Jerry Porter And Karen Zimmer, V Curtis & Pepper Kirkendoll , 421 P.3d 1036 ( 2018 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
July 17, 2018
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
JERRY PORTER and KAREN ZIMMER, No. 49819-7-II
husband and wife
Appellants,
v.
PEPPER E.KIRKENDOLL and CLARICE N. PUBLISHED OPINION
KIRKENDOLL, husband and wife; KYLE
PETERS and ANDREA PETERS, husband and
wife; G & J LOGGING, INC., a Washington
Corporation; MITCH PAYNE; JOHN BOGER;
DANIEL SHEETS, a/k/a BOONE SHEETS,
and JENNIFER SHEETS, husband and wife;
BOONE’S MECHANICAL CUTTING, INC.,
a Washington Corporation; and JOHN DOES 1-
5,
Respondents.
LEE, A.C.J. — Jerry Porter and Karen Zimmer (collectively “Porter”) appeal the superior
court’s order on summary judgment dismissing Porter’s claims for waste, timber trespass,
equitable indemnity, and contribution. Porter also appeals the superior court’s exclusion of his
rebuttal expert’s testimony.
We hold that the superior court did not err in dismissing Porter’s waste and contribution
claims. However, we hold that the superior court erred in dismissing Porter’s timber trespass and
equitable indemnity claims and that it abused its discretion in excluding Porter’s rebuttal expert’s
No. 49819-7-II
testimony. Accordingly, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand to the superior court for
further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
FACTS
A. LOGGING THE PROPERTIES
Porter owned a lot to the east of, and adjacent to, Pepper and Clarice Kirkendoll’s
(collectively “Kirkendoll”) property in Lewis County. The land near the property line between the
two properties was forested. There was a 60-foot right of way easement located on the western
edge of Porter’s property, and a road was built on the easement. Porter’s property line extended
westward past the road about 8 feet at the north end and about 30 feet at the south end. Porter and
Kirkendoll used the road to access their respective properties.
In March 2014, Kirkendoll hired Kyle Peters and G & J Logging, Inc. (collectively “G &
J”) to remove some trees. G & J hired Boone Sheets and Boone’s Mechanical Cutting, Inc.
(collectively “Boone”) to assist in the tree cutting.
Kirkendoll told G & J that he owned the property up to the edge of the road and that all of
the trees up to the edge of the road were his. Kirkendoll had seen two monuments that marked the
corners of Porter’s property west of the road before the trees were cut. Peters was with Kirkendoll
when Kirkendoll saw the monuments, and Peters saw at least one of the monuments.
Based on Kirkendoll’s representations, G & J instructed Boone on where to cut, and Boone
cut and removed the trees up to the edge of the road, including trees on Porter’s property. G & J
sold the logs and split the proceeds with Kirkendoll.
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No. 49819-7-II
After Porter accused Kirkendoll of cutting trees on Porter’s property, Kirkendoll had his
property surveyed. The survey confirmed that Porter’s property line extended into the area where
Kirkendoll had instructed G & J to cut trees.
B. PORTER’S SUIT
Porter filed suit against Kirkendoll, G & J, and Boone. Porter alleged timber trespass under
RCW 64.12.030 and waste under RCW 4.24.630. Specifically, Porter alleged that the defendants
“intentionally, recklessly or negligently trespassed upon [Porter’s property] and cut trees.” Clerk’s
Papers (CP) at 2. Porter also alleged that cutting his trees damaged his landscape, and removing
and selling his trees converted his personal property. Porter sought treble damages and attorney
fees.
C. KIRKENDOLL’S ANSWER
Kirkendoll’s answer admitted that he “caused timber to be harvested from a right of way
easement adjacent to the Plaintiffs [Porter’s] holdings” and that he and his “agents only removed
timber on property adjacent to [Kirkendoll’s] property located on a legally described boundary
right-of-way easement.” CP at 5-6. Kirkendoll asserted that
[a]s early as 2006 and 2007, when Plaintiffs were already in possession of the
property in question and actually performing work on the boundary road at issue in
this complaint and answer, Mr. Kirkendoll openly and in full view [of] Plaintiffs
and of the then-travelled portion of the right-of-way, began managing the disputed
trees for harvest . . . . By not putting the Kirkendolls on notice of their claim of
ownership of the trees in question after seeing that significant timber prep work had
been done, Plaintiffs waived damages and are estopped in pais from demanding
any more than the actual profit obtained by Kirkendoll on such trees.
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CP at 6. Kirkendoll also stated that Porter could not allege waste because he alleged timber
trespass and that facts warranting treble damages were not pled. Kirkendoll did not assert fault of
others as an affirmative defense.
D. G & J’S AND BOONE’S ANSWERS AND CROSS-CLAIMS
G & J’s answer admitted that Kirkendoll hired it to remove trees from property that
Kirkendoll represented was his, that G & J entered Porter’s property and removed trees based on
Kirkendoll’s representation, and that G & J hired Boone to assist in cutting the trees. G & J alleged
that it reasonably believed the trees were on Kirkendoll’s property.
G & J asserted cross-claims against Kirkendoll for contribution and indemnity. G & J
alleged that Porter sought to hold G & J liable because of Kirkendoll’s acts and, if G & J was found
liable, such liability was caused by Kirkendoll. Therefore, Kirkendoll should (1) contribute to any
damages awarded against G & J, or alternatively, the court should reduce G & J’s liability by its
proportionate share of fault; and (2) indemnify G & J for any amounts recovered by Porter against
G & J.
Boone’s answer admitted that G & J hired it to cut trees on Kirkendoll’s property, that
Boone followed G & J’s instructions on where to cut, that Boone reasonably believed the trees
were on Kirkendoll’s property, and that Boone only cut trees within the boundaries represented by
G & J. Boone also asserted that “[a]ny damages allegedly suffered by Plaintiffs were caused, in
whole or in part, by the negligence or improper actions of others.” CP at 17. Boone later amended
its answer to include a cross-claim against G & J and Kirkendoll for “equitable or implied in fact
indemnity.” Supplementary . Clerk’s Papers (Supp. CP) at 587.
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E. DAMAGES EXPERTS
Porter hired Patrick See as an expert witness on damages. See used “the trunk formula
method[1] to determine the value the destroyed landscape made to the property value of the entire
Porter holding.” Supp. CP at 378. See stated that Porter would not enjoy the natural landscape
that lined his driveway for at least forty years after the trees were replaced and that Porter’s land
was damaged. The damage could not be measured by stumpage value2 alone because that value
ignored the landscape value lost.
Kirkendoll hired Michael Jackson as an expert witness. Jackson stated that the trunk
formula method was the appropriate appraisal method for trees in residential landscape,
recreational, or shade tree situations when the species and size can be determined. But Jackson
disagreed with See’s damages calculation.
G & J hired Walter Knapp as an expert witness. Knapp stated that the trees should be
valued solely for their stumpage value.
G & J also hired Victor Musselman to conduct an evaluation. Musselman stated that there
was no effect on the marketability of Porter’s property due to the cut trees.
1
See did not describe the “trunk formula method.” Generally, the trunk formula method is “used
to appraise the monetary value of trees considered too large to be replaced with nursery stock.
Value is based on the cost of the largest commonly available transplantable tree and its cost of
installation, plus the increase in value due to the larger size of the tree being appraised. . . . [the
value is] then adjusted for species, condition, and location ratings.” Barri Kaplan Bonapart,
Understanding Tree Law: A Handbook for Practitioners, § 11 (Thomson Reuters 2014).
2
See did not define “stumpage value.” Generally, stumpage value is the market value of a tree
before it is cut; the amount that a purchaser would pay for a standing tree to be cut and removed.
David H. Bowser, “Hey, That’s My Tree!”—An Analysis of the Good-Faith Contract Logger
Exemption from the Double and Treble Damage Provisions of Oregon’s Timber Trespass Action,
36 WILLAMETTE L. REV. 401, 405 (2000).
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No. 49819-7-II
F. PRE-TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
Kirkendoll sent Jackson’s report to Porter before the discovery cutoff date. Kirkendoll
later sent Jackson’s notes and file to Porter and asked, “If [the notes and file] in any way impacts
your experts’ ability to testify fully at their depositions tomorrow, please let me know right away
so we can attempt to work something out.” Supp. CP at 376. Porter did not respond to the email.
Nine days later, Porter sent a letter to the defendants naming Galen Wright as an additional
rebuttal expert.3 Specifically, Porter said Wright would rebut the manner in which Jackson and
Knapp applied the trunk formula and their opinions as to the distinction between landscape damage
and damages associated with the appropriation of Porter’s logs. This letter was sent days after
disclosure of rebuttal witnesses was due.
Kirkendoll filed a motion in limine to exclude Wright from testifying. Kirkendoll argued
that Porter untimely disclosed Wright as an expert, that Wright’s testimony was cumulative to that
of Porter’s other expert, that Kirkendoll would be prejudiced if Wright was allowed to testify, and
that Porter provided no compelling reason for the last minute “switch” of experts.
The superior court granted Kirkendoll’s motion and excluded Wright’s testimony. The
superior court reasoned that Porter untimely disclosed Wright as an expert, that Porter did not
respond to Kirkendoll’s letter asking whether Jackson’s notes and file would impact See’s
deposition testimony, and that Porter would not be prejudiced because Porter had another expert
witness who could testify to the same subject area as Wright.
3
Porter had already identified See as a rebuttal witness.
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No. 49819-7-II
G. THE SETTLEMENT
A month before the superior court’s ruling excluding Wright’s rebuttal testimony, Porter
and G & J entered into a settlement agreement. G & J agreed to pay Porter $75,000, assign all of
its cross-claims against Kirkendoll to Porter, allow Porter to use G & J’s experts, and assist Porter
in prosecuting the assigned claims. In exchange, Porter agreed to indemnify G & J against all
cross-claims brought against G & J by other parties and to dismiss his claims against G & J.
A couple of days later, Porter, G & J, and Boone entered into a supplemental settlement
agreement. In the supplemental settlement agreement, G & J agreed to pay Porter an additional
$40,000. Boone agreed to pay Porter $10,000, assign all of its claims against Kirkendoll to Porter,
assist Porter in prosecuting the assigned claims, and dismiss its cross-claims against G & J. In
exchange, Porter agreed to dismiss his claims against Boone.
H. SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Porter then filed a motion for partial summary judgment against Kirkendoll. Porter argued
that he was entitled to summary judgment on his assigned indemnity claims because Kirkendoll
caused G & J and Boone (collectively “the Loggers”) to be involved in the case, the case should
proceed under the waste statute because Kirkendoll caused injury to land and trees, and Porter was
entitled to treble damages because Kirkendoll acted wrongfully.
Kirkendoll responded to Porter’s motion and filed his own motion for summary judgment.
Kirkendoll argued that he was entitled to summary judgment dismissal of all claims against him
because (1) Porter’s settlement with the Loggers released Kirkendoll’s liability under Glover;4 (2)
4
Glover v. Tacoma General Hosp., 98 Wash. 2d 708, 658 P.2d 1230 (1983), abrogated by Crown
Controls, Inc. v. Smiley, 110 Wash. 2d 695, 756 P.2d 717 (1988).
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the Loggers did not have indemnity rights to assign to Porter because such rights were abolished
under the Tort Reform Act (TRA), chapter 4.22 RCW; and (3) the Loggers did not have
contribution rights to assign to Porter because they did not provide notice and there was no
reasonableness hearing for the settlement that was reached.
The superior court denied Porter’s partial summary judgment motion, granted Kirkendoll’s
summary judgment motion, and dismissed all of Porter’s claims against Kirkendoll. Porter filed a
motion for reconsideration of the superior court’s summary judgment dismissal, which the superior
court denied.
Porter appeals the superior court’s orders granting Kirkendoll’s motion for summary
judgment and denying Porter’s motion for partial summary judgment.
ANALYSIS
A. SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Porter argues that the superior court erred in (1) granting Kirkendoll’s summary judgment
and dismissing all his claims against Kirkendoll; and (2) denying Porter’s motion for partial
summary judgment on (a) his assigned equitable indemnity claim, (b) the application of the waste
statute, and (c) liability for treble damages for timber trespass. We agree that the superior court
erred in dismissing Porter’s timber trespass and indemnity claims, but the superior court did not
err in dismissing Porter’s waste, contribution, equitable indemnity, and treble damages claims.
1. Legal Principles
We review a trial court’s summary judgment decision de novo. Keck v. Collins, 184 Wash. 2d
358, 370, 357 P.3d 1080 (2015). We consider the evidence and all reasonable inferences from the
evidence in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Id.
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Summary judgment is appropriate when there is no genuine issue of material fact, and the
moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Id. “A material fact is one that affects the
outcome of the litigation.” Owen v. Burlington N. & Santa Fe R.R. Co., 153 Wash. 2d 780, 789, 108
P.3d 1220 (2005). “An issue of material fact is genuine if the evidence is sufficient for a reasonable
jury to return a verdict for the nonmoving party.” Keck, 184 Wash. 2d at 370.
We also review the meaning of statutes de novo. Gunn v. Riely, 185 Wash. App. 517, 524,
344 P.3d 1225, review denied, 183 Wash. 2d 1004 (2015). “Our fundamental objective is to ascertain
and carry out the legislature’s intent.” Id. If the statute’s meaning is plain on its face, we must
give effect to the plain meaning of the statute as an expression of legislative intent. Id. We look
to interpretive aids only if the statute is ambiguous. Id.
2. Kirkendoll’s Motion for Summary Judgment
Porter argues that the superior court erred in granting Kirkendoll’s motion for summary
judgment and dismissing all his claims against Kirkendoll. We agree that the superior court erred
in dismissing Porter’s claims for timber trespass and indemnity, but the superior court did not err
in dismissing Porter’s claims for waste and contribution.
a. Timber trespass claims
i. Application of the TRA to a timber trespass claim
As an initial matter, Porter argues that the TRA does not apply to intentional torts such as
timber trespass. We agree.
Under the TRA, “In an action based on fault seeking to recover damages for injury or death
to person or harm to property, any contributory fault chargeable to the claimant diminishes
proportionately the amount awarded as compensatory damages for an injury attributable to the
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No. 49819-7-II
claimant’s contributory fault, but does not bar recovery.” RCW 4.22.005. “Fault” is defined as
“acts or omissions, including misuse of a product, that are in any measure negligent or reckless
toward the person or property of the actor or others, or that subject a person to strict tort liability
or liability on a product liability claim.” RCW 4.22.015.
Under RCW 64.12.030, a person is liable for timber trespass when the person “cut[s] down,
girdle[s], or otherwise injure[s], or carr[ies] off any tree, . . . timber, or shrub on the land of another
person . . . without lawful authority.” One who authorizes or directs a trespass is jointly and
severally liable with the actual trespassers. Bloedel Timberlands Dev., Inc. v. Timber Indus., Inc.,
28 Wash. App. 669, 676, 626 P.2d 30, review denied, 95 Wash. 2d 1027 (1981); see Hill v. Cox, 110
Wash. App. 394, 404, 41 P.3d 495, review denied, 147 Wash. 2d 1024 (2002).
Our Supreme Court has held that timber trespass sounds in tort and trespass is an intentional
tort. Birchler v. Castello Land Co., 133 Wash. 2d 106, 115, 942 P.2d 968 (1997) (timber trespass is
an intentional tort); Jongeward v. BNSF R. Co., 174 Wash. 2d 586, 597 n.9, 278 P.3d 157 (2012) (an
involuntary or accidental trespass is still trespass). The TRA does not apply to intentional torts.
See Welch v. Southland Corp., 134 Wash. 2d 629, 634, 952 P.2d 162 (1998). Thus, the TRA does
not apply to timber trespass.5
5
The superior court relied on Glover v. Tacoma General Hospital as the basis for dismissing
Porter’s timber trespass claim. The Glover court relied on the TRA, specifically RCW 4.22.040(1),
“to discharge a principal when the agent and the injured party have entered into a settlement which
the trial judge has approved as reasonable.” 98 Wash. 2d at 722. But as discussed above, the TRA
does not apply to intentional tort claims, and timber trespass is an intentional tort. Therefore,
dismissal of Porter’s timber trespass claims based on Glover was not proper.
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ii. Porter’s timber trespass claim based on agency
Porter also argues that his settlement with the Loggers did not release Kirkendoll from
liability for timber trespass because the Loggers were not Kirkendoll’s agents. We agree.
A principal is released by operation of law as a result of a release of the agent if that agent
is solvent. Vanderpool v. Grange Ins. Ass’n, 110 Wash. 2d 483, 487, 756 P.2d 111 (1988). The
crucial factor in determining the existence of an agency relationship is “the right to control the
manner of performance.” O’Brien v. Hafer, 122 Wash. App. 279, 283, 93 P.3d 930 (2004), review
denied, 153 Wash. 2d 1022 (2005).
For timber trespass, the manner of performance refers to the actual cutting. Bloedel, 28
Wash. App. at 674. Kirkendoll argues that an agency relationship existed because he controlled the
location of the cutting. However, the manner of performance is how the cutting was to be done
and no evidence was presented to show that aside from selecting the location, Kirkendoll had any
control over the cutting of the trees. Id. Thus, an agency relationship between Kirkendoll and the
Loggers did not exist. Therefore, Porter’s release of the Loggers from liability did not, in turn,
release Kirkendoll from liability for timber trespass.
iii. Porter’s timber trespass claim based on Kirkendoll’s conduct
Porter argues that because Kirkendoll could be held liable for his own misconduct and not
just the conduct of the Loggers, the superior court erred when it granted Kirkendoll’s motion for
summary judgment dismissal of his timber trespass claim. We agree.
Under RCW 64.12.030, a person is liable for timber trespass when the person “cut[s] down,
girdle[s], or otherwise injure[s], or carr[ies] off any tree, . . . timber, or shrub on the land of another
person . . . without lawful authority.” One who authorizes or directs a trespass is jointly and
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No. 49819-7-II
severally liable with the actual trespassers. Bloedel, 28 Wash. App. at 676; see Hill, 110 Wash. App.
at 404. Joint and several liability enables “a plaintiff to sue one tortfeasor and recover all of his or
her damages from one of multiple tortfeasors.” Washburn v. Beatt Equip. Co., 120 Wash. 2d 246,
294, 840 P.2d 860 (1992).
Here, Porter alleged that Kirkendoll was liable under the timber trespass statute based on
Kirkendoll’s conduct of telling the Loggers where to cut. Because Kirkendoll directed the trespass
in this case by instructing G & J (who then instructed Boone) on where to cut, Porter also had a
timber trespass claim against Kirkendoll independent of any claim against Kirkendoll for timber
trespass based on an agency theory. Therefore, the superior court erred when it granted summary
judgment dismissal of Porter’s timber trespass claim against Kirkendoll based on Kirkendoll’s
conduct.6
b. Assigned common law indemnity claims
Porter argues that the superior court erred when it dismissed his assigned common law
indemnity claims on summary judgment. We agree.
Washington courts have identified three general types of indemnity. Fortune View Condo.
Ass’n v. Fortune Star Dev. Co., 151 Wash. 2d 534, 543, 90 P.3d 1062 (2004). These include
6
Kirkendoll argues that there could be no theory of liability against him beyond respondeat
superior (otherwise referred to as “vicarious liablity”). Kirkendoll cites Hill, 110 Wash. App. at 394,
and Ventoza v. Anderson, 14 Wash. App. 882, 545 P.2d 1219, review denied, 87 Wash. 2d 1007 (1976),
to support his position. However, those cases both state that a party can be liable for directing
independent contractors to cut trees on the land of another. See Hill, 110 Wash. App. at 404; Ventoza,
14 Wash. App. at 896.
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No. 49819-7-II
contractual indemnity,7 implied contractual indemnity,8 and equitable indemnity. Id. at 543-44.
Equitable indemnity is also referred to as “common law indemnity.” Id. at 544.
Under common law indemnity, a person without personal fault, who has become subject
to tort liability for the wrongful conduct of another, “‘is entitled to indemnity from the other for
expenditures properly made in the discharge of such liability.’” Id (internal quotation marks
omitted) (quoting Hanscome v. Perry, 75 Md. App. 605, 617, 542 A.2d 421 (1987)). The “ABC
Rule” embodies the theory of equitable/common law indemnity. See LK Operating, LLC v.
Collection Grp., LLC, 181 Wash. 2d 117, 123, 330 P.3d 190 (2014). The ABC rule requires: (1) a
wrongful act or omission by A toward B, (2) that such act or omission exposes or involves B in
litigation with C, and (3) that C was not connected with the wrongful act or omission of A toward
B. Id.
Here, because the TRA does not apply, the Loggers’ common law indemnity rights were
not abolished by the TRA.9 Therefore, Porter received the Loggers’ common law indemnity rights
through an assignment from the Loggers in his settlement with the Loggers.
7
Contractual indemnity is expressly provided in a contract between parties. Id. at 543 n.1. Porter
does not argue that his assigned indemnity claims are based on any contracts between Kirkendoll
and G & J or Boone.
8
Implied contractual indemnity is based on a ‘“contract between two parties that necessarily
implies the right.”’ Id. at 544 (quoting Kaleel Builders, Inc. v. Ashby, 161 N.C. App. 34, 38, 587
S.E.2d 470 (2003), review denied, 358 N.C. 235 (2004)). Porter does not argue that his assigned
indemnity claims are based on any contract between Kirkendoll and G & J or Boone.
9
Under the TRA, “The common law right of indemnity between active and passive tort feasors is
abolished.” RCW 4.22.040(3). The TRA replaced the common law right of indemnity between
active and passive tortfeasors with the right to contribution. Johnson v. Cont’l W., Inc., 99 Wash. 2d
555, 558, 663 P.2d 482 (1983).
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For common law indemnity, a person without personal fault, who has become subject to
tort liability for the wrongful conduct of another, “‘is entitled to indemnity from the other for
expenditures properly made in the discharge of such liability.’” Fortune View, 151 Wash. 2d at 544
(internal quotation marks omitted)(quoting Hanscome, 75 Md. App. at 617). A genuine issue
remained as to whether the Loggers were without personal fault here and had become subject to
tort liability for the wrongful conduct of Kirkendoll, entitling the Loggers to amounts paid to
discharge that liability. Id. Therefore, the superior court erred when it granted Kirkendoll’s motion
for summary judgment and dismissed Porter’s assigned indemnity claims.
c. Waste claim
Porter argues that the superior court erred when it dismissed his waste claim against
Kirkendoll on summary judgment. We disagree.
Under RCW 4.24.630(1), a person is liable for waste when the person “goes onto the land
of another and . . . removes timber, crops, minerals, or other similar valuable property from the
land, or wrongfully causes waste or injury to the land.” A person who directs or assists in such
acts may be held jointly and severally liable. Standing Rock Homeowners Ass’n v. Misich, 106
Wash. App. 231, 246, 23 P.3d 520, review denied, 145 Wash. 2d 1008 (2001).
The waste statute “does not apply in any case where liability for damages is provided under
RCW 64.12.030,” the timber trespass statute. RCW 4.24.630(2) (emphasis added). The waste
statute “explicitly excludes its application where liability for damages is provided under RCW
64.12.030, the timber trespass statute.” Gunn, 185 Wash. App. at 525.
A person is liable under the timber trespass statute when the person “cut[s] down, girdle[s],
or otherwise injure[s], or carr[ies] off any tree, . . . timber, or shrub on the land of another person
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No. 49819-7-II
. . . without lawful authority.” RCW 64.12.030. Here, trees were cut on Porter’s property.
Kirkendoll hired G & J, who then hired Boone, to remove the trees. Kirkendoll told G & J where
to cut the trees, and G & J relayed that information to Boone. Boone cut and removed the trees as
directed. Because liability for damages would be provided under the timber trespass statute here,
the waste statute did not apply. RCW 4.24.630(2).
Porter also argues that the waste statute could apply in cases involving both damage to land
and trees. In support of this argument, Porter cites to a footnote in Gunn that discussed the
legislature’s rationale for enacting the waste statute as a method of dealing with vandalizing of
trees, running over of agriculture, and ripping up of ground. 185 Wash. App. at 525 n.6. The Gunn
court noted that
it appears that there could be a situation, under circumstances of waste or
vandalism, where a court may find that RCW 4.24.630 appropriately applies to a
dispute over comprehensive property damage that includes damage to property and
removal of timber, rather than a dispute where the sole issue is timber trespass.
Id.
Here, however, there are no circumstances of waste, vandalism, or comprehensive property
damage. The sole allegation was the cutting and removal of Porter’s trees and damage to Porter’s
bushes. Although Porter also alleged damage to his landscape, such damage resulted from the
same acts that constitute timber trespass. Merely characterizing the trees as “canopy” is not
sufficient to render damage to such trees “comprehensive property damage” or damage to real
property as contemplated in Gunn.
Also, if a statute’s meaning is plain on its face, we must give effect to the plain meaning
of the statute as an expression of legislative intent. Id. at 524. Because the meaning of the waste
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statute is plain on its face—the waste statute does not apply in any case where damages are
provided for under the timber trespass statute—we must give effect to the plain meaning of the
statute. Therefore, we hold that the superior court’s summary judgment dismissal of Porter’s waste
claim was proper.
d. Assigned contribution claims
Porter argues that the superior court erred when it granted Kirkendoll’s motion for
summary judgment dismissal of Porter’s assigned contribution claims under the TRA. We
disagree.
Under the TRA, “A right of contribution exists between or among two or more persons
who are jointly and severally liable upon the same indivisible claim for the same injury, death or
harm, whether or not judgment has been recovered against all or any of them.” RCW 4.22.040(1).
But here, the TRA does not apply. See Supra Section A.2.a.i. As a result, the right to contribution
under the TRA did not exist. Therefore, the superior court did not err when it granted summary
judgment dismissal of Porter’s assigned contribution claim.
3. Porter’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment
Porter argues that the superior court erred when it denied his motion for partial summary
judgment on his claims for equitable/common law indemnity, waste, and treble damages. We
disagree.
a. Equitable/common law indemnity claim
As discussed above, the Loggers’ common law indemnity rights were not abolished by the
TRA because the TRA does not apply. Consequently, Porter obtained through assignment any
such rights that the Loggers’ possessed. See Supra Section A.2.b.
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No. 49819-7-II
However, the record is not clear as to whether the Loggers are without fault and are subject
to liability only for the wrongful conduct of Kirkendoll. The record shows that Peters was with
Kirkendoll when Kirkendoll saw the monuments, and Peters saw at least one of the monuments
marking the corners of Porter’s property west of the road. Therefore, a genuine issue of material
fact exists, and the superior court did not err when it denied partial summary judgment on Porter’s
assigned equitable/common law indemnity claims.
b. Waste claim
As discussed above, the waste statute did not apply. See Supra Section A.2.c. Therefore,
the superior court did not err when it denied Porter’s motion for partial summary judgment on his
waste claim.
c. Treble damages claim
Because we hold that the superior court erred in dismissing Porter’s timber trespass claim
on summary judgment, we necessarily hold that the superior court erred in dismissing Porter’s
claim for treble damages for the timber trespass on summary judgment, and remand this issue to
the superior court for further proceedings.
B. EXCLUSION OF WRIGHT’S TESTIMONY
Porter argues that the superior court erred when it excluded Wright’s rebuttal testimony.10
We agree.
10
Porter did not designate the superior court’s decision excluding Wright’s testimony in his notice
of appeal. However, we review this decision in the interest of justice because Porter sets forth the
decision in his assignments of error, presents argument on the issue, and references legal authority;
and Kirkendoll addresses the issue. In re Truancy of Perkins, 93 Wash. App. 590, 594, 969 P.2d
1101 (1999), abrogated on other grounds by Bellevue Sch. Dist. v. E.S., 148 Wash. App. 205, 199
P.3d 1010 (2009).
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No. 49819-7-II
A trial court exercises broad discretion in imposing discovery sanctions and its
determination will not be disturbed absent a clear abuse of discretion. Mayer v. Sto Indus., Inc.,
156 Wash. 2d 677, 684, 132 P.3d 115 (2006). The trial court must consider the factors set forth in
Burnet11 before excluding witnesses for late disclosure. Jones v. City of Seattle, 179 Wash. 2d 322,
344, 314 P.3d 380 (2013). The record must show consideration of a lesser sanction, the willfulness
of the violation, and substantial prejudice arising from the violation. Mayer, 156 Wash. 2d at 688.
Failure to consider these factors constitutes an abuse of discretion. Keck, 184 Wash. 2d at 362.
Here, the superior court excluded Wright’s rebuttal testimony because of Porter’s late
disclosure of Wright after the date set for disclosure of rebuttal witnesses. Thus, the superior
court’s exclusion was a discovery sanction. But the superior court did not consider the Burnet
factors before excluding Wright’s rebuttal testimony as a sanction for late disclosure. The superior
court only considered the fact that Porter did not respond to Kirkendoll’s letter and that Porter
would not be prejudiced by Wright’s exclusion.
While the superior court’s consideration of Porter’s lack of response may constitute
consideration of Porter’s willfulness, the superior court still did not consider the existence of lesser
sanctions or whether Kirkendoll was substantially prejudiced by the late disclosure. Therefore,
the superior court abused its discretion when it excluded Wright based on late disclosure without
considering the Burnet factors.
11
Burnet v. Spokane Ambulance, 131 Wash. 2d 484, 933 P.2d 1036 (1997).
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No. 49819-7-II
ATTORNEY FEES
Porter requests attorney fees on appeal under the equitable indemnity principles and the
waste statute. As discussed above, the waste statute is inapplicable here. And we exercise our
discretion here and decline to award attorney fees under equitable indemnity principles.
CONCLUSION
We hold that the superior court erred in granting summary judgment dismissal of Porter’s
timber trespass claim and indemnity claims, and abused its discretion when it excluded Wright’s
testimony. We also hold that the superior court did not err in granting summary judgment
dismissal of Porter’s waste claim and contribution claims.
We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand to the superior court for further proceedings
consistent with this opinion.
Lee, A.C.J.
We concur:
Worswick, J.
Melnick, J.
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