Universal Image Productions v. Federal Insurance Company

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FULL-TEXT PUBLICATION
File Name: 12a0390n.06
No. 10-1564
FILED
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS Apr 10, 2012
FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT
LEONARD GREEN, Clerk
U N IV E R S A L IM A G E P R O D U C T IO N S , )
INCORPORATED, also known as Universal Images, )
a Michigan corporation, ) ON APPEAL FROM THE
) UNITED STATES DISTRICT
Plaintiff-Appellant, ) COURT FOR THE EASTERN
) DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
v. )
)
FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, )
)
Defendant-Appellee. )
)
BEFORE: KEITH, GRIFFIN, and STRANCH, Circuit Judges.
GRIFFIN, Circuit Judge.
In this action, plaintiff-appellant Universal Image Productions, Inc. (“Universal”) filed suit
against defendant-appellee Federal Insurance Company (“Federal”), asserting that Federal
wrongfully denied its claim of coverage under a property insurance policy. Following discovery,
Federal moved for summary judgment, asserting that Universal’s claim of mold and bacteria
contamination did not constitute “direct physical loss or damage” as required under the policy. The
district court granted the motion, and this appeal followed. We affirm.
I.
Universal is a television post-production company specializing in editing, special effects, and
computer graphics. In 1989, Universal signed a lease to occupy space at a three-floor commercial
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building located at 26011 Evergreen Road (the “Evergreen building” or “building”) in Southfield,
Michigan. This lease was the first of a total of eight contracts, which included two leases and six
amendments.
In 1997, the lease relevant to the instant action was executed. Pursuant to this agreement,
Universal occupied space on all three floors of the building. On August 7, 2002, Universal executed
the final amendment to this lease. This amendment terminated the lease with regard to two suites
on the third floor, relocating these operations to new space on the first floor. This newly-leased area
was to be available on September 1, 2002.
One week after the final amendment was executed, Universal asserts that Southfield
experienced heavy rainstorms. Soon thereafter, a strong odor was detected on the first floor of the
Evergreen building. Concerned, Universal employee Patricia Dial contacted Jon Datillo, a certified
indoor air quality professional. Datillo confirmed the presence of water and a “significant odor
consistent with microbial contamination” stemming from the sub-grade duct system on the first
floor. He also noted odor in the sump pump. Based upon these observations, Datillo concluded that
a “significant microbial contamination likely exist[ed] in the ventilation system,” requiring that the
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system be shut down and isolated to “prevent
the emission of microbial spores.” Datillo recommended that the health of building occupants be
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monitored, that all floors be tested for air quality, and that the HVAC system and areas of water
damage be tested and inspected.1
Based upon the findings of Datillo, Universal’s landlord shut down the HVAC system.
Datillo thereafter returned to conduct mold and bacteria testing. These tests revealed a bacterial
contamination in the building’s ductwork and elevated bacteria in the air. Datillo also discovered
the presence of Stachybotrys (black mold) and Penicillium Aspergillus. While the elevations of
these molds were not significant, Datillo noted that they were “worthy of attention.” Finally, Datillo
noted water and high moisture content in the walls throughout the Evergreen building, causing mold
and staining. Datillo, however, did not find any “notable airborne contamination” and did not find
that evacuation of the building was necessary.2
Dan Maser, an expert hired by Universal’s landlord, also conducted mold and bacteria
testing, the results of which were nearly identical to those of Datillo. Maser did not recommend that
Universal evacuate the building, but did recommend that it move its operations from the first floor
to the third floor during remediation. Finally, Arthur Carmichael, a mechanical engineer, performed
an inspection of the Evergreen building on September 12, 2002. He determined that the placement
1
Datillo also recommended that Universal employee Chris Worth be relocated away from the
first floor based upon his ill health. Datillo, however, could not determine whether Worth’s illness
(bacterial pneumonia) was related to the microbial contamination discovered on the first floor of the
Evergreen building.
2
While Universal claims that Datillo recommended the use of respirators, his deposition
testimony indicates to the contrary. There is no admissible, non-hearsay evidence indicating that
respirators were required. While Arthur Carmichael, a mechanical engineer, wore a respirator while
in the building, he is not qualified to testify regarding the need to take such precautions.
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of the building’s ductwork caused ground water infiltration in a chronic fashion, creating a “classic
environment” for mold growth.3
Once the HVAC system was shut down, Universal’s business suffered severe disruptions.
The diminished ventilation caused temperatures in the building to exceed 100 degrees, causing
extreme discomfort.4 In addition, Universal was required to move all of its operations from the first
floor to the third floor of the building. Finally, premature cleaning by the landlord caused duct debris
and possible contaminant blowback.
On September 11, 2002, Universal circulated a memorandum to its employees and clients
asserting that the air quality on the second and third floors of the Evergreen building was
“acceptable” and that “no health threat” existed. Soon thereafter, the landlord provided Universal
with its remediation plan. Nevertheless, Universal decided that it would vacate the premises, with
the move completed by September 25, 2002. The remediation of the Evergreen building was
completed by December 2002. Currently, there is no indication that a mold or bacterial
contamination remains in any area of the building.
3
Carmichael also made findings with regard to the possible impact of certain molds on the
health of building occupants. However, Carmichael is not qualified to testify regarding mold,
bacteria, or the possible health-related effects of such substances.
4
During oral argument, Universal asserted that the temperature in the Evergreen building was
above 100 degrees for “weeks.” However, the record citations provided by Universal do not
establish the length of time during which such extreme temperatures were experienced. It does
appear that the temperature in the building was uncomfortably hot following the HVAC shut-down
on August 21, 2002, with temperatures reaching above 100 degrees on several occasions. Several
steps were taken to alleviate this problem, but none were satisfactory to Universal.
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On October 30, 2002, Universal provided notice to Federal of its alleged losses stemming
from the mold and bacterial contamination of the Evergreen building. Specifically, Universal
claimed damages by way of lost leasehold improvements, cleaning and moving expenses, and lost
business income under its property insurance policy.5 Federal denied the claim, resulting in the
present lawsuit.6
Upon Federal’s motion for summary judgment, the district court held that Universal was not
entitled to coverage under its property insurance policy as a matter of law. Specifically, the court
held that Universal had not suffered any “direct physical loss” as required by the policy. Following
entry of final judgment, Universal filed this timely appeal.
II.
We review de novo a district court’s grant of summary judgment. Longaberger Co. v. Kolt,
586 F.3d 459, 465 (6th Cir. 2009). Summary judgment is proper “if the movant shows that there is
no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a); see also Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323 (1986). When
determining whether the movant has met this burden, we view the evidence in the light most
5
Universal also claimed personal property losses. However, as described below, such losses
were not the result of mold or bacterial damage.
6
Universal filed suit in Michigan state court in May 2006. Federal thereafter removed the
action to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan based upon diversity
jurisdiction.
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favorable to the nonmoving party. Smith Wholesale Co. v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., 477 F.3d 854,
861 (6th Cir. 2007).
As we are operating under diversity jurisdiction, we must apply Michigan law in resolving
the present appeal. In so doing, we apply “the law of the state’s highest court.” Garden City
Osteopathic Hosp. v. HBE Corp., 55 F.3d 1126, 1130 (6th Cir. 1995) (citing Erie R.R. v. Tompkins,
304 U.S. 64 (1938)). “If, however, the state’s highest court has not decided the applicable law, then
the federal court must ascertain the state law from all relevant data.” Id. (internal quotation marks
and citation omitted). “[A]n intermediate appellate court’s judgment that announces a rule of law
is a datum for ascertaining state law which is not to be disregarded by a federal court unless it is
convinced by other persuasive data that the highest court of the state would decide otherwise.” FL
Aerospace v. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 897 F.2d 214, 218-19 (6th Cir. 1990) (internal quotation marks
and citation omitted).
In applying Michigan law to insurance-coverage matters, we must give the words of an
insurance policy their plain and ordinary meaning. Heniser v. Frankenmuth Mut. Ins. Co., 534
N.W.2d 502, 505 (Mich. 1995). If a term is ambiguous, the ambiguity is to be construed against the
insurer. Id. at 504. Summary judgment is appropriate if the applicable policy terms are
unambiguous. Mahnick v. Bell Co., 662 N.W.2d 830, 833 (Mich. Ct. App. 2003).
III.
The insurance policy at issue contains the following coverage provision: “We will pay for
direct physical loss or damage to building or personal property caused by or resulting from a peril
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not otherwise excluded[.]” (Emphasis added.) The word “building” is defined as: “a structure;
building components; completed additions; additions to the structure under construction; and
alterations and repairs to the structure.” The policy further specifies that the word “building” does
not mean “land, water or air, either inside or outside of a structure” or “any structure [Universal
does] not own, occupy and [is] not legally or contractually require to insure.” The phrase “personal
property” is defined as:
all [Universal] business personal property; business personal property in which
[Universal has] an insurable interest; patterns, molds and dies; personal property of
others; labor, materials and services furnished or arranged by [Universal] on personal
property of others; sign fixtures, glass and other tenant’s improvements and
betterments; and glass in buildings [Universal does] not own if [it is] legally or
contractually required to maintain such glass.
The phrase “personal property” is similarly defined to exclude “land, water or air, either inside or
outside of a structure.”
Left undefined by the insurance policy is the critical phrase “direct physical loss or damage.”
Federal contends that the mold and bacterial contamination experienced by Universal at the
Evergreen building does not constitute “direct physical loss or damage” because no tangible property
insured by Universal was structurally damaged.7 In contrast, Universal contends that it did suffer
7
During oral argument, Universal claimed that it lost tapes and furniture to mold and bacteria
damage. The record, however, reveals that the tapes were not damaged, but merely required
cleaning. The record further indicates that no Universal property was damaged by mold or bacteria.
Rather, it appears that some property was abandoned during the course of Universal’s move from
the Evergreen building, but that this abandonment was unrelated to the mold and bacterial
contamination.
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“direct physical loss” because the mold, odor, and bacterial contamination rendered the Evergreen
building “uninhabitable” or substantially “unusable,” forcing the evacuation of the building.
Unfortunately, there is little Michigan authority providing us with insight into the meaning
of the phrase “direct physical loss or damage.” In Acorn Investment Co. v. Michigan Basic Property
Insurance Ass’n, the plaintiff sought coverage for vandalism that resulted in extensive flood damage.
No. 284234, 2009 WL 2952677, at *1 (Mich. Ct. App. Sept. 15, 2009) (per curiam). In that case,
the policy provided coverage for “direct physical loss” caused by vandalism. Id. at *2. The
Michigan Court of Appeals held that the word “direct” indicates “‘immediate’ or ‘proximate’ cause,
as distinct from remote or incidental causes.” Id. at *2 (citation omitted). While the court did not
expound upon the meaning of the phrase “physical loss,” it relied upon de Laurentis v. United
Services Automobile Ass’n, 162 S.W.3d 714 (Tex. Ct. App. 2005), in defining the word “direct.”
Acorn, 2009 WL 2952677, at *2. de Laurentis, a Texas Court of Appeals case, is helpful because
it addressed whether mold may constitute “direct physical loss.” 162 S.W.3d at 723. Because this
case was cited with approval by the Michigan Court of Appeals, it provides insight into how the
Michigan courts would interpret the phrase “direct physical loss” in this case.
In de Laurentis, the policyholder submitted a claim for mold damage, which required the
remediation of her furniture, art work, clothing, and other personal property. 162 S.W.3d at 716.
The insurer denied the policyholder’s claim, asserting that mold damage did not constitute “physical
loss.” Id. at 717-18. The Texas Court of Appeals relied upon dictionary definitions in resolving the
question of coverage, id. at 723, a practice adopted in Michigan, see Citizens Ins. Co. v. Pro-Seal
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Serv. Group, Inc., 730 N.W.2d 682, 687 (Mich. 2007). The court held that a “physical loss” is
“simply one that relates to natural or material things.” de Laurentis, 162 S.W.3d at 723 (citing
Webster’s Third New Int’l Dict. 1706 (1993)). Based upon this definition, the Texas Court of
Appeals held that “tangible damage” to the policyholder’s property, caused by mold, constituted
“physical loss.” Id.The definition provided in de Laurentis, if adopted by the Michigan courts, would require
the denial of coverage in this case. Universal did not experience any form of “tangible damage” to
its insured property. All remediation efforts were paid for by Universal’s landlord, and not a single
piece of Universal’s physical property was lost or damaged as a result of mold or bacterial
contamination. Universal seeks coverage for cleaning and moving expenses, lost (undamaged)
improvements attached to the Evergreen building, as well as lost business income. These are not
tangible, physical losses, but economic losses. Accord Columbiaknit, Inc. v. Affiliated FM Ins. Co.,
No. Civ. 98-434-HU, 1999 WL 619100, at *7 (D. Or. Aug. 4, 1999) (holding that a policyholder
could not recover under a policy requiring “physical loss” unless the claimed mold physically and
demonstrably damaged property); MRI Healthcare Ctr. of Glendale, Inc. v. State Farm Gen. Ins. Co.,
115 Cal. Rptr. 3d 27, 37-38 (Cal. Ct. App. 2010) (“A direct physical loss contemplates an actual
change in insured property then in a satisfactory state, occasioned by accident or other fortuitous
event directly upon the property causing it to become unsatisfactory for future use or requiring that
repairs be made to make it so.”) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); Mastellone v.
Lightning Rod Mut. Ins. Co., 884 N.E.2d 1130, 1144 (Ohio Ct. App. 2008) (holding that mold does
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not constitute “physical damage” because “[t]he presence of mold did not alter or otherwise affect
the structural integrity of the [property]”); 10 Couch on Ins. § 148:46 (3d ed. West 1998) (“The
requirement that the loss be ‘physical,’ given the ordinary definition of that term is widely held to
exclude alleged losses that are intangible or incorporeal, and, thereby, to preclude any claim against
the property insurer when the insured merely suffers a detrimental economic impact unaccompanied
by a distinct, demonstrable, physical alteration of the property.”).8
Furthermore, even if Michigan were to adopt a more expansive definition of the phrase
“direct physical loss or damage,” Universal would still not be entitled to coverage.9 Several courts
have held that “physical loss” occurs when real property becomes “uninhabitable” or substantially
“unusable.” See e.g., Port Auth. of New York & New Jersey v. Affiliated FM Ins. Co., 311 F.3d 226,
236 (3d Cir. 2002) (“When the presence of large quantities of asbestos in the air of a building is such
as to make the structure uninhabitable and unusable, then there has been a distinct [physical] loss
to its owner.”); Prudential Prop. & Cas. Co. v. Lillard-Roberts, CV-01-1362-ST, 2002 WL
31495830, at *9 (D. Or. June 18, 2002) (holding that there may be a “direct physical loss” when
property is “rendered uninhabitable by mold”); Murray v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 509 S.E.2d
1, 16-17 (W. Va. 1998) (holding policyholders to suffer a “direct physical loss” when their homes
8
Universal did clean several pieces of personal property in order to remove any possible mold
or bacteria contaminant. Such cleaning was performed with hot water and “Lysol type, cleaning,
household cleaning things.” We do not believe that the Michigan courts would find basic cleaning
to constitute physical loss or damage. See Columbiaknit, 1999 WL 619100, at *6 (holding that
clothing is not “physically damaged” if a “mere washing” would alleviate the alleged damage).
9
Accordingly, we need not decide what definition Michigan would ultimately adopt.
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were rendered uninhabitable due to threat of rockfall); W. Fire Ins. Co. v. First Presbyterian Church,
437 P.2d 52, 55 (Colo. 1968) (holding that the policyholder suffered “direct physical loss” when “the
accumulation of gasoline around and under the [building caused] the premises to become so
infiltrated and saturated as to be uninhabitable, making further use of the building highly
dangerous”).
Based upon our detailed review of the record, we agree with the district court that Universal
has failed to present a genuine issue of material fact regarding the uninhabitability or usability of the
Evergreen building. First and foremost, no expert recommended that Universal evacuate the
building. While Carmichael discussed some concerns regarding air quality, as a mechanical
engineer, he conceded that he does not have the expertise to testify regarding such matters.
Accordingly, there is no evidence in the record indicating that Universal was unable to remain in the
Evergreen building during remediation. Moreover, Universal cannot recover for alleged
uninhabitability relating to air-quality issues. Indeed, the insurance policy excludes “air” from the
definition of both “building” and “personal property.”10
Certainly, there is evidence in the record indicating that working in the Evergreen building
during remediation was difficult. Through no fault of its own, Universal was forced to work in a hot
10
There is evidence in the record that a few Universal employees were sick around the time
of the mold and bacterial contamination. However, none of these ailments were linked to the
conditions of the leased premises. Moreover, most of the testimony regarding such illnesses
constitutes inadmissible hearsay.
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and crowded space. However, Universal has not put forth any evidence indicating that such
temporary conditions rendered the building “uninhabitable” or substantially “unusable.”
In addition to the uninhabitable or unusable standard, a handful of courts have held that
persistent and pervasive odor may constitute “physical loss.” See e.g., Essex Ins. Co. v. BloomSouth
Flooring Corp., 562 F.3d 399, 406 (1st Cir. 2009) (holding that odor caused by defective carpeting
may constitute “physical injury” to property); Arbeiter v. Cambridge Mut. Fire Ins. Co., No.
9400837, 1996 WL 1250616, at *2 (Mass. Super. Ct. Mar. 15, 1996) (“[F]umes are a physical loss
which attaches to the property.”); Farmers Ins. Co. of Or. v. Trutanich, 858 P.2d 1332, 1335 (Or.
Ct. App. 1993) (holding that the persistence of an odor throughout a home physically damaged the
property).11 However, while Universal employees detected a strong odor on the first floor of the
Evergreen building in August 2002, there is no evidence that the odor affected the second and third
floors or permeated any property insured by Universal. In addition, there is no evidence that the odor
persisted. Indeed, all the evidence indicates that the odor was immediately addressed and reduced.
By December 2002, no odors were reported. More importantly, no insured property was damaged
or replaced as a result of odor.12
11
None of these cases, however, involved policies that expressly excluded “air” from their
coverage.
12
Because we agree that Universal has not suffered a “direct physical loss,” we need not
address Federal’s alternative arguments in favor of summary judgment.
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IV.
In sum, while Universal certainly suffered a large inconvenience as a result of the mold and
bacterial contamination of the Evergreen building, the damages resulting therefrom are not covered
by the insurance policy issued by Federal. Universal did not suffer any tangible damage to physical
property, nor were the Evergreen premises rendered uninhabitable or substantially unusable.
Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the district court.
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