Narrative Opinion Summary
This case involves an appeal by Wysong Miles Company against a superior court's decision granting summary judgment in favor of Western Industrial Movers, following a determination that Movers' settlement with plaintiffs Richard and Anna Leverton was made in good faith under Code of Civil Procedure section 877.6. The dispute originated from injuries sustained by Richard Leverton, who was injured by a press brake at his workplace, which Movers had previously relocated. Wysong Miles filed a cross-complaint for indemnity, arguing that the settlement amount was disproportionately low compared to the claims, but failed to prove the settlement lacked good faith. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, emphasizing the substantial evidence supporting the good faith determination and the procedural appropriateness of the expedited hearing on this matter. The court held that Wysong Miles had not demonstrated a lack of good faith, as Movers provided evidence negating liability. Additionally, the court rejected claims of procedural violations and upheld the summary judgment, dismissing all cross-complaints. The Supreme Court declined to review the case, leaving the appellate court's decision intact.
Legal Issues Addressed
Burden of Proof in Good Faith Settlement Challengessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Wysong Miles failed to demonstrate a lack of good faith in the settlement amount, as evidence suggested no liability on Movers' part.
Reasoning: The appellant was responsible for demonstrating a lack of good faith regarding the settlement under section 877.6, subdivision d.
Good Faith Settlement under Code of Civil Procedure Section 877.6subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The trial court and appellate court upheld the determination that the settlement between Western Industrial Movers and the plaintiffs was made in good faith, thus protecting Movers from further claims for contribution.
Reasoning: The trial court determined that a settlement between Movers and plaintiffs Richard and Anna Leverton was made in 'good faith' under Code of Civil Procedure section 877.6.
Law of the Case Doctrinesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Issues regarding the timing of the good faith hearing and constitutional rights claims were precluded by previous appellate rulings as the law of the case.
Reasoning: The appellant's additional claims, including the desire for the trial court to defer the good faith hearing until trial and allegations of violations of the right to a jury trial and cross-examination, were previously addressed in an opinion by Division One and are binding as the law of the case.
Procedural Right to a Hearing on Good Faithsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The appellate court granted a petition for a writ of mandate ensuring the trial court held an expedited hearing on the good faith settlement motion.
Reasoning: The appellate court granted the petition, emphasizing that the trial court should not have postponed the ruling on good faith until after a bifurcated trial.
Summary Judgment Based on Good Faith Settlementssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court granted summary judgment in favor of Movers, discharging them from contribution claims due to the good faith settlement.
Reasoning: Movers argued that this settlement warranted dismissal of the cross-complaint under section 877, which discharges a tortfeasor from liability for contribution to other tortfeasors when a good faith settlement is reached.