘bad faith,’ under
common law or statute, for not paying. [The insurer] cannot be guilty of not
5
performing a proper investigation of his UIM claim because it is the trial of the UIM
claim, at which it will be determined who was at fault and the amount of damages,
that constitutes the investigation.”). It is for this reason that several courts of appeals,
including recent opinions from this Court, require the severance and abatement of
extra-contractual claims, including discovery on such claims, in UIM coverage cases
like this one.
In a recent opinion, this Court specifically addressed the prejudice involved
in allowing discovery on extra-contractual claims to continue prior to a
determination on an uninsured motorist breach of contract claim. See In re
Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.]
2014, no pet.); see also App. at Tab C. In Progressive, an insured filed suit for
uninsured motorist benefits under her insurance policy, as well as damages for bad
faith and statutory violations related to the denial of those benefits. Id. at 422. The
insured served the carrier with a number of discovery requests, including all
documents related to lawsuits and claims against the carrier regarding the denial of
uninsured/underinsured motorist claims for over ten years. Id. at 427.
In response to the insurer’s motion to sever the breach of contract claim from
the extra-contractual claims, the trial court judge signed an order abating the motion
to sever, allowing discovery to move forward on all claims, and deferring the other
issues covered by the motion until the pretrial hearing. Id. at 424. In concluding
6
that severance and abatement of the extra-contractual claims was required in order
to avoid prejudice on behalf of the insurer, this Court held that the aforementioned
discovery requests sought documents “irrelevant to the breach-of-contract claim, and
the introduction of Progressive’s claims handling history in unrelated accidents at
the trial of [Plaintiff’s] breach-of-contract claim would be manifestly unjust.” Id. at
427. (citing Womack v. Berry, 291 S.W.2d 677, 682–83 (Tex. 1956)). The Court
went on:
The trial court’s abatement of any decision on severance
until the eve of trial requires the parties to engage in
discovery on the extra-contractual claims and prepare
for a trial on these claims, even though extra-contractual
liability could only accrue if Progressive is found liable
on the contract. Accordingly, the trial court’s decision to
postpone severance, unless writ is granted, will require
Progressive to expend resources answering discovery that
is far broader than the car accident claim that must be
resolved.
Id. at 427 (emphases added). Similarly, the trial court’s order—made the subject of
this mandamus—allowing discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual claims to go
forward subjects Allstate to irrelevant, overly broad, and prejudicial discovery.
Other recent opinions confirm that the trial court’s refusal to abate discovery
on Plaintiffs’ extra-contractual claims is an abuse of discretion. In In re United Fire
Lloyds, the insured filed suit for UIM benefits under his employer’s insurance policy
as well as damages for bad faith and statutory violations related to the denial of those
benefits. 327 S.W.3d 250, 252 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2010, orig. proceeding);
7
see also App. at Tab B. After the insurer moved to sever and abate the extra-
contractual and bad faith claims, the insured filed a motion to bifurcate these claims
as an alternative to severance and abatement, arguing, like Plaintiffs argue here,9 that
“a severance would be judicially wasteful” and “prejudice him.” Id. at 253. In
reviewing the trial court’s decision to bifurcate, the San Antonio Court of Appeals
discussed the unique nature of a UIM claim in that a UIM insurer “has no contractual
duty to pay benefits until the insured obtains a judgment establishing the liability
and underinsured status of the other motorist.” Id. at 255. “As a result,” the court
continued, “a determination of [the insured’s] UIM claim may negate his bad faith
claims.” Id. at 256. Thus, the court held, the trial court had abused its discretion
when it refused to sever and abate the insured’s extra-contractual and bad faith
claims because an insurer should not be required to prepare to litigate claims that
could be rendered moot by a determination on the UIM claim:
[W]e are constrained by the clear holding in Brainard, and
hold that [the insurer] is under no contractual duty to pay
UIM benefits until [the insured] establishes the liability
and underinsured status of the other motorist. Therefore,
[the insurer] should not be required to put forth the
effort and expense of conducting discovery, preparing
for trial, and conducting voir dire on bad faith claims that
could be rendered moot by the portion of the trial relating
to UIM benefits. To require such would not do justice,
avoid prejudice, and further convenience. Under these
circumstances, we conclude the trial court abused its
9
See MR 38.
8
discretion in bifurcating the case instead of severing and
abating the UIM claim from the bad faith claims.
Id. (internal citations omitted) (emphases added).
Similarly, this Court reached the same result in In re Allstate County Mutual
Ins. Co., No. 01-14-00068-CV, 2014 WL 5285850 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.]
Oct. 16, 2014, no pet. h.); see also App. at Tab D. In that case, the insureds filed
suit for UIM benefits under their insurance policy, as well as damages for bad faith
and statutory violations related to the denial of those benefits. Id. at *2. The insurer
moved to sever and abate the extra-contractual and bad faith claims from the
underlying coverage claim. In reviewing the trial court’s denial of the insurer’s
motion, the Court held that the severance of the settlement claims was mandatory.
Id. at *3. In doing so, the Court explained that the plaintiffs’ settlement claims
would be negated by a determination that they lacked
coverage under the insurance contract, requiring Allstate
to prepare for and litigate the . . . claims, which may have
not yet accrued and may be rendered moot by the breach
of contract claim, would not do justice, avoid prejudice, or
further convenience.
Id. at *5 (citing In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 426–28). The
Court went on to provide that “allowing the [insureds] to conduct broad discovery
into Allstate’s claims handling history regarding unrelated accidents and then
allowing the introduction of such information at the trial of the [their] breach of
9
contract claim would be manifestly unjust.” Id. at *5 (citing In re Progressive
County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 426–27) (emphasis added).
As in Progressive, Allstate, and United Fire, the trial court’s order denying
abatement of discovery on extra-contractual claims is an abuse of discretion because
it does “not do justice, avoid prejudice, or further convenience.” See In re Allstate
County Mut. Ins. Co., 2014 WL 5285850, at *5. Here, Allstate made an offer of
settlement on Plaintiffs’ claims for UIM benefits, which was not accepted.10 Thus,
consistent with Brainard and its progeny, unless and until Plaintiffs obtain a
judgment establishing UIM coverage, as well as the liability and underinsured status
of Mr. Carr, Allstate has no contractual obligation to pay UIM benefits. Without an
existing obligation to pay, Allstate should not be required to put forth the effort and
expense of conducting discovery on Plaintiffs’ bad faith and extra-contractual claims
because these claims have not yet accrued and could be rendered moot by the failure
of Plaintiffs’ breach of contract claim. Allowing Plaintiffs to conduct discovery on
their bad faith and extra-contractual claims will require Allstate “to expend resources
answering discovery that is far broader than the car accident claim that must be
resolved.” See In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 427. Thus,
the trial court’s refusal to abate discovery on these claims was an abuse of discretion
10
See MR 22–23, Ex. 1–3; see also MR 5.
10
warranting mandamus relief. See In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., 2014 WL
5285850, at *5; In re Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 148 S.W.3d at 135–36.
B. Allstate has no clear and adequate remedy by appeal because it will
lose substantial rights by being required to conduct discovery on
claims that may be rendered moot.
Allstate has a substantial right not to be required to put forth the expense of
conducting discovery on bad faith and extra-contractual claims that do not accrue,
and would therefore be moot, unless and until Plaintiffs first succeed on their breach
of contract claim. See, e.g., In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at
428 (citing In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 256). If discovery on Plaintiffs’
extra-contractual claims is permitted to advance, Allstate will be required to conduct
discovery “on claims that may have not yet accrued and that could be rendered moot
by . . . the trial relating to breach of contract for underinsured motorist benefits.” See
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., 2014 WL 5285850, at *6 (citing In re
Progressive, 439 S.W.3d at 427–28); see also In re Am. Nat’l County Mut. Ins. Co.,
384 S.W.3d 429, 439 (Tex. App.—Austin 2012, orig. proceeding) (holding that
insurer did not have adequate remedy by appeal where it would “lose substantial
rights . . . by being required to prepare and try claims that may be rendered moot”).
Accordingly, the Court should conclude that Allstate has no adequate remedy by
appeal, and mandamus relief is warranted. Id. (citing In re Progressive County Mut.
Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 427–28).
11
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Relator Allstate Fire and
Casualty Insurance Company respectfully prays that this Court direct the trial court
to amend its October 23, 2014 order to abate discovery on Plaintiffs’ extra-
contractual and bad faith claims until there has been a full and final resolution of
Plaintiffs’ breach of contract claims. Allstate also prays and for such other and
further relief to which Allstate may be entitled.
Respectfully submitted,
DOYLE, RESTREPO, HARVIN & ROBBINS, L.L.P.
By: ________________________________
Ronald J. Restrepo
Texas State Bar No. 16791300
rrestrepo@drhrlaw.com
Sarah J. Allen
Texas State Bar No. 24064810
sallen@drhrlaw.com
Alexandra Ledyard
Texas State Bar No. 24087903
aledyard@drhrlaw.com
440 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 228-5100 (telephone)
(713) 228-6138 (facsimile)
Attorneys for Relator Allstate
Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
12
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that I have reviewed Relator Allstate Fire and Casualty
Insurance Company’s Petition for Writ of Mandamus and conclude that every
factual statement in this petition is supported by competent evidence included in the
appendix or record.
____________________________________
Sarah J. Allen
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
Relying on the word count function in the word processing software used to
produce this document, I hereby certify that this petition (excluding the caption,
identity of parties and counsel, table of contents, index of authorities, statement of
the case, statement of jurisdiction, statement of issues presented, signature,
certificate of service, certification, certification of compliance, and appendix)
contains 2,815 words. See TEX. R. APP. P. 9.4(i).
____________________________________
Sarah J. Allen
13
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
As required by Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 6.3 and 9.5(b), (d), (e),
I certify that I have served this document and the corresponding mandamus record
by electronic service or certified mail, return receipt requested, on all parties as listed
below on January 2, 2015 as follows:
The Honorable Judge James H. Shoemake
434th Judicial District of Fort Bend County, Texas
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas 77469
The Honorable Judge John Hawkins
434th Judicial District of Fort Bend County, Texas
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas 77469
Mario Martinez
Law Offices of Mario A. Martinez
23123 Cinco Ranch Blvd., # 208
Katy, Texas 77494
Attorney for the Real Parties in Interest
Charlene Howard and William Howard
John M. Causey
Hope & Causey
100 I-45 North, Ste. 600
Conroe, Texas 77301
Trial Counsel for Relator
Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company
____________________________________
Sarah J. Allen
14
TAB A
·' 1'-DCV-215228
OTDN
; Olher Dlspotitlon/Non-Fiml
. 32699'8
FILED
AUG 1 l .2Q1~ ri
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CHARLENE T. HOW ARD AND § IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF
WILLIAM D. HOWARD §
§
VS. § FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS
§
ALLSTATE FIRE & CASUALTY §
INSURANCE COMPANY AND LISA § 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
GRAVES
ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS'
MOTION TO SEVER AND ABATE
On this day came on for consideration Defendants' Motion to Sever and Abate. The Court,
having considered the motion, the prevailing case law, and the response thereto, is of the opinion that
said motion is meritorious. The Court, therefore
ORDERS that all of the Plaintiff.~ · claims for extra-contractual violations, including those of
the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices /\ct, violations of the fnsurance Code, violntions of Chapter 37
& 38 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, gross neglect and breach of the duty of good
faith and fair dealing, arc hereby severed from the above captioned lawsuit and shall be re-designated
as CAUSE NO. f'f:pc\J 2J£'.)m~i1 ii¥ Q1 S??B,· IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF FORT ·
BEND COUNTY, TEX A S 434TJ/ JUDICIAL DfTRJCT;
AC~o
is further ORDERED that !he"'following documents shall be placed in CAUSE NO.
[l
,t.\ ~r;r:::v- ~s2-z. 327 S.W.3d 250 (2010)
Nature and Extent of Discretionary Power
327 S.W.3d 250 Mandamus
Court of Appeals of Texas, Matters of discretion
San Antonio. A trial court has no discretion in determining
what the law is or applying the law to the facts,
In re UNITED FIRE LLOYDS. and a clear failure by the trial court to analyze or
apply the law correctly will constitute an abuse
No. 04–10–00094–CV. | July 14, 2010.
of discretion for mandamus purposes.
Synopsis
Cases that cite this headnote
Background: Employee who had been involved in
motor vehicle accident with other motorist filed suit
against employer's automobile insurer, asserting claim for [3] Mandamus
underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits, as well as bad faith Matters of discretion
claims. Insurer filed motion to sever and abate UIM claim To satisfy the clear abuse of discretion standard
from bad faith claims. Employee filed motion for a bifurcated for issuance of a writ of mandamus, the relator
trial. The 49th Judicial District Court, Webb County, Jose must show that the trial court could reasonably
A. Lopez, J., denied insurer's motion and granted employee's have reached only one decision.
motion. Insurer filed petition for writ of mandamus.
Cases that cite this headnote
Holdings: The Court of Appeals, Rebecca Simmons, J., held [4] Mandamus
that: Remedy at Law
Appellate court will not issue a writ of
[1] trial court was required to sever and abate UIM claim from mandamus if there is a clear and adequate
bad faith claims, and remedy at law.
[2] insurer had no adequate remedy by appeal with respect to Cases that cite this headnote
trial court's abuse of discretion in denying its motion to sever
and abate. [5] Mandamus
Nature and existence of rights to be
protected or enforced
Writ conditionally granted.
Since mandamus is intended as an extraordinary
remedy, such interference is justified only when
parties stand to lose their substantial rights.
West Headnotes (14)
Cases that cite this headnote
[1] Mandamus
Remedy at Law [6] Action
Severance of actions
Mandamus
Nature of acts to be commanded Action
Nature and subject matter of actions in
Mandamus will issue only to correct a clear
general
abuse of discretion for which the relator has no
adequate remedy at law. Trial court was required to sever and abate
claim for underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits
1 Cases that cite this headnote brought by employee involved in motor vehicle
accident with other motorist against employer's
automobile insurer from employee's bad faith
[2] Appeal and Error
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250 (2010)
claims against insurer, as insurer was under
no contractual duty to pay UIM benefits [10] Insurance
until employee established the liability and Prerequisites for Claim of Breach or Bad
underinsured status of the other motorist, and, Faith
thus, insurer should not be required to put forth Insurance
the effort and expense of conducting discovery, Bad faith in general
preparing for a trial, and conducting voir dire on Contractual claims based on an insurance policy
bad faith claims that could be rendered moot by and bad faith claims against an insurer are
the portion of the trial relating to UIM benefits, by their nature independent, but, in most
in that to require such would not do justice, avoid circumstances, an insured may not prevail on a
prejudice, and further convenience. bad faith claim without first showing that the
insurer breached the contract.
6 Cases that cite this headnote
2 Cases that cite this headnote
[7] Action
Severance of actions [11] Insurance
Trial Necessity of Tort Liability
Separate Trials in Same Cause In a case in which underinsured motorist
Severance and bifurcation are distinct trial (UIM) benefits are sought from an automobile
procedures; a “severance” divides the lawsuit insurer, the UIM insurer is obligated to
into two or more separate and independent pay damages which the insured is legally
causes, but the “bifurcation” of a trial leaves the entitled to recover from the underinsured
lawsuit intact but enables the court to hear and motorist. V.A.T.S. Insurance Code, art. 5.06–
determine one or more issues without trying all 1(5) (Repealed).
controverted issues at the same time.
2 Cases that cite this headnote
3 Cases that cite this headnote
[12] Insurance
[8] Action Necessity of Tort Liability
Severance of actions Insurance
Claims are properly severable if: (1) the Underinsurance; exhausted coverage
controversy involves more than one cause of Insurance
action, (2) the severed claim is one that would be Determination of Tort Liability; Actions
the proper subject of a lawsuit if independently and Settlements
asserted, and (3) the severed claim is not so
An underinsured motorist (UIM) insurer is
interwoven with the remaining action that they
under no contractual duty to pay benefits until
involve the same facts and issues.
the insured obtains a judgment establishing
Cases that cite this headnote the liability and underinsured status of the
other motorist; neither requesting UIM benefits
nor filing suit against the insurer triggers a
[9] Action contractual duty to pay.
Severance of actions
The controlling reasons for a severance of claims 2 Cases that cite this headnote
are to do justice, avoid prejudice, and further
convenience. [13] Insurance
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
2 Cases that cite this headnote
Coverage
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250 (2010)
Insurance
Necessity of Tort Liability
OPINION
Insurance
Claims and Settlement Practices Opinion by: REBECCA SIMMONS, Justice.
For an insured to recover for underinsured
On February 8, 2010, relator United Fire Lloyds filed a
motorist (UIM) benefits under an automobile
petition for writ of mandamus, seeking to compel the trial
insurance policy, he must prove not only that
court to (1) vacate the October 7, 2009 Order Granting
the purported underinsured motorist negligently
Plaintiff's Motion for a Bifurcated Trial, (2) vacate the
caused the accident that resulted in the covered
October 13, 2009 Order Denying Defendant United Fire
damages, but also that all applicable policy
Lloyd's Motion to Sever and Abate Plaintiff's Extra–
provisions have been satisfied.
Contractual Claims, and (3) grant United Fire's Motion to
1 Cases that cite this headnote Sever and Abate Plaintiff's Extra–Contractual Claims. We
conditionally grant mandamus relief.
[14] Mandamus
Modification or vacation of judgment or
order BACKGROUND
Employer's automobile insurer, against which The underlying suit arose from a motor vehicle accident
employee had brought claim for underinsured involving Juan Garcia and Ramon Valverde. Garcia filed
motorist (UIM) benefits as well as bad faith suit against United Fire for underinsured motorist (“UIM”)
claims, had no adequate remedy by appeal with benefits under his employer's insurance policy. The original
respect to trial court's abuse of discretion in petition only alleged a claim for UIM benefits, but
denying its motion to sever and abate UIM claim subsequently filed petitions added extra-contractual (bad
from bad faith claims, and, thus, mandamus
faith) claims. The Fourth *253 Amended Petition 2 alleged
relief was appropriate, as if mandamus was not
the following bad faith claims in violation of the Texas
granted, insurer stood to lose substantial rights
Insurance Code: (1) failing to commence an investigation of
by being required to prepare for claims that might
Garcia's claim and failing to request from the claimant all
be rendered moot and might have not even yet
items, statements, and forms in order to properly evaluate
accrued.
Garcia's claim in violation of section 542.055; and (2)
3 Cases that cite this headnote engaging in unfair settlement practices in violation of section
541.060. 3
United Fire contends it made a settlement offer in the amount
1 of $100,000 during mediation. However, no settlement
*252 Original Mandamus Proceeding.
agreement was ever reached. Later, United Fire filed a motion
Attorneys and Law Firms to sever and abate Garcia's UIM claim from the bad faith
claims. As the basis for the motion, United Fire asserted
Clay E. Coalson, Donnell, Abernethy & Kieschnick, a severance was necessary because the introduction of the
Corpus Christi, TX, Jose L. Gamez, Donnell, Abernethy & settlement offer, the policy limits, and the facts concerning
Kieschnick, Edinburg, TX, for Appellant. United Fire's handling of the claim, as they relate to the
bad faith claims, would prejudice United Fire in the trial
Ronald A. Ramos, Nadine Nieto, Law Offices of Ronald
of the UIM claim, and would confuse, complicate, and
A. Ramos, P.C., Adam Poncio, Poncio Law Offices, P.C.,
considerably lengthen the trial. Garcia then filed a motion
San Antonio, TX, Bryan W. Jones, Texas Mutual Insurance
for a bifurcated trial as an alternative to the severance and
Company, Austin, TX, for Appellee.
abatement. As authority for his motion, Garcia relied on
Sitting: KAREN ANGELINI, Justice, REBECCA this court's opinion in In re Travelers Lloyds of Tex. Ins.
SIMMONS, Justice, MARIALYN BARNARD, Justice. Co., in which we concluded the trial court did not abuse
its discretion in bifurcating over severing the contractual
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250 (2010)
claims from the bad faith claims. See 273 S.W.3d 368, 373– controverted issues at the same time. Id. Claims are properly
75 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 2008, orig. proceeding). Garcia severable if (1) the controversy involves more than one cause
contended a severance would be judicially wasteful, would of action, (2) the severed claim is one that would be the
unduly prejudice him, and the disposition of the trial on the proper subject of a lawsuit if independently asserted, and (3)
UIM claim would not eliminate the trial on the bad faith the severed claim is not so interwoven with the remaining
claims. In response to the motion for a bifurcated trial, United action that they involve the same facts and issues. Guar. Fed.
Fire asserted that a UIM claim is different from other types of Sav. Bank v. Horseshoe Operating Co., 793 S.W.2d 652, 658
contractual insurance claims because there is no contractual (Tex.1990). “The controlling reasons for a severance are to
duty to pay benefits until the insured obtains a judgment do justice, avoid prejudice, and further convenience.” Id.
establishing liability and the underinsured status of the other
motorist. Therefore, United Fire claimed no bad faith claims [10] Contractual claims based on an insurance policy and
had yet accrued, and the trial on the UIM claim would control bad faith claims are by their nature independent. Akin, 927
the outcome of the bad faith claims. After a hearing, the trial S.W.2d at 629. “But, in most circumstances, an insured may
court granted Garcia's motion for a bifurcated trial and denied not prevail on a bad faith claim without first showing that the
United Fire Lloyd's motion to sever and abate. This petition insurer breached the contract.” Id. In Akin, the Texas Supreme
for writ of mandamus ensued. Court concluded that a severance may be necessary in some
bad faith cases. Id. at 630. For instance, when evidence is
admissible only with regard to the bad faith claim and would
prejudice the insurer to such an extent that a fair trial on the
ANALYSIS
contract claim would become unlikely. Id.
I. Standard of Review
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Mandamus will issue onlyFollowing Akin, numerous intermediate courts of appeals
to correct a clear abuse of discretion for which the relator have considered whether it is an abuse of discretion for
has no adequate remedy at law. In re Prudential Ins. Co. a trial court to refuse to order a severance of contractual
of Am., 148 S.W.3d 124, 135 (Tex.2004) (orig. proceeding); claims from bad faith claims when a settlement offer has
Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 839–40 (Tex.1992) (orig. been made. See, e.g., In re Miller, 202 S.W.3d 922, 925–
proceeding). “A trial court has no ‘discretion’ in determining 26 (Tex.App.-Tyler 2006, orig. proceeding [mand. denied] );
what the law is or applying the law to the facts,” and “a clear In re Allstate Tex. Lloyds, No. 14–05–00762–CV, 2005 WL
failure by the trial court to analyze or apply the law correctly 2277134, at * 4 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist] Sept. 2, 2005,
will constitute an abuse of discretion” *254 Walker, 827 orig. proceeding) (mem. op.); In re Allstate Indem. Co., 05–
S.W.2d at 840. “To satisfy the clear abuse of discretion 03–01496–CV, 2003 WL 22456345, at *1 (Tex.App.-Dallas
standard, the relator must show ‘that the trial court could Oct. 30, 2003, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.); In re Trinity
reasonably have reached only one decision.’ ” Liberty Nat'l Universal Ins. Co., 64 S.W.3d 463, 468 (Tex.App.-Amarillo
Fire Ins. Co. v. Akin, 927 S.W.2d 627, 630 (Tex.1996) 2001, orig. proceeding [mand. denied] ). Eventually, parties
(quoting Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 840). However, this court began seeking bifurcation of the contractual claims from the
will not issue a writ of mandamus if there is a clear and bad faith claims as an alternative to severance. See In re
adequate remedy at law. See Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 840. Travelers, 273 S.W.3d at 373–75; In re Allstate Tex. Lloyds,
Since mandamus is intended as an extraordinary remedy, such 202 S.W.3d 895, 900 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 2006, orig.
interference is justified only when parties stand to lose their proceeding [mand. denied] ) (concluding plaintiffs failed
substantial rights. Id. at 842. to meet their burden that they would be prejudiced by
the bifurcation of contractual claims under a homeowner's
insurance policy and bad faith claims instead of severing and
II. Severance or Bifurcation? abating the claims). But we are only aware of a few cases
[7] [8] [9] Severance and bifurcation are distinct trial in the context of a UIM claim that have considered whether
procedures. Hall v. City of Austin, 450 S.W.2d 836, 837–38 severance and abatement is necessary over bifurcation. See
(Tex.1970). A severance divides the lawsuit into two or more In re Allstate Prop. and Cas. Ins. Co., No. 02–07–00141–
separate and independent causes. Id. However, the bifurcation CV, 2007 WL 1574964, at *1 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth May
of a trial leaves the lawsuit intact but enables the court to 30, 2007, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) (holding it was an
hear and determine one or more issues without trying all abuse of discretion to bifurcate *255 instead of severing
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250 (2010)
and abating the UIM claim from the bad faith claims); In severing and abating because it is disputed whether there is
re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., 209 S.W.3d 742, 746–47 a covered loss. United Fire argues it should not be required
(Tex.App.-Tyler 2006, orig. proceeding) (concluding it was to prepare for a trial on bad faith claims when it has no
an abuse of discretion to bifurcate instead of severing the UIM contractual duty to pay the UIM claim until Garcia obtains
claim from the bad faith claims). However, these cases fail to a judgment establishing the underinsured motorist's liability
discuss the necessity of severance and abatement rather than and underinsured status.
bifurcation in the context of a UIM claim.
Garcia responds that it is not disputed that he has a covered
[11] [12] In a UIM case, “[t]he UIM insurer is obligated loss and the bad faith claims will not be mooted by a trial
to pay damages which the insured is ‘legally entitled to on the UIM claim; therefore, this court should hold the
recover’ from the underinsured motorist.” Brainard v. Trinity trial court did not abuse its discretion in bifurcating the
Universal Ins. Co., 216 S.W.3d 809, 818 (Tex.2006) (citing trial rather than severing and abating. 5 Garcia relies *256
TEX. INS.CODE art. 5.06–1(5)). In Brainard, the Texas primarily on In re Travelers to support his argument. See
Supreme Court expounded on the uniqueness of a UIM case 273 S.W.3d at 373–75. However, we do not find In re
as follows: Travelers controlling because it was not a UIM case. Id. In
re Travelers involved a suit filed by homeowners against
The UIM contract is unique because,
their homeowners' insurance carrier for breach of contract
according to its terms, benefits are
and bad faith for mishandling their claim. Id. at 370. This
conditioned upon the insured's legal
court concluded that “[b]ecause the trial of the [plaintiffs']
entitlement to receive damages from
extra-contractual claims is unaffected by the outcome of
a third party. Unlike many first-
their contractual claim, a single bifurcated trial preceded by
party insurance contracts, in which the
unified discovery and pretrial proceedings promotes judicial
policy alone dictates coverage, UIM
economy better than severance and abatement.” Id. at 374.
insurance utilizes tort law to determine
As a result, this court determined the trial court did not abuse
coverage. Consequently, the insurer's
its discretion in bifurcating the case because “[u]nder these
contractual obligation to pay benefits
circumstances, the primary justification for abatement of the
does not arise until liability and
extra-contractual claims—avoiding the effort and expense of
damages are determined.
conducting discovery on claims that may be rendered moot
See Brainard, 216 S.W.3d at 818 (citing Henson v. S. Farm in a previous trial—is non-existent because the disposition
of the contractual claim will not moot the extra-contractual
Bureau Cas. Ins. Co., 17 S.W.3d 652, 654 (Tex.2000)). 4
claims.” Id.
Therefore, “the UIM insurer is under no contractual duty to
pay benefits until the insured obtains a judgment establishing
This court's determination that bifurcation is an appropriate
the liability and underinsured status of the other motorist....
alternative to severance is not applicable to the present case
Neither requesting UIM benefits nor filing suit against the
because a UIM claim that involves a dispute as to whether
insurer triggers a contractual duty to pay.” Id.
there is a covered loss is distinguishable from a homeowners'
insurance claim where the existence of a covered loss is not
[13] Therefore, in order for Garcia to recover under his
disputed. Unlike the situation presented in In re Travelers,
UIM claim, he must prove not only that the purported
United Fire disputes whether Garcia has a covered loss. As
underinsured motorist negligently caused the accident that
a result, a determination of Garcia's UIM claim may negate
resulted in the covered damages, but also that all applicable
his bad faith claims. See Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co. v.
policy provisions have been satisfied. See Allstate Ins. Co.
Boyd, 177 S.W.3d 919, 922 (Tex.2005) (recognizing bad faith
v. Bonner, 51 S.W.3d 289, 291–92 (Tex.2001); Wellisch v.
claims are generally negated by a lack of coverage under the
United Servs. Auto. Ass'n, 75 S.W.3d 53, 57 (Tex.App.-San
insurance policy); Akin, 927 S.W.2d at 630–31 (recognizing
Antonio 2002, pet. denied) (holding that because an insurer is
that judgment for the insurer on the coverage claim prohibits
not obligated to pay UIM benefits until the insured becomes
recovery premised only on the bad faith denial of a claim,
legally entitled to those benefits, an insurer has the right to
but does not necessarily bar all claims for bad faith); In re
withhold payment of UIM benefits until the insured's legal
Miller, 202 S.W.3d at 925 (concluding that bad faith claims
entitlement is established). As a result, United Fire contends
are negated by a lack of coverage under the insurance policy).
the trial court abused its discretion in bifurcating rather than
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 5
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250 (2010)
order. Typically in a mandamus situation, a party preserves
its complaint by requesting an order and the trial court
As a result of the foregoing, we are constrained by the clear
either grants or *257 does not grant the request to enter
holding in Brainard, and hold that United Fire is under no
an order. See Axelson, Inc. v. McIlhany, 798 S.W.2d 550,
contractual duty to pay UIM benefits until Garcia establishes
556 (Tex.1990). It is unclear what Garcia contends United
the liability and underinsured status of the other motorist.
Fire waived since United Fire's complaint is that the trial
See Brainard, 216 S.W.3d at 818. Therefore, United Fire
court improperly granted a bifurcated trial over severing and
should not be required to put forth the effort and expense of
abating the UIM claim from the bad faith claims. United Fire
conducting discovery, preparing for a trial, and conducting
does not appear to complain about the form or contents of
voir dire on bad faith claims that could be rendered moot
the bifurcation order. Therefore, we do not find United Fire
by the portion of the trial relating to UIM benefits. To
waived any complaints.
require such would not do justice, avoid prejudice, and further
convenience. See Guar. Fed. Sav. Bank, 793 S.W.2d at 658.
Under these circumstances, we conclude the trial court abused
its discretion in bifurcating the case instead of severing and CONCLUSION
abating the UIM claim from the bad faith claims.
We conclude the trial court abused its discretion in granting
[14] We further conclude United Fire does not have an Juan Garcia's motion for a bifurcated trial and denying
adequate remedy by appeal because if mandamus is not United Fire's motion to sever and abate. Accordingly,
granted it stands to lose substantial rights by being required we conditionally grant the writ of mandamus. The trial
to prepare for claims that may be rendered moot and may court is ordered to (1) vacate the October 7, 2009 Order
have not even yet accrued. See U.S. Fire Ins. Co. v. Millard, Granting Plaintiff's Motion for a Bifurcated Trial, (2) vacate
847 S.W.2d 668, 675 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 1993, the October 13, 2009 Order Denying Defendant United
orig. proceeding); In re Trinity Universal Ins. Co., 64 S.W.3d Fire Lloyd's Motion to Sever and Abate Plaintiff's Extra–
463, 468 (Tex.App.-Amarillo 2001, orig. proceeding [mand. Contractual Claims, and (3) grant United Fire's Motion to
denied] ). Sever and Abate Plaintiff's Extra–Contractual Claims. The
writ will issue only if the trial court fails to comply within
Finally, we address Garcia's contention that United Fire fourteen days.
waived any complaint as to the wording or form of the
Footnotes
1 This proceeding arises out of Cause No. 2008–CVE000521–D1, Juan Garcia, Plaintiff, Texas Mutual Insurance Co., As Subrogee
of Juan Garcia, Intervenor v. United Fire Lloyds, pending in the 49th Judicial District Court, Webb County, Texas, the Honorable
Jose A. Lopez presiding.
2 The live petition is the Fifth Amended Petition. However, it was filed after the trial court granted the motion to bifurcate. In considering
whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying United Fire's motion to sever and abate, we limit our review to the record that
was before the trial court at the time the “decision was made.” In re Bristol–Myers Squibb Co., 975 S.W.2d 601, 605 (Tex.1998).
3 Specifically, Garcia contends United Fire engaged in unfair settlement practices by: (1) failing to attempt in good faith to effectuate
a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement of Garcia's claim after liability had become reasonably clear, (2) refusing, failing or
unreasonably delaying a settlement offer on the basis that other coverage may be available, and (3) delaying or refusing settlement
of a claim solely because there is other insurance of a different kind available to satisfy part of the loss.
4 We acknowledge Brainard involved a different issue than the case at hand: a determination as to when presentment of a contract
claim was made in order to determine whether a party was entitled to attorney's fees in accordance with Chapter 38 of the Texas
Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Id.
5 We note that in Garcia's Sur–Reply he provides, “The truth of the matter is the primary claims will be decided and then, if warranted,
extra-contracial [sic] claims will be determined in the bifurcated portion of the trial.” However, later Garcia again contends that the
extra-contractual claims will not be rendered moot by judgment in the first phase of the trial due to bifurcation.
End of Document © 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 6
TAB C
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422 (2014)
Cases that cite this headnote
439 S.W.3d 422
Court of Appeals of Texas,
Houston (1st Dist.). [3] Mandamus
Matters of discretion
In re PROGRESSIVE COUNTY MUTUAL Because a trial court has no discretion in
INSURANCE COMPANY, Relator. determining what the law is, the trial court
abuses its discretion, thus supporting claim for
No. 01–14–00199–CV. | June 12, 2014. mandamus relief, if it clearly fails to analyze or
apply the law correctly.
Synopsis
Background: Insured brought action against uninsured Cases that cite this headnote
motorist (UM) carrier to recover for breach of contract, breach
of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and statutory
violations. The 215th District Court, Harris County, Elaine H. [4] Mandamus
Palmer, J., denied carrier's motion to sever and abate extra- Remedy by Appeal or Writ of Error
contractual claims. Carrier petitioned for writ of mandamus. In determining whether appeal is an adequate
remedy, Court of Appeals considers whether the
benefits outweigh the detriments of mandamus
review.
[Holding:] The Court of Appeals, Harvey Brown, J., held that
severance of extra-contractual claims from breach of contract Cases that cite this headnote
claim was required.
[5] Action
Writ conditionally granted. Severance of actions
The trial court has broad discretion in
the severance of causes of action. Vernon's
West Headnotes (9) Ann.Texas Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41.
Cases that cite this headnote
[1] Mandamus
Remedy by Appeal or Writ of Error [6] Action
Mandamus Severance of actions
Matters of discretion The trial court has a duty to order severance
Court of Appeals may issue a writ of mandamus of causes of action when all of the facts and
to correct a trial court's clear abuse of discretion circumstances of the case unquestionably require
or violation of duty imposed by law when no a separate trial to prevent manifest injustice,
adequate remedy by appeal exists. there is no fact or circumstance supporting or
tending to support a contrary conclusion, and the
Cases that cite this headnote legal rights of the parties will not be prejudiced
thereby. Vernon's Ann.Texas Rules Civ.Proc.,
[2] Mandamus Rule 41.
Matters of discretion
1 Cases that cite this headnote
A clear abuse of discretion occurs supporting
mandamus relief when the trial court's decision
is so arbitrary and unreasonable that it amounts [7] Action
to clear error. Severance of actions
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422 (2014)
Claims are properly severable if: (1) the
controversy involves more than one cause of Attorneys and Law Firms
action; (2) the severed claim is one that would be
*424 Mark R. Lapidus, Megan L. Knudsen, Lapidus
the proper subject of a lawsuit if independently
Knudsen, PC, Houston, TX, for Relator.
asserted; and (3) the severed claim is not so
interwoven with the remaining action that it Timothy R. Hightower, Alexandra Muthcler, Houston, TX,
involves the same facts and issues. Vernon's for Real Party in Interest.
Ann.Texas Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41.
Panel consists of Justices KEYES, BLAND and BROWN.
Cases that cite this headnote
OPINION
[8] Action
Severance of actions HARVEY BROWN, Justice.
Severance of insured's extra-contractual claims
Relator, Progressive County Mutual Insurance Company
from breach of contract claim was required in
seeks a writ of mandamus compelling the trial court to
order to avoid prejudice and prevent manifest
(1) vacate its order denying Progressive's motion to sever
injustice to uninsured motorist (UM) carrier
extra-contractual claims asserted against it and (2) enter an
from need to expend resources answering
order abating those extra-contractual claims until the breach-
discovery far broader than the car accident
of-contract claim brought by Alma Guia, the real party in
claim; documents related to lawsuits and claims
interest, has been resolved. We conditionally grant the writ.
against carrier regarding the denial of UM and
underinsured motorist (UIM) claims for over
ten years were irrelevant to contract claim, and
introducing carrier's claims handling history in Background
unrelated accidents at trial of breach-of-contract
Following an automobile collision with an uninsured
claim would be manifestly unjust. Vernon's
Ann.Texas Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41. motorist's vehicle, Guia sued her insurer, Progressive. 1
While investigation into the claim was ongoing, Guia sued
1 Cases that cite this headnote Progressive for breach of the uninsured motorist provisions in
her policy, violations of Chapter 542 of the Texas Insurance
[9] Mandamus Code, violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices–Consumer
Modification or vacation of judgment or Protection Act, and breach of the duty of good faith and fair
order dealing. Guia served Progressive with a number of discovery
requests, some of which would not be relevant to the breach-
Mandamus
of-contract claim. Progressive filed a motion to sever the
Proceedings in civil actions in general
breach of contract claim for uninsured motorist coverage from
Appeal was not adequate remedy for trial court's the extra-contractual claims. The trial court judge signed an
improper refusal to sever and abate insured's order abating the motion to sever, allowing discovery to move
extra-contractual claims from breach of contract forward on all claims, and deferring the other issues covered
claim against uninsured motorist (UM) carrier, by the motion until the pretrial hearing. Progressive filed a
and, thus, writ of mandamus would be granted if writ seeking to compel severance and abatement.
trial court failed to comply. Vernon's Ann.Texas
Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41.
1 Cases that cite this headnote Standard of Review
[1] [2] [3] [4] We may issue a writ of mandamus to
correct a trial court's clear abuse of discretion or violation
of duty imposed by law when no adequate remedy by
appeal exists. See Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 839
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422 (2014)
(Tex.1992) (orig. proceeding). A clear abuse of discretion In Liberty National Fire Insurance Co. v. Akin, the Texas
occurs when the trial court's decision is so arbitrary and Supreme Court considered whether severance was required
unreasonable that it amounts to clear error. See id. (quoting in a case involving breach of contract and extra-contractual
Johnson v. Fourth Court of Appeals, 700 S.W.2d 916, claims against an insurer under a homeowner's policy. 927
917 (Tex.1985)). Because a trial court has no discretion S.W.2d 627 (Tex.1996). In refusing to grant mandamus relief,
in determining what the law is, the trial court abuses its the Court rejected “an inflexible rule that would deny the
discretion if it clearly fails to analyze or apply the law trial court all discretion and ... require severance in every
correctly. See id. at 840. “In determining whether appeal case [involving bad-faith insurance claims], regardless of the
is an adequate remedy, [we] consider whether the benefits likelihood of prejudice.” Id. at 630. Ultimately, the Court
outweigh the detriments of mandamus review.” In re BP concluded that the contractual and extra-contractual claims
Prods. N. Am., Inc., 244 S.W.3d 840, 845 (Tex.2008) (orig. in that case were interwoven, with most evidence admissible
proceeding). on both claims, and that any prejudicial effect could be
ameliorated by appropriate limiting instructions. See id. The
[5] [6] The trial court has “broad” discretion in the Court went on to
severance of causes of action. Morgan v. Compugraphic
Corp., 675 S.W.2d 729, 734 (Tex.1984); Black v. Smith, 956 Several Texas appellate courts have
S.W.2d 72, 75 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1997, orig. found severance may nevertheless
proceeding). However, that discretion is not unlimited. See be necessary in some bad faith
U.S. Fire Ins. Co. v. Millard, 847 S.W.2d 668, 671 (Tex.App.- cases. A trial court will undoubtedly
Houston [1st Dist.] 1993, orig. proceeding). The trial court confront instances in which evidence
has a duty to order severance when *425 “all of the facts and admissible only on the bad faith claim
circumstances of the case unquestionably require a separate would prejudice the insurer to such an
trial to prevent manifest injustice, and there is no fact or extent that a fair trial on the contract
circumstance supporting or tending to support a contrary claim would become unlikely. One
conclusion, and the legal rights of the parties will not be example would be when the insurer
prejudiced thereby.” Womack v. Berry, 156 Tex. 44, 291 has made a settlement offer on the
S.W.2d 677, 682–83 (Tex.1956) (orig. proceeding). disputed contract claim. As we have
noted, some courts have concluded
that the insurer would be unfairly
prejudiced by having to defend the
Severance of Contractual and contract claim at the same time and
Extra–Contractual Claims before the same jury that would
consider evidence that the insurer had
[7] Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 41 governs severance of
offered to settle the entire dispute.
claims. See TEX.R. CIV. P. 41. The rule provides, in part,
While we concur with these decisions,
that “[a]ctions which have been improperly joined may be
we hasten to add that evidence of this
severed ... on such terms as are just. Any claim against a
sort simply does not exist in this case.
party may be severed and proceeded with separately.” Id. The
In the absence of a settlement offer
predominant reasons for a severance are to do justice, avoid
on the entire contract claim, or other
prejudice, and promote convenience. F.F.P. Op. Partners,
compelling circumstances, severance
L.P. v. Duenez, 237 S.W.3d 680, 693 (Tex.2007). Claims are
is not required.
properly severable if: (1) the controversy involves more than
one cause of action; (2) the severed claim is one that would be Id. (internal citations omitted); see also In re Miller, 202
the proper subject of a lawsuit if independently asserted; and S.W.3d 922, 925–26 (Tex.App.-Tyler 2006, orig. proceeding
(3) the severed claim is not so interwoven with the remaining [mand. denied] ); In re Trinity Universal Ins. Co., 64 S.W.3d
action that it involves the same facts and issues. Guar. Fed. 463, 468 (Tex.App.-Amarillo 2001, orig. proceeding [mand.
Sav. Bank v. Horseshoe Operating Co., 793 S.W.2d 652, 658 denied] ). Thus, in Liberty National, the Court opined a
(Tex.1990). Only the third element is in dispute here. settlement offer by an insurer may create a situation where
severance of an insured's contract claim is required. 927
S.W.2d at 630 (Tex.1996).
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422 (2014)
the liability and underinsured status
There is no evidence in the record that Progressive made a of the other motorist. Therefore, [the
settlement offer to *426 Guia. However, Liberty National insurer] should not be required to
does not limit severance to cases where such an offer has been put forth the effort and expense of
made, instead holding that “other compelling circumstances” conducting discovery, preparing for
may also require severance. Id. In the case before us, a trial, and conducting voir dire
Progressive argues that “other compelling circumstances” on bad faith claims that could be
should include the effort and cost associated with conducting rendered moot by the portion of
discovery on extra-contractual claims that have not yet the trial relating to [underinsured
accrued because the insured's breach-of-contract claim has motorist] benefits. To require such
not yet been decided. would not do justice, avoid prejudice,
and further convenience. Under
Several courts of appeals have considered the issues of these circumstances, we conclude
severance and abatement in the context of uninsured motorist the trial court abused its discretion
or underinsured motorist insurance coverage; these courts in bifurcating the case instead of
have concluded that, when uninsured motorist claims are severing and abating the [underinsured
involved, severance of the extra-contractual claims was motorist] claim from the bad faith
required. See In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d claims.
429 (Tex.App.-Austin 2012, orig. proceeding) (concluding
trial court abused discretion by denying insurer's motion for In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 256. 2
severance and abatement of extra-contractual claims where
settlement offer was made on underinsured motorist claim); *427 [8] In this case, to prevail on her extra-contractual
In re Reynolds, 369 S.W.3d 638, 650–55 (Tex.App.-Tyler claims against Progressive, Guia must demonstrate that
2012, orig. proceeding) (holding severance of underinsured Progressive was contractually obligated to pay her uninsured
motorist claim was required to prevent prejudice); In re motorist claim. To do this, Guia must first prove that she had
United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250, 257 (Tex.App.-San uninsured motorist coverage, that the other driver negligently
Antonio 2010, orig. proceeding) (finding abuse of discretion caused the accident and was uninsured, and the amount of her
in granting motion for bifurcation of trial rather than damages. See In re Reynolds, 369 S.W.3d at 652. It appears
severance and abatement of extra-contractual claims); see that the first issue is not in dispute. Therefore, Guia's breach-
also In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., No. 13– of-contract claim will essentially involve the issues in a
12–00700–CV, 2013 WL 398866 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi typical car wreck: the comparative negligence of Guia and the
January 30, 2013, orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) (holding other driver and Guia's damages. The bad faith claim here is
that severance and abatement of extra-contractual claims more complicated. In her most recent petition, she alleges that
is required in many instances when insured asserts claim Progressive breached their duty of good faith and fair dealing,
to uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits); In re violated the insurance code by failing to timely pay the
Farmers Tex. Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., No. 07–11–00396–CV, claim, and further alleges Progressive's conduct was knowing
2011 WL 4916303, (Tex.App.-Amarillo Oct. 17, 2011, and intentional in violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices
orig. proceeding) (mem. op.) (denying mandamus because Act. In discovery, Guia seeks production of all documents
complaint was not preserved, but agreeing that abatement of related to lawsuits and claims against Progressive regarding
extra-contractual claims is required in most instances when the denial of uninsured/underinsured motorist claims for over
an insured asserts claim to uninsured motorist benefits). ten years. Examples of these requests include:
The San Antonio Court of Appeals explained its Request 3. Produce all documents of any type as to claims
determination that mandamus relief was proper to compel asserted against Progressive during period from January
severance and abatement of an underinsured motorist claim 1, 2001, up to and including present day as a result of
from related bad faith claims as follows: nonpayment of uninsured/underinsured motorist claims in
Texas regardless of whether a lawsuit was filed and/or
[The insurer] is under no contractual liability was denied.
duty to pay [underinsured motorist]
benefits until [the insured] establishes
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422 (2014)
Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 839. The Corpus Christi Court of
Request 4. Produce all documents of any type as to
Appeals in In re United Fire Lloyds concluded the insurer
all lawsuits filed against Progressive during period from
did not have an adequate remedy by appeal because, if a
January 1, 2001, up to and including present day, as a result
writ of mandamus were not granted, the insurer stood to lose
of nonpayment of uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
substantial rights by being required to prepare for claims that
in Texas regardless of whether liability was denied.
might be rendered moot and never even accrue. In re Fire
... Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 256 (citing U.S. Fire Ins. Co., 847
S.W.2d at 675; In re Trinity Universal Ins. Co., 64 S.W.3d
Request 16. A copy of each and every policy, manual, at 468).
protocol, instruction booklet or similar writing concerning
procedures for the investigation and handling of uninsured/ The Corpus Christi Court of Appeals agreed. See In re Old
underinsured motorist claim which was in effect at the time Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866. Likewise,
Plaintiff made her claims in this case, and for the seven other appellate courts have also found these claims do not
years preceding Progressive's denial of Plaintiff's claim. have an adequate remedy by appeal. See In re Am. Nat'l Cnty.
Mut. Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d 429, 439; In re Reynolds, 369
These requested documents are irrelevant to the breach-of-
S.W.3d at 658; In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 256.
contract claim, and the introduction of Progressive's claims
handling history in unrelated accidents at the trial of Guia's
breach-of-contract claim would be manifestly unjust. See
Womack v. Berry, 291 S.W.2d at 682–83 (Tex.1956) (orig. Conclusion
proceeding).
Based on our review of the record, we conclude that Guia's
extra-contractual claims against Progressive are severable,
The trial court's abatement of any decision on severance until
the facts and circumstances of the case require a severance to
the eve of trial requires the parties to engage in discovery
prevent manifest injustice, and the legal rights of the parties
on the extra-contractual claims and prepare for a trial on
will not be prejudiced thereby. See Womack, 291 S.W.2d
these claims, even though extra-contractual liability could
at 683. The trial court, therefore, abused its discretion in
only accrue if Progressive is found liable on the contract. See
refusing to sever and abate the uninsured motorist claims
In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 256. Accordingly,
from the bad faith claims pending the determination of
the trial court's decision to postpone severance, unless writ
Progressive's liability for the uninsured motorist damages
is granted, will require Progressive to expend resources
under the policy. See In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384
answering discovery that is far broader than the car accident
S.W.3d 429; In re Reynolds, 369 S.W.3d at 650–55; In re
claim that must be resolved.
United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 257; see also In re Old Am.
Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866; In re Farmers
Consistent with In re Reynolds and In re United Fire Lloyds,
Tex. Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 2011 WL 4916303.
we conclude that severance of insured's extra-contractual
claims is required in this instance to avoid prejudice.
We conditionally grant Progressive's writ of mandamus and
order the trial court to vacate the February 11, 2014 Order,
grant Progressive County Mutual Insurance Company's
Adequate Remedy by Appeal Motion to Sever, and abate the extra-contractual claims. We
are confident that the trial court will promptly comply, and
[9] A writ of mandamus will issue only if there is no
our writ will issue only if it does not.
adequate remedy available by direct appeal. See *428
Footnotes
1 The underlying case is Alma Guia v. Jessica Nicole Estes, Relinda Estes, Progressive Insurance Company and Progressive County
Mutual Insurance Company; No. 2012–57535, in the 215th District Court of Harris County, Texas, the Honorable Elaine H. Palmer
presiding.
2 The court relied on the Texas Supreme Court's reasoning in Brainard v. Trinity Universal Insurance Co., 216 S.W.3d 809 (Tex.2006),
but acknowledged that Brainard concerned timing of presentment of contract claim to determine whether party was entitled to
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 5
In re Progressive County Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422 (2014)
attorney's fees under Chapter 38 of Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, rather than severance and abatement in the context
of uninsured motorist claim. See In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250, 257 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 2010, orig. proceeding)
(discussing Brainard, 216 S.W.3d at 818).
End of Document © 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 6
TAB D
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., --- S.W.3d ---- (2014)
2014 WL 5285850
involves the same facts and issues. Vernon's
Ann.Texas Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41.
2014 WL 5285850
Only the Westlaw citation is currently available. Cases that cite this headnote
NOTICE: THIS OPINION HAS NOT BEEN
RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION IN THE [2] Action
PERMANENT LAW REPORTS. UNTIL RELEASED, Severance of Actions
IT IS SUBJECT TO REVISION OR WITHDRAWAL. Controlling reasons to allow a severance
are to avoid prejudice, do justice, and
Court of Appeals of Texas,
promote convenience. Vernon's Ann.Texas
Houston (1st Dist.).
Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41.
In re ALLSTATE COUNTY MUTUAL
Cases that cite this headnote
INSURANCE COMPANY, Relator.
No. 01–14–00068–CV. | Oct. 16, 2014. [3] Action
Severance of Actions
Synopsis
Trial court has a duty to order severance when
Background: Insured brought action against underinsured
all of the facts and circumstances of the case
motorist (UIM) carrier to recover for breach of contract,
unquestionably require a separate trial to prevent
breach of duty of good faith in settlement, and
manifest injustice, and there is no fact or
misrepresentation of insurance policy. The 240th District
circumstance supporting or tending to support a
Court, Fort Bend County, Pedro Ruiz, J., denied carrier's
contrary conclusion, and the legal rights of the
motion to sever and abate extra-contractual claims. Carrier
parties will not be prejudiced thereby. Vernon's
petitioned for writ of mandamus.
Ann.Texas Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41.
Cases that cite this headnote
Holdings: The Court of Appeals, Sherry Radack, C.J., held
that: [4] Insurance
Settlement Duties; Bad Faith
[1] severance of settlement claims was required, but
An insurer generally cannot be liable for failing
to settle or investigate a claim that it has no
[2] severance of misrepresentation claims was not required.
contractual duty to pay.
Cases that cite this headnote
Writ granted in part.
[5] Insurance
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
West Headnotes (8)
Coverage
Insurance
[1] Action Necessity of Tort Liability
Severance of Actions Insurance
Claims are properly severable if: (1) the Underinsurance; Exhausted Coverage
controversy involves more than one cause of In the context of underinsured motorist
action; (2) the severed claim is one that would be coverage, an insurer is under no contractual
the proper subject of a lawsuit if independently duty to pay underinsured motorist benefits
asserted; and (3) the severed claim is not so until the insured proves that the insured
interwoven with the remaining action that it has underinsured motorist coverage, that the
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., --- S.W.3d ---- (2014)
2014 WL 5285850
underinsured motorist negligently caused the promote convenience and judicial economy.
accident that resulted in the covered damages, Vernon's Ann.Texas Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41.
the amount of the insured's damages, and that
the underinsured motorist's insurance coverage is Cases that cite this headnote
deficient.
Cases that cite this headnote
Attorneys and Law Firms
[6] Insurance
Ronald J. Restrepo, Nicole S. Bakare, N. Kimberly Hoesl,
Duty to Settle or Pay
Doyle, Restrepo, Harvin & Robbins, L.L.P., Houston, TX, for
Insurance Appellant.
Investigations and Inspections
An insured generally must first establish that the David L. Miller, Diane F. Burgess, Miller, Scamardi &
insurer is liable on the contract before the insured Carrabba, P.C., Houston, TX, for Appellee.
can recover on extra-contractual causes of action
Panel consists of Chief Justice RADACK and Justices
against an insurer for failing to promptly pay,
JENNINGS and KEYES.
failing to settle, or failing to investigate an
underinsured motorist insurance claim.
OPINION
Cases that cite this headnote
SHERRY RADACK, Chief Justice.
[7] Action *1 Relator, Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company,
Severance of Actions seeks a writ of mandamus compelling the trial court to (1)
Severance of insured's settlement claims from vacate its December 10, 2013 order denying Allstate's motion
breach of contract claim was required in order to sever and abate extra-contractual and bad faith claims
to avoid prejudice and prevent manifest injustice asserted against it and (2) enter an order severing and abating
to underinsured motorist (UIM) carrier from those extra-contractual and bad faith claims until the breach
need to expend resources answering discovery of contract claim brought by the real parties in interest,
far broader than car accident claim; allowing Raymond Briers, Jr. and Stacy Briers (collectively, Briers),
insureds to conduct broad discovery into carrier's individually and as representatives of the estate of Grant
claims handling history regarding unrelated Briers, has been resolved. 1 We partially grant relief.
accidents and then allowing introduction of such
information at trial of breach of contract claim
would be manifestly unjust. Vernon's Ann.Texas
Rules Civ.Proc., Rule 41. Background
Cases that cite this headnote The Briers' minor son, Grant, was riding in a vehicle driven
and owned by DaYonajja Williams when the vehicle was
involved in a single-vehicle automobile collision. Grant died
[8] Action as a result of the automobile accident. Following Grant's
Severance of Actions death, the Briers filed a claim for underinsured motorist
Trial court acted within its discretion when it benefits with Allstate, pursuant to a business auto policy
denied underinsured motorist (UIM) carrier's issued by Allstate to Raymond Briers Jr.'s employer, T &
motion to sever insureds' misrepresentation R Pipeline Services, Inc. Allstate denied the Briers' claim,
claims from breach of contract claim; stating that neither Raymond nor Grant was an “insured”
misrepresentation claims were asserted as under the policy and therefore they were not covered for an
alternative causes of action to the breach of underinsured motorist claim.
contract claim, and, therefore, requiring carrier
to litigate the claims at the same time would
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., --- S.W.3d ---- (2014)
2014 WL 5285850
The Briers then filed suit against Allstate, seeking a to clear error. See id. (quoting Johnson v. Fourth Court of
declaratory judgment stating that the Briers were covered by Appeals, 700 S.W.2d 916, 917 (Tex.1985)). Because a trial
the policy and alleging, in a paragraph styled “Breach of court has no discretion in determining what the law is, the trial
Contract,” that Allstate breached the underinsured motorist court abuses its discretion if it clearly fails to analyze or apply
provisions of the insurance contract. The Briers also asserted the law correctly. See id. at 840. “To satisfy the clear abuse of
the following extra-contractual causes of action: (1) that discretion standard, the relator must show ‘that the trial court
Allstate acted in bad faith by failing to settle or make a good could reasonably have reached only one decision.’”Liberty
faith attempt to settle the claim, which the Briers styled as Nat'l Fire Ins. Co. v. Akin, 927 S.W.2d 627, 630 (Tex.1996)
“Bad Faith”; (2) that Allstate engaged in unfair settlement (orig. proceeding) (quoting Walker, 827 S.W.2d at 840).
practices by failing to make a good faith settlement offer,
in violation of Texas Insurance Code section 541.060(a) “In determining whether appeal is an adequate remedy, [we]
(2), styled as “Unfair Settlement Practices”; and (3) that consider whether the benefits outweigh the detriments of
Allstate failed to properly investigate, evaluate, and pay mandamus review.”In re BP Prods. N. Am., Inc., 244 S.W.3d
the Briers' claim, in violation of Texas Insurance Code 840, 845 (Tex.2008) (orig. proceeding). We also consider
section 541.060(a)(7), styled as “Failure to Promptly Pay “whether mandamus will spare litigants and the public ‘the
Claims” (collectively, “settlement claims”). time and money utterly wasted enduring eventual reversal
of improperly conducted proceedings.’”In re Team Rocket,
The Briers further alleged, in the event the trial court L.P., 256 S.W.3d 257, 262 (Tex.2008) (orig. proceeding)
determined that they were not covered by the underinsured (quoting In re Prudential Ins. Co. of Am., 148 S.W.3d 124,
motorist provisions in the policy, the following alternative 136 (Tex.2004) (orig. proceeding)).
causes of action: (1) that Allstate, Insurance Network of
Texas, Eddie Croix Insurance Agency, Inc., and Randy Croix
made material misrepresentations of fact and of law and failed
Severance of Extra–Contractual and Bad Faith Claims
to disclose a matter required to be disclosed, in violation of
Texas Insurance Code section 541.061(3), (4), and (5), which [1] [2] Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 41 governs severance
they styled as “Misrepresentation of the Insurance Policy”; of claims. SeeTEX.R. CIV. P. 41. The rule provides, in
and (2) that Allstate, Insurance Network of Texas, Eddie part, that “[a]ny claim against a party may be severed and
Croix Insurance Agency, Inc., and Randy Croix violated the proceeded with separately.”Id. Claims are properly severable
Deceptive Trade Practices Act by representing that the Briers if: (1) the controversy involves more than one cause of action;
were covered under the policy, when they were not, styled as (2) the severed claim is one that would be the proper subject
“Violations of the DTPA” (collectively, “misrepresentation of a lawsuit if independently asserted; and (3) the severed
claims”). claim is not so interwoven with the remaining action that it
involves the same facts and issues. Guar. Fed. Sav. Bank v.
*2 Allstate filed a motion to sever the extra-contractual Horseshoe Operating Co., 793 S.W.2d 652, 658 (Tex.1990).
claims from the breach of contract claim and abate those The controlling reasons to allow a severance are to avoid
claims until the preliminary issue of coverage could be prejudice, do justice, and promote convenience. F.F.P. Op.
decided. The trial court denied the motion. Allstate filed this Partners, L.P. v. Duenez, 237 S.W.3d 680, 693 (Tex.2007).
petition for a writ of mandamus, seeking to compel severance
and abatement. [3] The trial court has “broad” discretion in the severance
of causes of action. Morgan v. Compugraphic Corp., 675
S.W.2d 729, 734 (Tex.1984); Black v. Smith, 956 S.W.2d 72,
Standard of Review 75 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1997, orig. proceeding).
However, that discretion is not unlimited. See U.S. Fire Ins.
We may issue a writ of mandamus to correct a trial court's Co. v. Millard, 847 S.W.2d 668, 671 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st
clear abuse of discretion or violation of a duty imposed by Dist.] 1993, orig. proceeding). The trial court has a duty to
law when no adequate remedy by appeal exists. See Walker v. order severance when “all of the facts and circumstances of
Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 839 (Tex.1992) (orig. proceeding). the case unquestionably require a separate trial to prevent
A clear abuse of discretion occurs when the trial court's manifest injustice, and there is no fact or circumstance
decision is so arbitrary and unreasonable that it amounts supporting or tending to support a contrary conclusion, and
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., --- S.W.3d ---- (2014)
2014 WL 5285850
the legal rights of the parties will not be prejudiced thereby Because the settlement claims asserted solely against Allstate
....” Womack v. Berry, 156 Tex. 44, 291 S.W.2d 677, 683 differ from the misrepresentation claims asserted against
(1956) (orig. proceeding). Allstate, Insurance Network of Texas, Eddie Croix Insurance
Agency, Inc., and Randy Croix, we will consider the
*3 In the context of insurance cases, a “breach of an settlement claims separately from the misrepresentation
insurance contract claim is separate and distinct from bad claims.
faith, Insurance Code or DTPA causes of action. Uninsured
motorist claims and bad faith claims have been recognized
as separate and distinct causes of action which might Severance of the Settlement Claims Is Mandatory
each constitute a complete lawsuit within itself.”Millard, In their settlement claims, the Briers allege that Allstate acted
847 S.W.2d at 672 (internal citations omitted); see Akin, in bad faith by failing to settle their contractual claim, that
927 S.W.2d at 629; In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Allstate failed to make a good faith settlement offer, and that
Co., 384 S.W.3d 429, 433 (Tex.App.-Austin 2012, orig. Allstate failed to properly investigate their contractual claim.
proceeding); In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d 250,
254 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 2010, orig. proceeding). “But, *4 [4] [5] [6] An insurer generally cannot be liable for
in most circumstances, an insured may not prevail on a bad failing to settle or investigate a claim that it has no contractual
faith claim without first showing that the insurer breached duty to pay. See Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co. v. Boyd, 177
the contract.” Akin, 927 S.W.2d at 629; see also In re S.W.3d 919, 922 (Tex.2005); Akin, 927 S.W.2d at 629 (“But,
Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d 422, 426– in most circumstances, an insured may not prevail on a bad
27 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2014, orig. proceeding) faith claim without first showing that the insurer breached
(stating that “extra-contractual liability could only accrue if the contract.”); In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013
[insurer] is found liable on the contract”); In re Old Am. WL 398866, at *4; In re State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co.,
Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., No. 13–12–00700–CV, 2013 WL 395 S.W.3d at 237–38; In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co.,
398866, at *4 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi Jan. 30, 2013, orig. 384 S.W.3d at 437–38; In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d
proceeding) (“[T]o prevail on their extra-contractual claims at 256; In re Miller, 202 S.W.3d 922, 925 (Tex.App.-Tyler
against Old American, plaintiffs must first demonstrate that 2006, orig. proceeding); Millard, 847 S.W.2d at 673. In the
Old American was contractually obligated to pay their context of underinsured motorist coverage, an insurer is under
uninsured motorist claim.”); In re State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. no contractual duty to pay underinsured motorist benefits
Co., 395 S.W.3d 229, 238 (Tex.App.-El Paso 2012, orig. until the insured proves that the insured has underinsured
proceeding) (quoting Smith v. Allstate Ins., No. H–03–0651, motorist coverage, that the underinsured motorist negligently
2007 WL 677992, at *5 (S.D.Tex. Feb. 27, 2007)) (“Texas caused the accident that resulted in the covered damages, the
insurance law generally conditions recovery for bad faith amount of the insured's damages, and that the underinsured
and extracontractual claims on a recovery for breach of the motorist's insurance coverage is deficient. See Brainard v.
insurance contract itself”). And, in insurance cases involving Trinity Universal Ins. Co., 216 S.W.3d 809, 818 (Tex.2006);
bad faith claims, the Texas Supreme Court has recognized In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866,
that severance may be necessary if the “insurer has made a at *4; In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 255. Thus,
settlement offer on the disputed contract claim” or if there are an insured generally must first establish that the insurer is
“other compelling circumstances.” Akin, 927 S.W.2d at 630. liable on the contract before the insured can recover on extra-
contractual causes of action against an insurer for failing
There is no evidence in the record that Allstate made a to promptly pay, failing to settle, or failing to investigate
settlement offer to the Briers. Nevertheless, Allstate argues an underinsured motorist insurance claim. See Akin, 927
that there are “other compelling circumstances” requiring S.W.2d at 629; In re Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 439
severance of the extra-contractual claims in this case, namely, S.W.3d at 426–27; In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co.,
the time, effort, costs, and judicial resources associated with 2013 WL 398866, at *4; In re State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins.
litigating and preparing for trial on extra-contractual claims Co., 395 S.W.3d at 238 (quoting Smith, 2007 WL 677992,
that have not yet accrued because the Briers have not yet at *5); see also In re Am. Nat'lCnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384
established a contractual right to recovery on the breach of S.W.3d at 437–38 (holding that “any duty by an insurer to its
contract claim. insured, common-law or statutory, necessarily arises from the
contractual relationship between the parties,” and that insurer
has no duty to settle claim that it is not contractually obligated
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., --- S.W.3d ---- (2014)
2014 WL 5285850
to pay, insurer cannot be liable on bad faith claims arising 398866, at *4; In re State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 395
from failure to investigate claim that it has no duty to pay, and S.W.3d at 237–39; In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384
insurer cannot be liable for insurance code violations related S.W.3d at 437–39; In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at
to delays in making offer on claims it has no duty to pay). 256; Millard, 847 S.W.2d at 673. Further, allowing the Briers
As a result, “Texas case law establishes that severance and to conduct broad discovery into Allstate's claims handling
abatement of extra-contractual claims is required in many history regarding unrelated accidents and then allowing the
instances in which an insured asserts a claim to uninsured or introduction of such information at the trial of the Briers'
underinsured motorist benefits.”In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire breach of contract claim would be manifestly unjust. 3 See In
Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866, at *4; see also In re Progressive re Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 426–27;
Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 426–28; In re Am. Nat'l In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866,
Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d at 438–39; In re United Fire at *4. Finally, severance of the Briers' settlement claims
Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 255–56. from the breach of contract claim would not prejudice the
parties' rights. Accordingly, we conclude that severance of the
[7] In this case, the Briers allege that Allstate failed to settle settlement claims was required. See Boyd, 177 S.W.3d at 922;
their claim, failed to make a good faith settlement offer to Womack, 291 S.W.2d at 683; In re Progressive Cnty. Mut.
them, and failed to properly investigate, evaluate, and pay Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 426–28; In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire
their claim. To prevail on these claims, the Briers must first Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866, at *4; In re State Farm Mut. Auto.
establish that Allstate is liable under the insurance contract 2 Ins. Co., 395 S.W.3d at 237–39; In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut.
by proving: (1) they were covered by the insurance policy Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d at 437–39; In re United Fire Lloyds, 327
Allstate issued to T & R Pipeline; (2) Williams negligently S.W.3d at 256; Millard, 847 S.W.2d at 673.
caused the automobile collision that resulted in Grant's death;
(3) the amount of their damages; and (4) Williams was either
uninsured or underinsured. See In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Severance of the Misrepresentation Claims Is Not
Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866, at *4; In re State Farm Mut. Auto. Mandatory
Ins. Co., 395 S.W.3d at 237–38. There is no evidence in the [8] The Briers alleged the misrepresentation claims as
record showing that the Briers have established that Allstate alternatives to their breach of contract claim. Unlike the
is liable under the insurance contract. As a result, the Briers' settlement claims, the misrepresentation claims do not allege
settlement claims would be negated by a determination in the that Allstate failed to act in good faith to comply with
breach of contract claim that Allstate is not liable. See Boyd, duties imposed by the insurance contract, but instead allege
177 S.W.3d at 922; In re Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., that the Briers are entitled to damages even if they are
439 S.W.3d at 426–27 (stating that “extra-contractual liability not covered by the insurance contract. In these claims, the
could only accrue if [insurer] is found liable on the contract”); Briers alleged that Allstate, Insurance Network of Texas,
In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866, Eddie Croix Insurance Agency, Inc., and Randy Croix made
at *4 (“[T]o prevail on their extra-contractual claims against material misrepresentations and misstatements of law related
Old American, plaintiffs must first demonstrate that Old to the insurance policy issued by Allstate to T & R Pipeline
American was contractually obligated to pay their uninsured that the Briers relied on to their detriment. SeeTEX. BUS.
motorist claim.”); In re State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 395 & COMM.CODE ANN. § 17.46(b)(5), (b)(12) (West 2011);
S.W.3d at 239; In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384 TEX. INS.CODE ANN. §§ 541.061, 541.151 (West 2009);
S.W.3d at 438; In re United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 256; Celtic Life Ins. Co. v. Coats, 885 S.W.2d 96, 97–100
Millard, 847 S.W.2d at 675. (Tex.1994); Brown & Brown of Tex., Inc. v. Omni Metals,
Inc., 317 S.W.3d 361, 381 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.]
*5 Because the Briers' settlement claims would be negated 2010, pet. denied).
by a determination that they lacked coverage under the
insurance contract, requiring Allstate to prepare for and The Briers sued Insurance Network of Texas, Eddie Croix
litigate the settlement claims, which may have not yet accrued Insurance Agency, Inc., and Randy Croix as agents of Allstate
and may be rendered moot by the breach of contract claim, and allege that the insurance policy at issue was sold by
would not do justice, avoid prejudice, or further convenience. Randy Croix, as an agent for Allstate. Therefore, if Allstate is
See In re Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at liable for the allegations in the misrepresentation claims, the
426–28; In re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL liability would be based on Randy Croix's actions as Allstate's
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 5
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., --- S.W.3d ---- (2014)
2014 WL 5285850
agent. See, e.g., Coats, 885 S.W.2d at 98 (“An insurance Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court acted within its
company is generally liable for any misconduct by an agent discretion when it denied Allstate's motion to sever insofar as
that is within the actual or apparent scope of the agent's Allstate requested severance of the misrepresentation claims
authority.”); Omni Metals, Inc., 317 S.W.3d at 377–78, 381. from the breach of contract claim. See Duenez, 237 S.W.3d
In its motion requesting severance, Allstate sought severance at 693; Morgan, 675 S.W.2d at 734; Womack, 291 S.W.2d at
of the misrepresentation claims alleged against Allstate from 683.
the Briers' breach of contract claim. But the record before the
Court reflects neither that the other defendants filed a similar
motion nor that Allstate sought severance of the Briers' claims
Adequate Remedy by Appeal
asserted against it from the claims asserted against the other
defendants. As a result, the Briers' misrepresentation claims If the Briers' settlement claims are tried with the breach of
against Allstate involve the same facts and issues as, and contract claim, the trial court and the parties will be required
are interwoven with, the misrepresentation claims against to conduct discovery, prepare for trial, and conduct voir dire
Insurance Network of Texas, Eddie Croix Insurance Agency, on claims that may have not yet accrued and that could be
Inc., and Randy Croix, which claims would remain pending rendered moot by the portion of the trial relating to breach
in the underlying lawsuit regardless of any severance of of contract for underinsured motorist benefits. See In re
these claims against Allstate. See Guar. Fed. Sav. Bank, 793 Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 427–28; In
S.W.2d at 658. re Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866, at
*4; In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d at 439;
*6 Further, the misrepresentation claims are not bad Millard, 847 S.W.2d at 675–76. Accordingly, we conclude
faith claims, are not dependent upon a determination that Allstate has no adequate remedy by appeal. See In re
that Allstate has a contractual duty to pay underinsured Progressive Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 439 S.W.3d at 427–28; In re
motorist benefits to the Briers, and will not be rendered Old Am. Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866, at *4;
moot if Allstate prevails on the breach of contract claim. In re State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 395 S.W.3d at 239; In
SeeTEX. BUS. & COMM.CODE ANN. § 17.46(b)(5), (b) re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d at 439; In re
(12); TEX. INS.CODE ANN. § 541.061(3), (4), (5). The United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 256; Millard, 847 S.W.2d
misrepresentation claims, like promissory estoppel claims, at 675–76.
are asserted as alternative causes of action to the breach
of contract claim, alleging that Allstate, Insurance Network
of Texas, Eddie Croix Insurance Agency, Inc., and Randy
Croix are liable for the Briers' damages even if the Briers Conclusion
are not covered by the insurance policy. CompareTEX. Based on our review of the record, we conclude that the
BUS. & COMM.CODE ANN. § 17.46(b)(5), (b)(12); TEX. Briers' settlement claims are severable from the breach of
INS.CODE ANN. §§ 541.061(3), (4), (5), 541.151, with contract claim, the facts and circumstances of the case require
Miller v. Raytheon Aircraft Co., 229 S.W.3d 358, 378– a severance to prevent manifest injustice, and the legal rights
79 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2007, no pet.)(stating of the parties will not be prejudiced thereby. See Womack,
elements of promissory estoppel claim). Therefore, unlike 291 S.W.2d at 683. The trial court, therefore, abused its
the Briers' settlement claims, requiring Allstate to litigate discretion in refusing to sever the Briers' settlement claims
the misrepresentation claims at the same time as the breach from the breach of contract claim and abate the settlement
of contract claim would promote convenience and judicial claims pending the determination of Allstate's liability for
economy. the breach of contract claim. See In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut.
Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d at 439; In re Reynolds, 369 S.W.3d
Finally, Allstate has not offered evidence to demonstrate how 638, 650–55 (Tex.App.-Tyler 2012, orig. proceeding); In re
it will be prejudiced if it has to prepare for and litigate the United Fire Lloyds, 327 S.W.3d at 257; see also In re Old Am.
misrepresentation claims in conjunction with the breach of Cnty. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 2013 WL 398866, at *4–5.
contract claim. See Allstate Ins. Co. v. Hunter, 865 S.W.2d
189, 194 (Tex.App.-Corpus Christi 1993, orig. proceeding). *7 We further conclude, however, that the facts and
circumstances of the case do not require severance of the
Briers' misrepresentation claims from their breach of contract
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 6
In re Allstate County Mut. Ins. Co., --- S.W.3d ---- (2014)
2014 WL 5285850
Nevertheless, because the trial court did not abuse its
claim and that the trial court properly exercised its discretion
discretion when it determined that the “Misrepresentation of
in determining that the misrepresentation claims should be
the Insurance Policy” claim and the “Violations of the DTPA”
tried with the breach of contract claim.
claim should remain pending with the breach of contract
claim, we deny Allstate's petition for writ of mandamus
Accordingly, we conditionally grant Allstate's petition for
insofar as it requests an order compelling the trial court
writ of mandamus in part and order the trial court to (1)
to sever and abate the Briers' “Misrepresentation of the
vacate the portion of the December 10, 2013 order that
Insurance Policy” and “Violations of the DTPA” causes of
denies severance and abatement of the “Bad Faith,” “Unfair
action.
Settlement Practices,” and “Failure to Promptly Pay Claims”
causes of action, (2) grant Allstate's motion to sever as to
We are confident that the trial court will promptly comply,
those causes of action, and (3) abate those causes of action
and our writ will issue only if it does not.
until the Briers' breach of contract claim is resolved.
Footnotes
1 The underlying case is Raymond Briers, Jr. and Stacy Briers, Individually, and as Representatives of the Estate of Grant Briers,
Deceased v. Allstate County Mutual Insurance Company, Insurance Network of Texas, Ed die Croix Insurance Agency, Inc., and
Randy S. Croix, cause number 12–DCV–198995, pending in the 240th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, the Hon. Pedro
Ruiz presiding.
2 The Supreme Court has “left open the possibility that an insurer's denial of a claim it was not obliged to pay might nevertheless be in
bad faith if its conduct was extreme and produced damages unrelated to and independent of the policy claim.”Progressive Cnty. Mut.
Ins. Co. v. Boyd, 177 S.W.3d 919, 922 (Tex.2005). The Briers have not, however, alleged that Allstate engaged in any “extreme”
conduct that “produced damages unrelated to and independent of the policy claim.”Id.; see In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384
S.W.3d 429, 438 (Tex.App.-Austin 2012, orig. proceeding). The Briers allege only that Allstate improperly denied their claim and
failed to fairly investigate their claim. See Boyd, 177 S.W.3d at 922; In re Am. Nat'l Cnty. Mut. Ins. Co., 384 S.W.3d at 438.
3 In discovery, the Briers seek production of all documents related to lawsuits and claims against Allstate regarding the denial of claims
under business automobile policies. Examples of these requests include:
Request No. 33: Please produce all documents, communications or other tangible items evidencing the denial of any claim or
attempt to deny a claim by ALLSTATE under any Business Automobile policy, from 2000—present, for a claim asserted by
one insured based on another insured's status.
Request No. 42: Please produce your claims denial journal and any related documents for the past 10 years, relating to the denial
of any claim asserted pursuant to an ALLSTATE Business Automobile policy in Texas.
End of Document © 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 7