Terra Nova Insurance v. Fort Bridger Historical Rendezvous Site, Corp.

F I L E D
United States Court of Appeals
Tenth Circuit
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
October 20, 2005
TENTH CIRCUIT
Clerk of Court
TERRA NOVA INSURANCE, LTD.,
Plaintiff - Appellant,
v.
FORT BRIDGER HISTORICAL
RENDEZVOUS SITE, CORP. a
Wyoming corporation, TOWN OF
LYMAN, WYOMING a Wyoming
local government, No. 04-8041
(D.C. No. 03-CV-136B)
Defendants, (D. Wyo.)
and
JOHN YARBROUGH and PAULA
YARBROUGH, individually next
friend of STEFFANI YARBROUGH,
a minor,
Defendants - Appellees.
ORDER AND JUDGMENT *
*
After receiving briefing in this case, the panel granted the parties’
stipulated motion to waive oral argument. Therefore, this case is submitted for
disposition on the briefs. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(f); 10th Cir. R. 34.1(A)(2), (G).
This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of
law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. This court generally
disfavors the citation of orders and judgments; nevertheless, an order and
judgment may be cited under the terms and conditions of 10th Cir. R. 36.3.
Before TACHA, Chief Circuit Judge, BALDOCK, Senior Circuit Judge, and
EBEL, Circuit Judge.
This appeal requires us to decide the scope of a “Full Rodeo Coverage”
insurance policy (the “Policy”) that the Fort Bridger Historical Rendezvous Site,
Corp., a Wyoming non-profit, took out to cover its liability as organizer of the
Jim Bridger Half Pint Rodeo. At this community rodeo for children under twelve,
Steffani Yarbrough fell while participating in the “mutton busting” event and was
severely injured. Steffani’s parents initiated a state-court negligence action
against Fort Bridger.
Terra Nova Insurance, Ltd., the insurer, brought this federal-court action
seeking a declaratory judgment that Terra Nova has no liability for the
Yarbroughs’ claims under Fort Bridger’s Policy. The district court disagreed,
holding that the Policy is ambiguous and construing it to provide coverage for up
to $500,000 of the Yarbroughs’ claims. Terra Nova timely appealed this decision.
We exercise jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and AFFIRM the district court.
BACKGROUND
Steffani Yarbrough, a minor, participated in Jim Bridger’s Half Pint Rodeo
in an event called “mutton busting” in the summer of 2000. According to the
Yarbroughs, Steffani fell or was thrown forward from the back of the sheep she
was riding, and the animal ultimately rolled over the top of Steffani “causing
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serious and disabling injuries.” The Yarbroughs claim Steffani was not wearing a
helmet or any protective clothing at the time and “was not provided any
instruction, training, or warning concerning her participation.”
The Yarbroughs sued Fort Bridger and the Town of Lyman, which owns
and maintains the rodeo grounds, in state court for negligence, negligent infliction
of emotional harm, and punitive damages.
Terra Nova, the insurer, filed a complaint for declaratory relief in federal
court naming Fort Bridger and the Town of Lyman as defendants and asserting
that (1) claims arising out of participation in mutton busting are expressly
excluded from liability coverage under the Policy and Terra Nova has no duty to
indemnify those claims, (2) Terra Nova has no duty to defend either Fort Bridger
or the Town of Lyman, and (3) punitive damages are specifically excluded from
the Policy. Fort Bridger counter-claimed for a declaration that the Policy does
cover the claims asserted against Fort Bridger in state court and that Terra Nova
has the duty to defend and indemnify Fort Bridger up to $500,000. The
Yarbroughs sought and received permission to intervene and then also counter-
claimed for the coverage Fort Bridger asserted.
The district court concluded that the Policy is “unclear and ambiguous”
and, construing the policy in favor of the insureds, determined that “Terra Nova
has a duty to defend and indemnify Defendant Fort Bridger in the state court
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action.” The district court also determined that “the [P]olicy limit was intended
and will be applied for the $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury.” 1
DISCUSSION
I. Jurisdiction and Standard of Review
The district court properly exercised jurisdiction over this action based on
diversity of citizenship. See 28 U.S.C. § 1332. Terra Nova is “a Great Britain
insurance company with its principal place of business in London, England.”
Defendants are all from Wyoming. The amount in controversy, measured by “the
maximum limit of the insurer’s liability under the policy,” is $500,000. State
Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Narvaez, 149 F.3d 1269, 1271 (10th Cir. 1998).
The district court entered final judgment on March 31, 2004. Terra Nova
filed a timely notice of appeal, and we have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §
1291.
Before the district court, the parties filed cross-motions for summary
judgment, with both sides agreeing that summary judgment is the proper
mechanism for resolving this case. “We review the grant of summary judgment
de novo, applying the same legal standard used by the district court.” Simms v.
Okla. ex rel. Dep’t of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Servs., 165 F.3d 1321,
The district court also held that punitive damages are not covered under
1
the Policy, and that Terra Nova has “no duty to cover or defend the Town of
Lyman in the state court action.” These issues are not before us on appeal.
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1326 (10th Cir. 1999). Summary judgment is appropriate “if the pleadings,
depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the
affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and
that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.” Fed.R.Civ.P.
56(c).
II. Wyoming Insurance Law
Because our jurisdiction lies in diversity, the substantive law of Wyoming
controls our analysis. See Sapone v. Grand Targhee, Inc., 308 F.3d 1096, 1100
(10th Cir. 2002). In Wyoming, an insurance policy is construed as a contract
which courts must interpret “to determine the parties’ true intent.” O’Donnell v.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyo., 76 P.3d 308, 312 (Wyo. 2003). That intent must
be determined “if possible, from the language used in the policy, viewing it in
light of what the parties must reasonably have intended.” Id. This requires an
analysis of the whole contract, reading each provision in light of all the other
provisions. Bethurem v. Hammett, 736 P.2d 1128, 1136 (Wyo. 1987). If the
policy is “clear and ambiguous,” our inquiry is limited “to the four corners of the
document.” O’Donnell, 76 P.3d at 312.
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On the other hand, a policy “is ambiguous if indefiniteness of expression or
double meaning obscure the parties’ intent.” 2 Id. at 312. “[A]ny ambiguities or
uncertainties in the meaning of the language used in a policy . . . must be strictly
construed against the insurer who drafted the contract.” Worthington v. State,
598 P.2d 796, 806 (Wyo. 1979). In addition, “the court may resort to competent
evidence of extraneous circumstances to determine the parties’ intent” when a
policy is ambiguous. O’Donnell, 76 P.3d at 312.
Finally, Wyoming courts have suggested they would also apply the doctrine
of reasonable expectations to ambiguous policies if given the opportunity. See St.
Paul Fire and Marine Ins. Co. v. Albany County Sch. Dist. No. 1, 763 P.2d 1255,
1262-63 (Wyo. 1988); Sinclair Oil Corp. v. Columbia Cas. Co., 682 P.2d 975, 981
(Wyo. 1984). “Under the doctrine, the court will uphold the insured’s reasonable
expectations as to the scope of coverage, provided that the expectations are
objectively reasonable . . . even though painstaking study of the policy provision
would have negated those expectations.” St. Paul Fire, 763 P.2d at 1262-63
(internal quotations omitted). This is an objective test, based on what “a
hypothetical reasonable insured would glean from the wording of the particular
policy and kind of insurance at issue, rather than how a particular insured who
2
Certainly, the mere fact that the parties now dispute the meaning of the
Policy cannot create ambiguity. O’Donnell, 76 P.3d at 312. Instead, our initial
analysis must focus on the Policy language itself.
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happened to buy the policy might understand it.” 16 Williston on Contracts §
49:20 (4th ed. 1997).
III. Analysis
After reviewing the Policy Fort Bridger purchased from Terra Nova, we
agree with the district court that it is ambiguous as to its coverage of the claims
brought by the Yarbroughs. Given this ambiguity, we strictly construe the Policy
against the insurer, look to extrinsic evidence of the parties’ actual intents, and
consider the reasonable expectations of a reasonable insured in Fort Bridger’s
position. Ultimately, we affirm the district court. The Policy covers the
Steffani’s bodily injuries up to a Policy limit of $500,000.
1. Policy language
At the outset, we are struck that the district court’s description of this
particular Policy as essentially a “cobbled together” group of endorsements and
exclusions is particularly apt. This “Full Rodeo Coverage” Policy consists of a
declaration page and ten attached “applicable forms.” The declaration page
indicates that Terra Nova will provide “Full Rodeo Coverage” for two
performances of the Half Pint Rodeo at the Lyman Rodeo Arena with a total
combined single limit of $500,000 for each claim or occurrence of bodily injury
or property damage. 3
3
There are also three “special conditions” not relevant here.
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One applicable form is a generic 11-page “Commercial General Liability
Form,” which provides a baseline “Insuring Agreement”:
We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to
pay as damages because of ‘bodily injury’ or ‘property damage’ to
which this insurance applies. We will have the right and duty to
defend the insured against any ‘suit’ seeking those damages.
However, we will have no duty to defend the insured against any
‘suit’ seeking damages for ‘bodily injury’ or ‘property damage’ to
which this insurance does not apply.
The remainder of this Policy consists of a series of short forms that, upon
inspection, consist largely of brief endorsements or exclusions. Before this court,
the parties emphasize different forms to support their respective positions.
First, Terra Nova points us to Form GWR-020, which Terra Nova asserts
unambiguously excludes any coverage for claims brought by any “participants.”
It reads in pertinent part:
PARTICIPANTS EXCLUSION
This insurance excludes:
Bodily injury, sickness or disease including death at any time
resulting therefrom, sustained by any person while:
(a) Participating in any activities on behalf of the named
insured (paid or unpaid).
(b) Practicing for or participating in a contest or
exhibition sponsored by the insured.
“Participant” is not defined; however, Terra Nova asserts that it certainly includes
Steffani, who was “participating” in the mutton busting event.
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The Yarbroughs, in turn, point to three other specific forms that they say
trump this “Participants Exclusion” and provide coverage for Steffani’s injuries.
First, Form GWR-004 notes that “coverage provided by this certificate—Stock
Contractor’s Liability—applies only to Bodily Injury or Property Damage caused
by the Named Insured’s Owned or Leased Livestock which are furnished for use
in the Scheduled Event.” Because Steffani was injured by a sheep at this rodeo,
the Yarbroughs say this endorsement applies.
Second, the Yarbroughs cite Form GWR-AI, called “ADDITIONAL
INSURED ENDORSEMENT,” which states that:
the ‘Persons Insured’ provision is amended to include any performer
. . . but only as respects negligent acts, errors, or omissions of the
Named Insured and only for occurrences, claims or coverage not
otherwise excluded in the policy . . . and further only with respect to
Bodily Injury or Property Damage to persons other than any named
insured, insured, or additional insured within the meaning of this
policy.
Because Steffani is suing Fort Bridger for negligent omissions in state court, the
Yarbroughs say this endorsement applies to cover her injuries.
Finally, the Yarbroughs point to Form GWR-001, which reads:
PARTICIPANT LEGAL LIABILITY
With respect to Rodeo Events, the exclusion of participants does not
apply to Bodily Injury to rodeo performers, rodeo officials, or other
persons specifically named or added by endorsement with respect to
Participants Legal Liability.
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When used with respect to the insurance afforded by this
endorsement, “Rodeo Officials” means starters, timers, judges, but
does not include:
(a) The Rodeo Arena Owner.
(b) Mangers [sic] or association officials unless they
are acting as starters, timers, or judges, or
(c) The Named Insured.
It is further agreed that Participant Legal Liability is provided under
this policy subject to the Release and Waiver of Liability and
Indemnity Agreement signed by each and every participant. In the
event of a claim this form must be furnished to the Company. The
absence of this form will not void coverage, but a Deductible of
$25,000 will apply to such loss if the form described is not furnished
on demand.
In consideration of the premium charged, it is hereby understood and
agreed that the Limit of Liability under this policy for this coverage
is as follows:
$25,000 Bodily Injury Each Occurrence and in the
Aggregate.
Neither “rodeo performer” nor “participant legal liability” is defined.
The Yarbroughs read this “Participant Legal Liability” endorsement as an
exception to the “Participant Exclusion” relied on by Terra Nova. They say
Steffani was a “rodeo performer” who performed in the mutton busting event, and
that the plain language of the first sentence of this endorsement provides that
“[w]ith respect to Rodeo Events, the exclusion of participants does not apply to
Bodily Injury to rodeo performers.” The Policy thus, according to the
Yarbroughs, covers Steffani’s claims.
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Terra Nova, however, disputes the Yarbroughs’ interpretation of all three of
these forms. Terra Nova does not read the Policy as providing any coverage for
any claims brought by participants, and instead says these three forms, at most,
cover claims against participants. For example, considering this last “Participant
Legal Liability” endorsement in particular, Terra Nova says only “participant
legal liability” is covered and that the undefined term “participant legal liability”
refers only to coverage for the legal liability that participants themselves might
incur, as in the hypothetical case of a rodeo performer being sued for causing
bodily injuries by falling on and injuring an audience member. In other words,
Terra Nova reads a possessive into the term “Participant Legal Liability” so that it
means “a participant’s legal liability” rather than the legal liability that Fort
Bridger might incur for injuries to the listed participants, such as rodeo
performers.
Even if we were to accept Terra Nova’s limited definition of “participant
legal liability,” however, the Yarbroughs argue the plain language of the
endorsement still applies more broadly and excepts claims of “Bodily Injury to
rodeo performers” from the participant exclusion otherwise in place. That is, if
this were the definition of “participant legal liability,” the Yarbroughs would read
the first sentence of Form GWR-001 to except both “Bodily Injury to rodeo
performers” and “Bodily Injury to . . . other persons specifically named or added
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by endorsement with respect to Participants Legal Liability” from the participant
exclusion. Therefore, the first paragraph could still reasonably be read as a broad
exception to the participant exclusion, with the last two paragraphs, starting with
the “[i]t is further agreed language,” dealing separately with participant legal
liability.
Terra Nova, however, would punctuate this first sentence differently. Terra
Nova says it excepts only “Bodily Injury to rodeo performers . . . with respect to
participant legal liability.” Applying Terra Nova’s limited definition of
participant legal liability, this sentence would then seem to except only another
participant’s legal liability for bodily injuries to rodeo performers—such as the
case of a rodeo performer being sued for falling on and causing bodily injury to
another rodeo performer. This makes little sense. 4
Certainly, we could continue to wrestle with the difficult details of this
Policy. However, our review of the Participant Exclusion and the Participant
Legal Liability endorsement in particular is sufficient to convince us that the
4
Indeed, although we have assumed it for the purpose of argument, we have
doubts about Terra Nova’s position that “participant legal liability” means only a
participant’s own legal liability and not Fort Bridger’s. This would seems to read
out any need for the requirement of a signed release from every participant in the
third paragraph. Before this court, Terra Nova attempts to explain its necessity by
stating that “[e]ven though claims by participants are excluded from coverage
under Endorsement GWR-20, a non covered [sic] claim could still be asserted by
a participant.” This does not explain at all why a deductible would apply to the
Policy’s coverage if this release is not signed.
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Policy’s language is ripe with “indefiniteness of expression” and “double
meaning.” See O’Donnell, 76 P.2d at 312. The absence of definitions for critical
terms and the failure of Terra Nova’s agent to make any kind of individualized
provisions for Fort Bridger’s particular Half Pint Rodeo makes this Policy nearly
impossible to reconcile. We see multiple reasonable interpretations of this Policy
and, faced with such a conundrum, we must conclude the Policy is ambiguous.
Therefore, we look to our additional interpretative tools to decide its coverage. 5
2. Canons of construction and extrinsic evidence of intent
First, we construe the Policy strictly against Terra Nova. See Worthington,
598 P.2d at 806. The Yarbroughs have posited a reasonable interpretation of the
Policy that the Participant Legal Liability endorsement provides a straightforward
exception from the Participant Exclusion for claims of “Bodily Injury to rodeo
performers,” which would include Steffani’s injuries. In addition, they have
made a reasonable argument that either the “Stock Contracter’s Liability”
5
This conclusion is bolstered by the fact that Terra Nova itself concedes the
Policy contains language that is “not a model of draftmanship.” Indeed, two of
Terra Nova’s claims handlers interpreted the Policy very differently. The first
company notified the Yarbroughs that “the policy provided a $25,000 sublimit for
participants, [and] it appears as though the sublimit will be the extent of the
proceeds available under the Terra Nova insurance policy.” The second claims
company, which replaced the first, advised Fort Bridger in a letter approximately
one month after the state court action was filed that Terra Nova would provide a
defense “under a complete reservation of rights” and that “the applicable limits in
this matter are $500,000 combined single limit.”
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certificate or the “Additional Insured Endorsement” could trump the “Particiants
Exclusion.” Any of these interpretations could return rodeo performers’ bodily
injury claims back within the $500,000 combined limit. 6
Further, this conforms with the evidence submitted regarding the parties’
actual intents. See O’Donnell, 76 P.3d at 312. Fort Bridger’s president submitted
an affidavit that the local agent she purchased the Policy from assured her that it
“would cover all aspects of the Half-Pint Rodeo.” This suggests both sides
intended the Policy to do just that—cover Fort Bridger for up to the “Bodily
Injury” limit of $500,000. It also conforms with the expectations a reasonable
purchaser would have based on the language of the Policy and the type of
coverage at issue—that is, “Full Rodeo Coverage” with a policy limit of $500,000
for each claim or occurrence of bodily injury. See St. Paul Fire, 763 P.2d at
1262. Certainly, one of the biggest liabilities for which a Half Pint Rodeo
organizer would seek insurance would be potential injuries to the children
participating.
6
Terra Nova argues that, if there is coverage for Steffani’s injuries, it must
come from the “Participant Legal Liability” endorsement and therefore be subject,
at most, to the $25,000 limit provided at the bottom of that endorsement.
However, Terra Nova itself has posited that this refers only to the legal liability
incurred by named participants. In addition, we have already held that the entire
endorsement is entirely ambiguous, and that the Yarbroughs might as likely be
covered under either of the other specific forms they have named. Therefore, we
are not persuaded that it is “clear and unambiguous” that a $25,000 limit would
apply here.
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CONCLUSION
Therefore, based on the foregoing, we AFFIRM the district court. The
Policy does cover the Yarbroughs’ state court bodily injury claims. As such,
Terra Nova has a duty to defend Fort Bridger in the state court action and to
indemnify Fort Bridger up to the policy limit of $500,000.
ENTERED FOR THE COURT
David M. Ebel
Circuit Judge
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