Opinion
Case No.: 1:20-cv-1591 AWI JLT
04-25-2021
AMERICAN NATIONAL PROPERTY AND CASUALTY COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. GEORGE WASHINGTON, et al., Defendants.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR DEFAULT JUDGMENT (Doc. 17)
American National Property and Casualty Company asserts that under a homeowner's insurance policy, the company was not obligated to defend George and Juanita Washington—or their business Kool Line Express—in a civil action pending in Kern County Superior Court. (See generally Doc. 1.) Because Defendants have not responded to the allegations in the complaint, Plaintiff now seeks default judgment. (Doc. 17.)
The Court finds the matter suitable for decision without oral argument. Therefore, the motion is taken under submission pursuant to Local Rule 230(g) and General Order 618, and the hearing date of April 28, 2021 is VACATED. For the following reasons, the Court recommends the motion for default judgment be GRANTED. I. Procedural History
On October 17, 2019, an action was filed in Kern County Superior Court, Case No. BCV-19-102967 "against Mr. Washington individually and against Mr. and Mrs. Washington as a married couple doing business as Kool Line Express." (Doc. 1 at 3, ¶ 9.) American National Property and Casualty Company ("ANPAC") initiated this action by filing a complaint on November 12, 2020, seeking an order that the claims alleged in the underlying state court action "are not covered under any of the Policies" and "[a] monetary judgment for the amount of all fees and costs that [Plaintiff] incurs to defend Mr. Washington and Mrs. Washington in the Underlying Action." (See id. at 10.)
The Court issued the summons on November 24, 2020. (Doc. 4.) Tthough Defendants were properly served with the summons and complaint, they failed to respond to the complaint within the time prescribed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Upon application of Plaintiff, default was entered against the Defendants on February 2, 2021. (Docs. 12, 13.) ANPAC filed the motion for default judgment now pending before the Court on March 29, 2021. (Doc. 17.) Defendants have neither appeared nor opposed the motion. II. Legal Standards Governing Default Judgment
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern the entry of default and default judgment. After default is entered because "a party against whom a judgment for relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise defend," the party seeking relief may apply to the court for a default judgment. Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(a)-(b). Upon the entry of default, well-pleaded factual allegations regarding liability are taken as true, but allegations regarding the amount of damages must be proven. Pope v. United States, 323 U.S. 1, 22 (1944). In addition, "necessary facts not contained in the pleadings, and claims which are legally insufficient, are not established by default." Cripps v. Life Ins. Co. of North Am., 980 F.2d 1261, 1267 (9th Cir. 1992) (citing Danning v. Lavine, 572 F.2d 1386, 1388 (9th Cir. 1978)).
Entry of default judgment is within the discretion of the Court. Aldabe v. Aldabe, 616 F.2d 1089, 1092 (9th Cir. 1980). The entry of default "does not automatically entitle the plaintiff to a court-ordered judgment. Pepsico, Inc. v. Cal. Sec. Cans, 238 F.Supp.2d 1172, 1174 (C.D. Cal 2002), accord Draper v. Coombs, 792 F.2d 915, 924-25 (9th Cir. 1986). The Ninth Circuit determined:
Factors which may be considered by courts in exercising discretion as to the entry of a default judgment include: (1) the possibility of prejudice to the plaintiff, (2) the merits of plaintiff's substantive claim, (3) the sufficiency of the complaint, (4) the sum of money at stake in the action, (5) the possibility of a dispute concerning material facts, (6) whether the default was due to excusable neglect, and (7) the strong policy underlying the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure favoring decisions on the merits.Eitel v. McCool, 782 F.2d 1470, 1471-72 (9th Cir. 1986). As a general rule, the issuance of default judgment is disfavored. Id. at 1472. III. Factual Allegations and Evidence
The Court accepts the factual assertions as true, because default has been entered against Defendant. See Pope, 323 U.S. at 22. With the motion now pending, ANPAC has also presented evidence, including in declaratory form and exhibits, which support the allegations in the complaint.
Plaintiff requests that the Court take judicial notice of the complaint filed in Michael Edward Keen, Jr., individually, and as successor-in-interest to Crystal Lynn Pearigen v. George Washington, et al., Case No. BCV-19-102967. (Doc. 17-3 at 2.) The Court may take judicial notice of a fact that "is not subject to reasonable dispute because it (1) is generally known within the trial court's territorial jurisdiction; or (2) can be accurately and readily determined from sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned." Fed. R. Evid. 201. The records of court proceedings cannot reasonably be questioned, and judicial notice may be taken of a court's record and docket. Mullis v. United States Bank. Ct., 828 F.2d 1385, 1388 n.9 (9th Cir. 1987); Valerio v. Boise Cascade Corp., 80 F.R.D. 626, 635 n. 1 (N.D.Cal.1978), aff'd 645 F.2d 699 (9th Cir. 1981); see also Rodic v. Thistledown Racing Club, Inc., 615 F.2d 736, 738 (6th. Cir. 1980). Accordingly, the Court takes judicial notice of the filing of the complaint and claims presented.
On October 17, 2019, Michael Edward Keen, Jr. filed a complaint in Kern County Superior Court against George Washington, individually, and the Washingtons "as married couple doing business as Kool Line Express." (Doc. 1 at 2-3, ¶ 7; see also Doc. 17-3 at 5.) In the complaint. Keen alleged his mother, Crystal Lynn Pearigen, was attacked and killed on June 16, 2019, by two dogs after they escaped through an opening in the perimeter fence surrounding the premises of Kool Line Express located at 2523 Gilmore Avenue in Bakersfield, California. (Id. at 4, ¶ 10; see also Doc. 17-3 at 6.) Keen state claims for "general negligence" and "intentional tort" on an individual basis and as successor-in-interest to Pearigen. (Id. at 3, ¶ 9; Doc. 17-3 at 6-8.)
ANPAC asserts the "dogs were owned by one or more of the Underlying Defendants and were exclusively kept at [Kool Line Express] for the explicit purpose of protecting the Business Property and its contents." (Doc. 1 at 4, ¶ 11.) In the state court action, Keen alleges the defendants "knew about but failed to secure the opening in the perimeter fence, and thus the subject dogs were allowed to leave and re-enter the Business Property." (Id., ¶ 12.) Further, Keen asserts the defendants "were careless in handling the subject dogs, and ... knew or should have known that the dogs had a vicious propensity to attack people and were of breeds that have aggressive tendencies, and that members of the general public were at risk of harm from them." (Id. at 13.) Thus, Keen asserts the defendants "are at fault for and/or are strictly liable for Ms. Pearigen's death" and "liable for an intentional tort based on his claims that they acted with conscious, knowing, willful, and/or reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others." (Id., ¶¶ 14-15.)
At the time of the incident underlying the state court complaint, the Washingtons maintained a homeowners policy with ANPAC, doing business as Pacific Property and Casualty Company. (Doc. 1 at 5, ¶ 16.) ANPAC reports that in Homeowners Policy No. 04-X-W8066-9, the only insured property was located at 3608 Tori Lorene Avenue in Bakersfield, California. (Id.) Plaintiff reports "ANPAC, doing business as Pacific Property and Casualty Company, also issued two rental-owners policies to Mr. Washington: number 04-K-34000P-6, in effect from November 20, 2018 to November 20, 2019, and number 04-K-U987384, in effect from October 1, 2018 to October 1, 2019." (Id. at 6, ¶ 22.) The Rental-Owners Policies addressed properties located at 138 Milham Drive and 2162 Normal Avenue in Bakersfield, California. (Id.)
Under the Homeowners Policy, the Washingtons were provided coverage for "bodily injury that an insured is legally obligated to pay resulting from a covered occurrence." (Doc. 1 at 5, ¶ 16, internal quotation marks omitted.) "The Homeowners Policy contain[ed] an exclusion that states [the] insurance coverage shall not apply to bodily injury 'arising out of business pursuits of any insured or the rental or holding for rental of any part of any premises by an insured.'" (Id., ¶ 18; see also Doc. 17-2 at 63, Section II- Exclusions, ¶ 1(b).) In addition, the Homeowners Policy indicated "coverage shall not apply to bodily injury 'arising out of the use of any location which is not an insured location and which is owned by or leased to any insured.'" (Id., ¶ 19; see also Doc. 17-2 at 63, Section II-Exclusions, ¶ 1(g).)
Under the Rental-Owners Policies, Mr. Washington was "provide[d] coverage for liability for 'bodily injury' and 'personal injury' caused by an 'occurrence' and which arises from the ownership, maintenance, or use of the 'insured premises,' as defined by the Rental-Owners Policies." (Doc. 1 at 6, ¶ 22.) "In the Rental-Owners Policies the 'insured premises' are defined to mean the Rental Properties, one or two family premises for which ownership or control is acquired and for which there is a reported intention to insure under the policy, and the ways immediately adjoining insured premises." (Id., ¶ 23.)
"ANPAC agreed to defend [both] Mr. Washington and Mrs. Washington individually in the Underlying Action under the Homeowners Policy under a reservation of rights and offered to provide them with independent counsel under Civil Code § 2860." (Doc. 1 at 5, ¶ 20.) "ANPAC disclaimed coverage" for Kool Line Express, which was not an insured under the Homeowners Poolicy. (Id. at 6, ¶ 21.) In addition, ANPAC disclaimed coverage for Mr. Washington under the Rental-Owners Policies. (Id., ¶ 23.)
ANPAC now argues "there is no coverage under the Homeowners Policy for the Underlying Action" for the Washingtons because (1) "[t]he Underlying Injury arose out of one or more of the Underlying Defendants' business pursuits, since the subject dogs were exclusively kept at the Business Property for the explicit purpose of protecting the Business Property and its contents"; and (2) "[t]he Underlying Injury arose out of the use of the Business Property, which is not an insured location and which is owned by or leased to one or more of the Underlying Defendants." (Doc. 1 at 8, ¶ 38.) IV. Discussion and Analysis
Applying the factors articulated by the Ninth Circuit in Eitel, the Court finds the factors weigh in favor of granting the motion for default judgment.
A. Prejudice to Plaintiff
The first factor considers whether a plaintiff would suffer prejudice if default judgment is not entered, and potential prejudice to the plaintiff weighs in favor of granting a default judgment. See Pepsico, Inc., 238 F. Supp. 2d at 1177. Generally, where default has been entered against a defendant, a plaintiff has no other means by which to recover damages. Id.; see also Microsoft Corp. v. Nop, 549 F. Supp.2d 1233, 1236-37 (E.D. Cal. 2008) ("Plaintiff will be prejudiced if default judgment is denied because plaintiff will be without other recourse for recovery").
Because ANPAC has no other means to address its obligations under the identified policies, the Court finds Plaintiff would be prejudiced if default judgment is not granted. See Burlington Ins. Co. v. Diamond Partners, Inc., 2011 WL 284490, at *3 (E.D. Cal. Jan. 25, 2011) (finding prejudice where an insurance company "would be denied a judicial determination as to whether there is a duty to indemnify and defend... and whether it is entitled to reimbursement for the cost of defense"); Mesa Underwriters Specialty Ins. Co. v. Paradise Skate, Inc., 2016 WL 9045622, at *3 (N.D. Cal. April 11, 2016) ("There is potential prejudice where denying default judgment would deny an insurer a judicial determination as to whether it has a duty to indemnify and defend the defendant and whether it is entitled to reimbursement of the defense costs in the underlying action."). Consequently, the Court finds this factor weighs in favor of the entry of default judgment.
B. Merits of Plaintiff's claims and the sufficiency of the complaint
Given the kinship of these factors, the Court considers the merits of Plaintiff's claims and the sufficiency of the complaint together. See Yelp Inc. v. Catron, 70 F. Supp. 3d 1082, 1098 (N.D. Cal. 2014) ("For ease of analysis, the merits of Plaintiffs substantive claims and sufficiency of the complaint are considered together"); see also Premier Pool Mgmt. Corp. v. Lusk, 2012 WL 15932060, at *5 (E.D. Cal. May 4, 2012). The Ninth Circuit has suggested that, when combined, the factors require a plaintiff to "state a claim on which the plaintiff may recover." Pepsico, Inc., 238 F. Supp. 2d at 1175.
1. Claim for declaratory relief
The Declaratory Judgment Act allows a federal court to "declare the rights and other legal relations" of parties to a "case of actual controversy." 28 U.S.C. § 2201; Spokane Indian Tribe v. United States, 972 F.2d 1090, 1091 (9th Cir. 1992). The Declaratory Judgment Act requires that a party seeking declaratory relief must allege (1) an actual controversy (2) regarding a matter within federal subject matter jurisdiction. 28 U.S.C. § 2201(a). The Court has the discretion to determine whether to entertain an action for declaratory relief, because the Declaratory Judgment Act "gave the federal courts competence to make a declaration of rights; it did not impose a duty to do so." Public Affairs Assoc. v. Rickover, 369 U.S. 111, 112 (1962); Gov't Employees Ins. Co. v. Dizol, 133 F.3d 1220, 1223 (9th Cir. 1998). A declaratory relief claim operates "prospectively," not to redress past wrongs. Britz Fertilizers, Inc. v. Bayer Corp., 665 F.Supp.2d 1142, 1173 (E.D. Cal. 2009).
The Ninth Circuit determined that "[d]eclaratory relief is appropriate (1) when the judgment will serve a useful purpose in clarifying and settling the legal relations in issue, and (2) when it will terminate and afford relief from the uncertainty, insecurity, and controversy giving rise to the proceeding." Eureka Fed. Sav. & Loan Assoc. v. American Cas. Co., 873 F.2d 229, 231 (9th Cir. 1989). To determine whether a controversy invokes declaratory relief, the Court must determine whether there is a "substantial controversy, between parties having adverse legal rights, or sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant the issuance of a declaratory judgment." Maryland Cas. Co. v. Pacific Coal & Oil Co., 312 U.S. 270, 273 (1941).
There is a controversy regarding Plaintiff's obligations under the policies issued to George and Juanita Washington, and whether ANPAC has a duty to defend the Washingtons in the underlying state court action. Second, this Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 because there is complete diversity between the parties and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. (See Doc. 1 at 2-3, ¶¶ 2-5, 7.) Notably, declaratory relief is often sought in actions between insurers and insureds to determine rights and obligations under an insurance policy. See United States Transp. Indem., 544 F.2d 393, 395 (1976). The facts above support the requested relief, as the events in the underlying action did not occur at a covered location and related to the Washingtons' business pursuits. Further, Kool Line Express was not a party covered by either the Homeowners Policy or Rental-Owners Policies.
2. Claim for reimbursement of costs
An insurance company is "entitled to recoup costs expended in defending its insured where, as here, it is later determined that it had no duty to defend." Atain Specialty Ins. Co. v. River Heights Condos, LLC, 2012 WL 6589227, at *2 (E.D. Cal. Dec. 17, 2012), citing Scottsdale Ins. Co. v. MV Transp., 36 Cal.4th 643, 662 (2005). Accordingly, because the claims in the underlying state court action were not covered under the policies, Plaintiff is entitled to the reimbursement of costs related to its defense of George and Juanita Washington.
3. Conclusion
Based upon the allegations of the complaint and supporting documentation, the Court finds Plaintiff stated a cognizable claim for declaratory relief and is also reimbursement of costs. Thus, these factors support the entry of default judgment.
C. Sum of money at stake
In considering this factor, the Court "must consider the amount of money at stake in relation to the seriousness of Defendant's conduct." Pepsico, Inc., 238 F.Supp.2d at 1176. Here, Plaintiff predominately seeks declaratory relief through the motion for default judgment and indicates any motion for reimbursement will be brought by separate motion. Thus, the Court finds this factor does not weigh against the entry of default judgment. See Echelon Property & Casualty Ins. Co. v. Allstate Med Trans LLC, 2020 WL 3192432, at *3 (D. Ar. June 15, 2020) ("Where the plaintiff's claim is for declaratory relief rather than money damages, . . . courts have found that this factor weighs in favor of granting default judgment").
D. Possibility of dispute concerning material facts
There is little possibility of dispute concerning material facts because (1) based on the entry of default, the Court accepts factual allegations in the Complaint as true and (2) though properly served, the defendants failed to appear and defend. See Pepsico, Inc., 238 F.Supp.2d at 1177; see also Elektra Entm't Group, Inc. v. Crawford, 226 F.R.D. 388, 393 (C.D. Cal. 2005) ("Because all allegations in a well-pleaded complaint are taken as true after the court clerk enters default judgment, there is no likelihood that any genuine issue of material fact exists"). Therefore, this factor does not weigh against default judgment.
E. Whether default was due to excusable neglect
Generally, the Court will consider whether a defendant's actions— such as failure to file an answer— is due to excusable neglect. See Eitel, 782 F.2d at 1472. Here, Defendants were served with the summons and complaint on November 16, 2020. (Doc. 4.) In addition, Catherine Hall, counsel for Plaintiff, reports she was contacted by Roger Lampkin, who identified himself as "an attorney representing the Washingtons in connection with the instant action" in February and March 2021. (Doc. 17-1 at 3-4, ¶¶ 11-13.) Thus, it is clear Defendants are aware of the suit, and it is unlikely the failure to respond was the result of excusable neglect. Shanghai Automation Instrument Co., Ltd. v. Kuei, 194 F.Supp.2d 995, 1005 (N.D. Cal. 2001) (finding no excusable neglect because the defendants "were properly served with the Complaint, the notice of entry of default"). Accordingly, this factor does not weigh against default judgment.
F. Policy disfavoring default judgment
As noted above, default judgments are disfavored because "[c]ases should be decided on their merits whenever reasonably possible." Eitel, 782 F.2d at 1472. Here, however, the policy underlying the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure favoring decisions on the merits does not weigh against default judgment because the Washingtons' failure to appear makes a decision on the merits impractical. V. Relief Requested
Based upon the foregoing, the Eitel factors weigh in favor of granting default judgment, and the Court turns to the relief requested by Plaintiff. In its Motion, Plaintiff seeks: the Court's declaration that (1) ANPAC it does not have a duty to defend George Washington, Juanita Washington, or Kool Line Express in the underlying action, (2) ANPAC may withdraw from the defense of the Washingtons in the state court action; and (3) ANPAC is entitled to reimbursement of fees and costs incurred in defending in the underlying action. (See generally Doc. 17; Doc. 17-4 at 2.) For the reasons discussed above, the Court finds the entry of default judgment is appropriate and ANPAC is entitled the requested declaratory relief. VI. Findings and Recommendations
The Eitel factors weigh in favor of granting default judgment, and the entry of default judgment is within the discretion of the Court. See Aldabe, 616 F.2d at 1092. Based upon the foregoing, the Court RECOMMENDS:
1. Plaintiff's motion for default judgment (Doc. 17) be GRANTED;
2. The Court issue judgment finding Plaintiff had no obligation under the Homeowners Policy or Rental-Owners Policy to defend George Washington, Juanita Washington, or Kool Line Express in the underlying state court action, Case No. BCV-19-102967;
3. Plaintiff be permitted to withdraw its defense of George Washington and Juanita Washington; and
4. Plaintiff be directed to file any motion for reimbursement of fees and costs incurred within 30 days of any order addressing these recommendations.
These Findings and Recommendations are submitted to the United States District Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and Rule 304 of the Local Rules of Practice for the United States District Court, Eastern District of California. Within fourteen days of the date of service of these Findings and Recommendations, any party may file written objections with the court. Such a document should be captioned "Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations." ///
The parties are advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991); Wilkerson v. Wheeler, 772 F.3d 834, 834 (9th Cir. 2014). IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated: April 25 , 2021
/s/ Jennifer L. Thurston
CHIEF UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE