Trevino & Associates Mechanical, L.P. and Mike Trevino. Sr. v. the Frost National Bank , 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS 4539 ( 2013 )


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  • Affirmed; and Opinion Filed April 9, 2013.
    S   In The
    Court of Appeals
    Fifth District of Texas at Dallas
    No. 05-11-00650-CV
    TREVINO & ASSOCIATES MECHANICAL, L.P.,
    AND MIKE TREVINO, SR., Appellants
    V.
    THE FROST NATIONAL BANK, Appellee
    On Appeal from the 14th Judicial District Court
    Dallas County, Texas
    Trial Court Cause No. DC-10-06459
    OPINION
    Before Justices Bridges, Lang and Richter 1
    Opinion by Justice Lang
    Trevino & Associates Mechanical, L.P., (TAM) and Mike Trevino, Sr., a/k/a Miguel
    Trevino, Sr., appeal the trial court’s final judgment dismissing all of its counterclaims against
    The Frost National Bank (Frost Bank). TAM raises two issues on appeal, claiming the trial court
    erred when it (1) granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment on its
    counterclaims for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, negligent misrepresentation, fraud,
    conversion, and wrongful setoff; and (2) granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial traditional
    summary judgment on its counterclaims as to damages. Trevino did not file a brief in this
    appeal.
    1
    The Hon. Martin E. Richter, retired Justice, sitting by assignment.
    We affirm the trial court’s final judgment as to Trevino because he did not file a brief on
    appeal. We conclude the trial court did not err when it granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial
    no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s counterclaims. Based on this conclusion, we need
    not address TAM’s claim that the trial court erred when it granted Frost Bank’s motion for
    partial traditional summary judgment on TAM’s counterclaims. The trial court’s final judgment
    is affirmed.
    I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
    TAM is a mechanical contractor that provides plumbing, heating, air conditioning,
    piping, and duct work. Frost Bank provided TAM with a line of credit to allow it to complete its
    construction projects and expand its business. In 2006, TAM and Frost Bank signed a business
    loan agreement for a $3.5 million line of credit that was secured by a commercial security
    agreement. The business loan agreement matured in 2008, but was renewed and extended to
    April 30, 2009. On May 12, 2009, Frost Bank sent TAM a notice stating that its line of credit
    had matured and the amount due was stated. That sum was $2,309,749.89.
    On June 4, 2009, Trevino met with representatives of Frost Bank. At the conclusion of
    the meeting, Trevino believed that Frost Bank had orally renewed and extended the business loan
    agreement for three months or until July 30, 2009, and he had until June 30, 2009, to provide
    Frost Bank with a business plan. No written renewal and extension or other written agreement
    was signed by the parties at that time.
    Subsequent to the above meeting, Frost Bank sent TAM a written notice dated June 19,
    2009, stating the maturity date of the loan as June 30, 2009 and that TAM’s line of credit was
    due on that date. Also, on June 19, 2009, Frost Bank setoff from TAM’s account at Frost Bank
    $660,089.17, which constituted all of the funds in TAM’s operating account. Frost Bank sent
    2
    TAM written notice of the setoff on June 22, 2009. That notice listed the maturity date of the
    loan as April 30, 2009. According to TAM, Frost Bank’s actions caused TAM to lay off its
    employees and resulted in its inability to complete eight ongoing construction projects. Liberty
    Mutual was surety for those projects and incurred the cost of completion. As a result, Liberty
    Mutual sued TAM and obtained a judgment against it for $6,198,186.00 plus pre- and post-
    judgment interest.
    Frost Bank sued TAM for breach of contract respecting the loan and Trevino on his
    personal guaranty. Frost Bank claimed it was owed $1,741,469.88, and sought pre- and post-
    judgment interest and its attorney’s fees. It alleged that the loan agreement with TAM matured
    by its own terms on April 30, 2009, at which time the outstanding principal and interest became
    due and payable. TAM and Trevino answered the lawsuit generally denying the claims and
    asserting the affirmative defenses of estoppel, laches, accord and satisfaction, failure of
    consideration, waiver, failure to satisfy all conditions precedent to recovery, failure to mitigate
    damages, ratification, and payment and release. They also alleged counterclaims sounding in
    fraud, fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, special
    relationship, breach of contract, promissory estoppel, conversion, and wrongful setoff, and
    sought damages and attorney’s fees. All of the counterclaims were based on the allegation that
    Frost Bank orally renewed and extended the note.
    Frost Bank moved for partial traditional summary judgment on its breach of contract
    claim against TAM and Trevino arguing the loan agreement with TAM and Trevino expired by
    its own terms. The record contains no response by TAM and Trevino to that motion. The trial
    court granted partial summary judgment on Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim and awarded it
    3
    $1,758,322.48 in damages, pre-judgment interest, and attorney’s fees. See TEX. R. CIV. P.
    166a(e).
    Frost Bank answered the counterclaims of TAM and Trevinio, generally denying the
    counterclaims, asserting the affirmative defense of failure of consideration, and seeking an offset
    and reduction of any amount awarded to TAM from the amount already awarded to Frost Bank
    on its breach of contract claim. Then, Frost Bank filed a series of motions for partial summary
    judgment, both traditional and no-evidence.
    First, Frost Bank filed a motion for partial traditional and no-evidence summary
    judgment on TAM and Trevino’s counterclaims for breach of fiduciary duty and special
    relationship. There is no response by either TAM or Trevino in the record on appeal. The trial
    court granted that motion and ordered that TAM and Trevino take-nothing on those
    counterclaims.
    Second, Frost Bank filed a motion for partial traditional and no-evidence summary
    judgment on all of Trevino’s remaining counterclaims. There is no response to this motion by
    Trevino in the record on appeal. The trial court granted that motion and ordered that Trevino
    take-nothing on his counterclaims.
    Third, Frost Bank filed a motion for partial traditional and no-evidence summary
    judgment    on    TAM’s     counterclaims     for       fraud,   fraudulent   inducement,   negligent
    misrepresentation, breach of contract, promissory estoppel, conversion, and wrongful setoff.
    This motion for partial traditional summary judgment asserted that TAM’s counterclaims lacked
    merit, as a matter of law, because Frost Bank did not cause TAM’s alleged damages since the
    evidence shows that TAM’s liabilities exceeded its assets before Frost Bank setoff TAM’s
    operating account.
    4
    TAM filed a response to Frost Bank’s final motion for partial traditional and no-evidence
    summary judgment, claiming that in its response it raised an issue of material fact as to its
    counterclaims for negligent misrepresentation, fraud, breach of contract, promissory estoppel,
    conversion, wrongful setoff, and damages. TAM did not respond to Frost Bank’s motion for
    partial no-evidence summary judgment on its counterclaim for fraudulent inducement. Also,
    TAM did not file a motion asking the trial court to reconsider the prior partial traditional
    summary judgment rendered in favor of Frost Bank on its breach of contract claim. However,
    TAM filed a motion to strike the affidavit of Frost Bank’s senior vice president, which was filed
    in support of its motions for partial traditional and no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s
    counterclaims. There is no ruling in the record on that motion.
    Frost Bank filed a reply to TAM’s summary judgment response that included an
    objection to some of TAM’s summary judgment evidence. Specifically, Frost Bank objected to
    the judgment, original petition, and motion for summary judgment filed in the suit by Liberty
    Mutual against TAM as being unauthenticated hearsay. The record does not show the trial court
    ruled on Frost Bank’s objection. In the trial court’s final judgment, rendered in favor of Frost
    Bank, the trial court stated it granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial traditional and no-evidence
    summary judgment on TAM’s counterclaims and incorporated its previous, partial summary
    judgment orders.
    In its brief on appeal, TAM specifically challenges only the portion of the trial court’s
    final judgment that granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment on
    TAM’s counterclaims for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, negligent misrepresentation,
    fraud, conversion, and wrongful setoff, and partial traditional motion for summary judgment as
    to damages. TAM does not challenge the trial court’s partial traditional summary judgment on
    5
    Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim or on TAM’s counterclaims for breach of fiduciary duty,
    special relationship, and fraudulent inducement.
    II. JUDGMENT AGAINST TREVINO
    TAM and Trevino filed a joint notice of appeal of the trial court’s final judgment.
    However, Trevino did not file a brief on appeal and TAM’s brief does not state or otherwise
    indicate that it was filed on behalf of Trevino. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court’s final
    judgment as to Trevino.
    III. SUMMARY JUDGMENT ON TAM’S COUNTERCLAIMS
    In issue one, TAM argues the trial court erred when it granted Frost Bank’s motion for
    partial no-evidence summary judgment on its counterclaims for breach of contract, negligent
    misrepresentation, fraud, promissory estoppel, conversion, and wrongful setoff.
    A. Breach of Contract
    TAM argues on appeal that its counterclaim for breach of contract was supported by
    summary judgment evidence that shows Frost Bank orally renewed and extended the loan
    agreement, agreed not to setoff TAM’s operating account, and agreed to negotiate in good faith
    while TAM prepared its business plan. In its appellate brief, Frost Bank asserts “[TAM] does
    not challenge the contract documents or the money judgment in favor of [Frost Bank]. The
    express language of those uncontested contracts controls the issues on [TAM’s] counterclaims
    and is dispositive of all issues in the case.” Further, Frost Bank responds that TAM cannot show
    an oral contract was formed at the June 4, 2009 meeting and therefore, there is no breach. Also,
    Frost Bank argues that TAM failed to produce any evidence demonstrating it performed or was
    excused from performing under the alleged oral contract because it admits that it never submitted
    the required business plan.
    6
    1. Standard of Review
    An appellant must attack every ground relied on for which summary judgment could
    have been granted in order to obtain a reversal. See Malooly Bros., Inc. v. Napier, 
    461 S.W.2d 119
    , 121 (Tex. 1970); Worldwide Asset Purchasing, LLC v. Rent-A-Center E., Inc., 
    290 S.W.3d 554
    , 569 (Tex. App.–Dallas 2009, no pet.). If an appellant fails to challenge one of the grounds
    for summary judgment, an appellate court may affirm the summary judgment on that ground
    alone. See Worldwide 
    Asset, 290 S.W.3d at 569
    .
    2. Applicable Law
    The issues determined on a motion for partial summary judgment are final, even though
    the judgment is interlocutory. Martin v. First Republic Bank, Fort Worth, N.S., 
    799 S.W.2d 482
    ,
    488 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1990, writ denied); Linder v. Valero Transmission Co., 
    736 S.W.2d 807
    , 810 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 1987, writ ref’d n.r.e.) (clear purpose of former version of
    Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 166a(e) 2 is to make issues determined in motion for summary
    judgment final); Tex. United Ins. Co. v. Burt Ford Enters., Inc., 
    703 S.W.2d 828
    , 833 (Tex.
    App.—Tyler 1986, no writ) (discussing former version of rule 166a(e)); Cunningham v.
    Eastham, 
    465 S.W.2d 189
    , 192 (Tex. Civ. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1971, writ ref’d n.r.e.)
    (same); City of Houston v. Socony Mobil Oil Co., 
    421 S.W.2d 427
    , 430 (Tex. Civ. App.—
    Houston [1st Dist.] 1967, writ ref’d n.r.e.) (same). 3 After an interlocutory, partial summary
    2
    Effective September 1, 1997, rule 166a(e) was amended by “making minor changes in the wording of that
    subsection. This change was intended simply as a clarification of the existing rule.” Timothy Patton, Summary
    Judgments in Texas: Practice Procedure and Review § 3.03[1] (3d ed. 2012).
    3
    See also Timothy Patton, Summary Judgments in Texas: Practice Procedure and Review § 3.03[2] (issues
    determined by partial summary judgment are final even though judgment is interlocutory) (3d ed. 2012); 3 Roy
    W. McDonald & Elaine A. Grafton Carlson, Texas Civil Practice § 18:4 (2d ed. 2000) (“A summary judgment
    order that does not purport to dispose of all parties and all issues is interlocutory even though [] rule [166a(e)]
    anticipates that ordinarily a ruling made under it shall be conclusive at the trial with respect to the facts that it
    specifies.”).
    7
    judgment is granted, the issues it decides cannot be litigated further, unless the trial court sets the
    partial summary judgment aside or the summary judgment is reversed on appeal. 
    Martin, 799 S.W.2d at 488
    –89; 
    Linder, 736 S.W.2d at 810
    (issues decided cannot be further litigated unless
    interlocutory summary judgment set aside by trial court or reversed on appeal); 
    Cunningham, 465 S.W.2d at 192
    (same); 
    Socony, 421 S.W.2d at 430
    (same). 4
    3. Application of the Law to the Facts
    At this juncture, we review whether TAM has challenged all grounds that could support
    the trial court’s final judgment that granted partial no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s
    breach of contract counterclaim. As indicated above, Frost Bank moved for partial traditional
    summary judgment on its breach of contract claim against TAM arguing it was an “undisputed”
    material fact that “the loan agreement matured by its own terms on April 30, 2009, at which time
    all outstanding principal and interest became fully due and payable.” The record contains no
    response by TAM and Trevino to that motion.                   The trial court granted partial traditional
    summary judgment on Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim and awarded it $1,758,322.48 in
    damages. The partial traditional summary judgment expressly found, inter alia, both Trevino and
    TAM were “jointly and severally” liable for damages awarded and Frost Bank’s “lien interest in
    [TAM’s] business equipment and accounts receivable are hereby foreclosed.” As a matter of
    law, the partial traditional summary judgment on Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim fixed
    TAM’s liability. See Tex. 
    United, 703 S.W.2d at 833
    ; 
    Socony, 421 S.W.2d at 430
    . The issues
    decided by an interlocutory, partial summary judgment cannot be relitigated further, unless the
    trial court sets that order aside. See 
    Martin, 799 S.W.2d at 488
    –89; 
    Linder, 736 S.W.2d at 810
    ;
    
    Cunningham, 465 S.W.2d at 192
    ; 
    Socony, 421 S.W.2d at 430
    .
    4
    See also Patton, § 3.03[2]; 3 McDonald & Carlson, § 18:4 (2d ed. Supp. 2012).
    8
    Then, Frost Bank sought partial no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s remaining
    counterclaims, including its counterclaim for breach of contract. In an attempt to revisit the facts
    that were established, as a matter of law, by the trial court’s partial summary judgment order on
    Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim, TAM responded to the motion for partial no-evidence
    summary judgment on its breach of contract counterclaim by attaching evidence it claimed
    demonstrated the loan agreement was orally renewed and extended. TAM did not file a motion
    to reconsider, modify, or set aside the partial traditional summary judgment on Frost Bank’s
    breach of contract claim. There is nothing in the record indicating the trial court set aside the
    partial traditional summary judgment order on Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim. Further,
    the trial court granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s
    breach of contract counterclaim. That is consistent with the trial court’s earlier partial traditional
    summary judgment rendered on Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim.
    On appeal, TAM does not challenge the trial court’s partial traditional summary
    judgment on Frost Bank’s breach of contract claim. See, e.g., 
    Socony, 421 S.W.2d at 430
    (when
    appellant did not raise as error the trial court’s interlocutory, partial summary judgment, the
    propriety of that partial summary judgment is not considered on appeal).               Applying the
    appropriate standard of review, we must conclude the trial court did not err when it granted Frost
    Bank’s motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s breach of contract
    counterclaim because TAM has not challenged every possible ground for the trial court’s
    summary judgment. See 
    Malooly, 461 S.W.2d at 121
    ; Worldwide 
    Asset, 290 S.W.3d at 569
    .
    B. Negligent Misrepresentation and Fraud
    Where, as here, a plaintiff seeks “to recover [for negligent misrepresentation and fraud]
    what [it] would have gained had the [alleged oral agreement] been performed, the gist of [the]
    9
    cause of action is the breach of the alleged oral promise.” See 1001 McKinney Ltd v. Credit
    Suisse First Boston Mortg. Capital, 
    192 S.W.3d 20
    , 29 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2005,
    pet. denied). Because TAM’s negligent misrepresentation and fraud counterclaims arise from
    the alleged oral agreement to extend the loan, based on our resolution of TAM’s breach of
    contract counterclaim, we conclude the trial court did not err when it granted Frost Bank’s
    motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment on those counterclaims. See 1001 
    McKinney, 192 S.W.3d at 29
    .
    C. Promissory Estoppel
    TAM argues that its counterclaim for promissory estoppel was supported by summary
    judgment evidence. Frost Bank does not specifically respond on appeal to TAM’s argument
    relating to the partial no-evidence summary judgment on its promissory estoppel counterclaim.
    However, in its motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment, Frost Bank argued that TAM
    could produce no evidence supporting any element of its promissory estoppel counterclaim. In
    its reply to TAM’s response to its motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment, Frost Bank
    argued TAM failed to raise any evidence showing that it made any representation on which
    TAM justifiably relied or prove causation.
    1. Applicable Law
    Generally, promissory estoppel is a viable alternative to breach of contract. Allied Vista,
    Inc. v. Holt, 
    987 S.W.2d 138
    , 141 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1999, pet. denied).
    Promissory estoppel is not applicable to a promise covered by a valid contract between the
    parties. However, promissory estoppel will apply to a promise outside a contract. See Richter v.
    Wagner Oil Co., 
    90 S.W.3d 890
    , 899 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2002, no pet.). The elements of
    a promissory estoppel claim are (1) a promise, (2) foreseeability of reliance thereon by the
    10
    promisor, and (3) substantial detrimental reliance by the promisee. See English v. Fischer, 
    660 S.W.2d 521
    , 524 (Tex. 1983); Fretz Constr. Co. v. S. Nat’l Bank of Houston, 
    626 S.W.2d 478
    ,
    480 (Tex. 1981). To show detrimental reliance, the plaintiff must demonstrate that he materially
    changed his position in reliance on the promise. See 
    English, 660 S.W.2d at 524
    (finding no
    promissory estoppel when plaintiff could not show he would not have taken his detrimental
    actions if defendant had not made promise); Sandel v. ATP Oil & Gas Corp., 
    243 S.W.3d 749
    ,
    753 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2007, no pet.) (demonstrating failure to seek another job
    was insufficient to show detrimental reliance, employee required to show that but for stock
    option letter, he would have stopped working for employer).
    2. Application of the Law to the Facts
    In TAM’s second amended original answer and counterclaims, TAM alleged it
    “reasonably and substantially relied, to its detriment, on Frost [Bank’s] promises—which is
    evidenced by TAM’s substantial cash deposit made in June 2009. Because of the nature of Frost
    [Bank’s] promise, TAM’s reliance was both reasonable and substantial.” In its response to Frost
    Bank’s motion for partial no-evidence summary judgment, TAM argued it reasonably and
    substantially relied on Frost Bank’s promise to its detriment as follows:
    Because of Frost [Bank’s] promises, TAM continued its banking relationship with
    Frost [Bank] and continued to deposit money into its Frost [Bank] operating
    account. Acting in good faith, TAM was preparing its business proposal, but
    before it had a chance to present it to Frost [Bank], Frost [Bank] setoff its
    account. As a result, TAM never received the retainage it planned to use to pay
    down its line of credit and it was forced to cease operations. In addition, Frost
    [Bank’s] representations prevented TAM from seeking additional funding from
    another source to avoid being put out of business.
    (Citations omitted). In support of its argument that it deposited money into its operating account
    in June 2009, TAM referred the trial court to Trevino’s affidavit, which states, “[TAM] further
    provided assurances to Frost [Bank] that its credit balance would be paid down from its accounts
    11
    receivables and outstanding retainage and that TAM would continue its banking relationship
    with Frost [Bank],” and a bank statement for TAM’s operating account showing that TAM made
    several deposits in June 2009. TAM did not cite any summary judgment testimony or evidence
    to support its claim that Frost Bank’s promises prevented TAM from seeking funding from
    another source or that he continued to make deposits at Frost Bank in June 2009 because of the
    alleged oral representation.
    In TAM’s brief on appeal, TAM argued it raised evidence of a fact issue on its
    promissory estoppel counterclaim as to the element of reliance, claiming:
    The record revealed that Trevino testified by deposition and affidavit that because
    of Frost [Bank’s] promises, TAM continued its banking relationship with Frost
    [Bank] and continued to deposit money into its Frost [Bank] operating account.
    Acting in good faith, TAM was preparing its business proposal, but before it had a
    chance to present it to Frost [Bank], Frost [Bank] setoff its account. There was no
    evidence in the record to suggest TAM should not have relied on the promises.
    Instead, the parties’ prior actions lent credibility to Frost [Bank’s] words at that
    time.
    (Record citations omitted). To support this argument, TAM cites to its summary judgment
    evidence of a bank statement for TAM’s operating account that shows TAM made several
    deposits in June 2009.
    In summary, TAM contends that it detrimentally relied on Frost Bank’s promise to renew
    and extend the loan agreement by continuing to deposit money in its operating account, which
    was also with Frost Bank. However, even had we concluded Frost Bank did orally promise to
    renew and extend the loan agreement, TAM falls short of its burden because it offered no
    evidence of detrimental reliance. Continuing to deposit money in its operating account does not
    amount to a material change in TAM’s position as a result of Frost Bank’s promise. See 
    English, 660 S.W.2d at 524
    (finding no promissory estoppel when plaintiff could not show he would not
    have taken his detrimental actions if defendant had not made promise); 
    Sandel, 243 S.W.3d at 753
    (demonstrating failure to seek another job was insufficient to show detrimental reliance,
    12
    employee required to show that but for stock option letter, he would have stopped working for
    employer). Also, TAM argues “There was no evidence in the record to suggest TAM should not
    have relied on the promises.” However, to preclude a no-evidence summary judgment, it was
    TAM’s burden to produce evidence raising a fact issue as to each element of each claim in which
    no-evidence summary judgment was sought.          See TEX. R. CIV. P. 166a(i); Tex. Integrated
    Conveyor Sys., Inc. v. Innovative Conveyor Concepts, Inc., 
    300 S.W.3d 348
    , 375 (Tex. App.—
    Dallas 2009, pet. denied); RTLC AG Prods., Inc. v. Treatment Equip. Co., 
    195 S.W.3d 824
    , 833
    (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006, no pet.). We conclude that TAM did not meet its burden to preclude a
    partial no-evidence summary judgment on its promissory estoppel counterclaim.
    D. Conversion
    Next, TAM argues the trial court erred when it granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial
    no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s counterclaim for conversion. Specifically, TAM
    claims that Frost Bank’s setoff of the funds in TAM’s operating account constituted conversion.
    To establish a claim for conversion, a plaintiff must prove that: (1) the plaintiff owned or had
    possession of the property or entitlement to possession; (2) the defendant unlawfully and without
    authorization assumed and exercised control over the property to the exclusion of, or inconsistent
    with, the plaintiff's rights as an owner; (3) the plaintiff demanded return of the property; and (4)
    the defendant refused to return the property. Tex. 
    Integrated, 300 S.W.3d at 365
    –66. TAM’s
    claim for conversion is premised on one of its other counterclaims surviving Frost Bank’s motion
    for partial no-evidence summary judgment. Based on our resolution of TAM’s counterclaims for
    breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and promissory estoppel, we need not
    address TAM’s argument that it raised an issue of fact precluding partial no-evidence summary
    judgment on its counterclaim for conversion.
    E. Wrongful Setoff
    Finally, TAM contends the trial court erred when it granted Frost Bank’s motion for
    partial no-evidence summary judgment on its counterclaim for wrongful setoff because it
    produced evidence raising a fact issue.       Specifically, TAM claims its summary judgment
    13
    evidence shows that Frost Bank setoff its account before the loan agreement matured and it did
    not give TAM contemporaneous notice of the setoff.
    The relationship of a bank to a general depositor is contractual, that of debtor-creditor
    arising from the depository contract. See Upper Valley Aviation v. Mercantile Nat’l Bank, 
    656 S.W.2d 952
    , 955 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1983, writ ref’d n.r.e.); Am. Bank of Waco v. Waco
    Airmotive, Inc., 
    818 S.W.2d 163
    , 170 (Tex. App.—Waco 1991, writ denied). The nature of the
    relationship authorizes a bank to offset deposits against a debt of equal amount owed the bank by
    that depositor, assuming proof of the amount of the debt owed. See Am. Bank of 
    Waco, 818 S.W.2d at 170
    . An offset is not authorized unless there is a mature or past-due debt owed by the
    depositor to the bank. See Am. Bank of 
    Waco, 818 S.W.2d at 170
    ; see also Bandy v. First State
    Bank, Overton, Tex., 
    835 S.W.2d 609
    , 619 (Tex. 1992) (discussing claim for wrongful setoff in
    equity). A depositor’s remedy for the wrongful offset of a general account is an action for return
    of the funds for breach of the depository contract. See Upper Valley 
    Aviation, 656 S.W.2d at 955
    ; Am. Bank of 
    Waco, 818 S.W.2d at 170
    .
    TAM does not dispute that Frost Bank had a contractual right of setoff. However,
    TAM’s claim for wrongful setoff is premised on the viability of one of its other counterclaims.
    Based on our resolution of the no-evidence motion for partial summary judgment as to TAM’s
    counterclaims for breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and promissory
    estoppel, we need not address TAM’s argument that it raised an issue of fact precluding no-
    evidence summary judgment on its counterclaim for wrongful setoff.
    F. No-Evidence Summary Judgment Conclusion
    We conclude the trial court did not err when it granted Frost Bank’s motion for partial
    no-evidence summary judgment on TAM’s counterclaims for breach of contract, negligent
    misrepresentation, fraud, promissory estoppel, conversion, and wrongful setoff. Issue one is
    decided against TAM.
    IV. TRADITIONAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT ON TAM’S COUNTERCLAIMS
    14
    In issue two, TAM argues the trial court erred when it granted Frost Bank’s motion for
    partial traditional summary judgment as to damages. Based on our resolution of issue one, we
    need not address this issue.
    V. CONCLUSIONS
    The trial court’s final judgment is affirmed as to Trevino because he did not file a brief
    on appeal.    Also, the trial court did not err when it granted partial no-evidence summary
    judgment on TAM’s counterclaims. Based on this conclusion, we need not address TAM’s
    claim that the trial court erred when it granted frost Bank’s motion for partial traditional
    summary judgment.
    The trial court’s final judgment is affirmed as to TAM.
    /Douglas
    S. Lang/
    DOUGLAS S. LANG
    110650F.P05                                         JUSTICE
    15
    S
    Court of Appeals
    Fifth District of Texas at Dallas
    JUDGMENT
    TREVINO & ASSOCIATES                                 On Appeal from the 14th Judicial District
    MECHANICAL, L.P., AND MIKE                           Court, Dallas County, Texas
    TREVINO, SR., Appellants                             Trial Court Cause No. DC-10-06459.
    Opinion delivered by Justice Lang. Justices
    No. 05-11-00650-CV         V.                        Bridges and Richter participating.
    THE FROST NATIONAL BANK, Appellee
    In accordance with this Court’s opinion of this date, the judgment of the trial court is
    AFFIRMED.
    It is ORDERED that appellee THE FROST NATIONAL BANK recover its costs of this
    appeal from appellants TREVINO & ASSOCIATES MECHANICAL, L.P., AND MIKE
    TREVINO, SR.
    Judgment entered this 9th day of April, 2013.
    /Douglas S. Lang/
    DOUGLAS S. LANG
    JUSTICE
    16
    

Document Info

Docket Number: 05-11-00650-CV

Citation Numbers: 400 S.W.3d 139, 2013 Tex. App. LEXIS 4539, 2013 WL 1410319

Judges: Bridges, Lang, Richter

Filed Date: 4/9/2013

Precedential Status: Precedential

Modified Date: 11/14/2024

Authorities (15)

English v. Fischer , 27 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 74 ( 1983 )

Worldwide Asset Purchasing, L.L.C. v. Rent-A-Center East, ... , 2009 Tex. App. LEXIS 5924 ( 2009 )

Allied Vista, Inc. v. Holt , 987 S.W.2d 138 ( 1999 )

Texas Integrated Conveyor Systems, Inc. v. Innovative ... , 2009 Tex. App. LEXIS 7773 ( 2009 )

Cunningham v. Eastham , 1971 Tex. App. LEXIS 2964 ( 1971 )

AMERICANN BANK OF WACO. v. Waco Airmotive, Inc. , 1991 Tex. App. LEXIS 2569 ( 1991 )

Richter v. Wagner Oil Co. , 2002 Tex. App. LEXIS 7247 ( 2002 )

Martin v. First Rep. Bank, Fort Worth , 799 S.W.2d 482 ( 1990 )

Texas United Insurance Co. v. Burt Ford Enterprises, Inc. , 1986 Tex. App. LEXIS 12057 ( 1986 )

RTLC AG PRODUCTS, INC. v. Treatment Equipment Co. , 2006 Tex. App. LEXIS 5461 ( 2006 )

Bandy v. FIRST STATE BANK, OVERTON, TEX. , 835 S.W.2d 609 ( 1992 )

City of Houston v. Socony Mobil Oil Company , 1967 Tex. App. LEXIS 2926 ( 1967 )

Malooly Brothers, Inc. v. Napier , 461 S.W.2d 119 ( 1970 )

Upper Valley Aviation, Inc. v. Mercantile National Bank , 1983 Tex. App. LEXIS 4839 ( 1983 )

Sandel v. ATP Oil & Gas Corp. , 2007 Tex. App. LEXIS 8579 ( 2007 )

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