Darla Keck v. Chad P. Collins, DMD

FILED
MAY 06, 2014
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
WA State Court of Appeals. Division III
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION THREE
DARLA KECK and RON JOSEPH ) No. 31128-7-111
GRAHAM, husband and wife, and DARLA )
KECK and RON JOSEPH GRAHAM as )
parents for the minor child, KELLEN )
MITCHELL GRAHAM, and KELLEN )
MITCHELL GRAHAM, individually, )
) PUBLISHED OPINION
Appellants, )
)
v. )
)
CHAD P. COLLINS, DMD, PATRICK C. )
COLLINS, DDS; COLLINS ORAL & )
MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY, P.S., a )
Washington corporation, and SACRED )
HEART MEDICAL CENTER, a )
Washington corporation, )
)
Respondents. )
BROWN, J.-Darla Keck and Ron Joseph Graham (collectively appellants) appeal
the trial court's summary dismissal of their medical negligence suit against Chad P.
Collins, DMD, Patrick C. Collins, DDS, and Collins Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery PS
(collectively respondents).1 Appellants contend the trial court erred in:
(1) concluding their first and second medical expert affidavits lack required
specificity on negligent postoperative care,
(2) striking their third medical expert affidavit as untimely,
1 To avoid confusion, we refer to Chad P. Collins, DMD as "Dr. Chad" and
Patrick C. Collins, DDS as "Dr. Patrick."
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
(3) denying a continuance of the summary judgment hearing on negligent
postoperative care,
(4) concluding no genuine issue of material fact exists on negligent referral, and
(5) denying reconsideration of the summary judgment order on negligent
postoperative care.
After concluding our standard of review is de novo, we hold the trial court erred in
striking the third affidavit. We then hold the trial court erred in denying the continuance,
granting summary dismissal, and denying reconsideration. Accordingly, we reverse and
remand for further proceedings.
FACTS
On November 26, 2007, Drs. Chad and Patrick performed surgery in Spokane on
Ms. Keck, a Missoula resident, to correct her obstructive sleep apnea. The surgery
involves cutting the patient's jawbones, advancing them to open breathing space, and
stabilizing them with plates and screws while new bone bonds them together by filling
the gaps left between them. During the healing process, arch bars help align the
patient's bite.
Ms. Keck had her first follow-up visit in Spokane on December 6,2007. She had
green pus oozing from her surgical incision as well as pain and total numbness in her
chin. Dr. Patrick said the pus was nothing more than a superficial infection. Thus, Dr.
Chad prescribed her clindamycin, an antibiotic. Dr. Chad then consulted Dr. Patrick
regarding an x-ray of her chin. While Dr. Chad said he thought a particular shadow in
the x-ray might evidence a fracture, Dr. Patrick said the shadow was nothing. Finally,
Dr. Patrick dismissed her concerns about discoloration in a tooth, saying the November
26 surgery did not affect that area.
2
}
I
I
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
Drs. Chad and Patrick made no other attempt to evaluate Ms. Keck's problems.
Dr. Chad planned to send letters delegating the task of monitoring Ms. Keck's wound
healing to Jeffrey R. Haller, MD (her ear, nose, and throat specialist in Missoula), and
delegating the task of monitoring her bite alignment to George M. Olsen, DDS (her
general dentist in Missoula). The record does not show that the delegation letters were
sent, which may be partly explained by Ms. Keck's need for emergency care two days
later, resulting in immediate consultation between Dr. Chad and Dr. Haller. At that time,
Ms. Keck visited a Missoula emergency room with an infected, painful, and swollen jaw
abscess. The emergency physician consulted Dr. Haller, who consulted Dr. Chad. At
Dr. Chad's direction, Dr. Haller removed the abscess, packed the wound, and
administered clindamycin intravenously. Dr. Haller referred Ms. Keck back to Dr. Chad
for further care.
On December 17, Dr. Olsen noted Ms. Keck had "some major bite issues" and
her "[b]ite may not be correct for 6 months or until after ortho[dontics]." Clerk's Papers
(CP) at 144. However, at her December 26 follow-up visit in Spokane, Dr. Chad noted
she had "excellent" bite alignment. CP at 134, 147. He then removed her arch bars,
claiming Dr. Olsen had approved doing so. Dr. Chad instructed Ms. Keck to return to
him for further care solely as necessary. On January 22, 2008, Dr. Olsen spoke with
Dr. Chad by telephone, expressing concerns about infection, pain, and swelling in Ms.
Keck's jaw and relapse in her bite alignment. The next day, Dr. Chad discovered her
plates and screws were loose, infection had spread into her bone, and her jaw was not
uniting. He again prescribed her clindamycin.
3
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
On January 24, Dr. Chad surgically removed the loose plates and screws,
cleaned the bone infection, and wired her jaw shut. During surgery, he confirmed her
plates and screws were "completely loose." CP at 148. Dr. Chad planned to track Ms.
Keck's condition on a limited basis in Spokane, rather than refer her to a Missoula ear,
nose, and throat specialist; plastic surgeon; or oral surgeon. Three days later, Ms. Keck
visited a Missoula emergency room with significant swelling in her jaw. An ear, nose,
and throat specialist, Phillip A. Gardner, MD, consulted Dr. Chad. At Dr. Chad's
direction, Dr. Gardner administered clindamycin intravenously and consulted an
infectious disease specialist, Michael B. Curtis, MD. Dr. Curtis wrote, "Clearly she is
failing clindamycin and I would advocate abandoning this drug." CP at 154. Another
infectious disease specialist, David Christensen, MD, soon began treating her.
At her February 11 follow-up visit in Spokane, Ms. Keck felt constant pain and
said "something is going on" in her jaw. CP at 156. On March 18, Dr. Chad surgically
cleaned the bone infection and installed "more stout hardware" in her jaw because it
was still not uniting. CP at 136. Dr. Chad continued tracking Ms. Keck's condition on a
limited basis in Spokane.
At her June 11 follow-up visit in Spokane, Ms. Keck had severe pain as well as
loose bone and hardware that moved with finger manipulation. On July 18, Dr. Chad
surgically grafted bone, removed a tooth, and installed new hardware in her jaw. Ms.
Keck had her last follow-up visit in Spokane on July 23, 2008. Dr. Chad instructed Ms.
Keck to return to him for further care solely as necessary. She instead sought the care
of an oral surgeon, Clark Taylor, MD, in Missoula. Dr. Clark surgically installed new
4
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
hardware. Despite this effort, Ms. Keck still suffers continual "fatigue, acrid taste in her
mouth, pain, swelling, nerve sensations in her eye and numbness in her cheek and
chin." CP at 282.
Appellants sued respondents for medical negligence, partly alleging their follow­
up care fell below the accepted standard of care. In August 2011, appellants disclosed
Kasey Li, MD, as a medical expert witness. On December 20, 2011, Dr. Patrick moved
for summary judgment, partly arguing no genuine issue of material fact exists because
appellants lacked medical expert testimony establishing negligence. In February 2012,
Dr. Patrick's counsel re-noted the summary judgment hearing for March 30, 2012
without consulting appellants' counsel, a sole practitioner, regarding his availability.
From March 7 through 20, appellants' counsel was in Ephrata representing
plaintiffs in a jury trial on a different medical negligence suit. Because Dr. Chad's
counsel was representing a defendant in the Ephrata trial, Ms. Keck argues he knew
appellants' counsel had no time to prepare a sufficient response to Dr. Patrick's
summary judgment motion. Even so, Dr. Chad joined in Dr. Patrick's summary
judgment motion on March 14. Appellants' counsel attempted, through his assistant, to
collaborate with Dr. Li during the Ephrata trial.
On March 16, appellants filed a first responsive affidavit from Dr. Li, discussing
solely Dr. Chad. Dr. Li opined, "I have identified standard of care violations that resulted
in infection and in non-union of Ms. Keck's jaw." CP at 42. On March 22, appellants
filed a second responsive affidavit from Dr. Li, discussing both Drs. Chad and Patrick.
Dr. Li repeated his first affidavit, saying,
5
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
I have identified standard of care violations that resulted in infection and in
non-union of Ms. Keck's jaw....
5. The surgeons performed multiple operations without really
addressing the problem of non-union and infection within the standard of
care.
6. With regards to referring Ms. Keck for follow up care, the records
establish that the surgeons were sending Ms. Keck to a general dentist as
opposed to an oral surgeon or even a plastic slJrgeon or an 'Ear, Nose,
and Throat doctor. Again, this did not meet with the standard of care as
the general dentist would not have had sufficient training or knowledge to
deal with Ms. Keck's non-union and the developing [bone]
infection/osteomyelitis.
I
j
.
CP at 47-48.
In reply, respondents argued Dr. U's first and second affidavits lacked required
specificity on negligent postoperative care. On March 29, 10 days after the deadline
j and the day before the summary judgment hearing, appellants filed a third responsive
affidavit from Dr. Li providing additional, more specific detail regarding his previously
stated opinion by outlining the facts surrounding each alleged standard of care violation.
Appellants' counsel submitted his affidavit noting Dr. Chad's reply was late and
explaining the combined reasons for the delay. Ms. Keck's counsel requested the trial
court either forgive the late filing or continue the summary judgment hearing to allow full
evaluation of the late filing's contents.
Respondents moved to strike Dr. Li's third affidavit as untimely, arguing the late
filing was inexcusable and prejudiced them because they lacked sufficient time to file a
reply before the summary judgment hearing. Additionally, Dr. Patrick requested
permission to file a reply after the summary judgment hearing if the trial court chose to f
forgive the late filing.
6
I
f
1
I
j No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
The trial court issued a memorandum opinion granting respondents' motion to
strike Dr. Li's third affidavit as untimely, denying appellants' motion to continue the
summary judgment hearing, and granting respondents' summary judgment motions on
negligent postoperative care. The trial court incorporated its memorandum opinion into
its final order. Appellants moved unsuccessfully for reconsideration.
Respondents each moved for summary judgment on negligent referral, arguing
no genuine issue of material fact exists because their evidence was undisputed. Dr.
Chad said he referred Ms. Keck to Dr. Olsen solely to monitor her bite alignment,
something he was qualified to do. Dr. Patrick said he had no duty to Ms. Keck because
he was never involved in her postoperative care. Ms. Keck contradicted Dr. Patrick's
claimed non-involvement.
The trial court issued another memorandum opinion granting respondents'
summary judgment motions on negligent referral. Again, the trial court incorporated its
memorandum opinion into its final order. Ms. Keck and Mr. Graham appealed.
ANALYSIS
A Standard of Review
Before reaching the parties' substantive arguments, we must decide what review
standard applies. Appellants argue the de novo review standard applies to all trial court
rulings made in conjunction with respondents' summary judgment motions.
Respondents argue the abuse of discretion review standard applies to the trial court
rulings granting respondents' motion to strike and denying appellants' motion for
7
,
1
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
continuance, while the de novo review standard applies solely to the orders granting
respondents' summary judgment motions.
We review a summary judgment order de novo, engaging in the same inquiry as
the trial court. Highline Sch. Dist. No. 401 v. Port of Seattle, 87 Wn.2d 6, 15, 548 P.2d
1085 (1976); Mahoney v. Shinpoch, 107 Wn.2d 679, 683,732 P.2d 510 (1987).
Summary judgment is proper if the records on file with the trial court show "there is no
genuine issue as to any material fact" and "the moving party is entitled to a judgment as
a matter of law." CR 56(c). We, like the trial court, construe all evidence and
reasonable inferences in the Ijght most favorable to the nonmoving party. Barber v.
Bankers Life & Cas. Co., 81 Wn.2d 140, 142,500 P.2d 88 (1972); Wilson v. Steinbach,
98 Wn.2d 434, 437, 656 P.2d 1030 (1982). And, we consider solely evidence and
issues the parties called to the trial court's attention. RAP 9.12.
In Folsom v. BurgerKing, 135 Wn.2d 658,663,958 P.2d 301 (1998), our
Supreme Court said the de novo review standard applies to "all trial court rulings made
in conjunction with a summary judgment motion." Appellants argue "all trial court
rulings" literally includes rulings concerning evidence timeliness. Respondents argue
"all trial court rulings" contextually means rulings on evidence contents solely. Based on
the below analysis, we agree with appellants.
Folsom involved a trial court ruling on a motion to strike expert affidavits from
consideration on summary judgment because they contained inadmissible legal
conclusions invading the jury's province or lacking proper foundation. Id. at 662-63.
The ruling concerned the admissibility of evidence contents under the evidence rules,
8
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
not evidence timeliness under the civil rules. Id. Two years later, our Supreme Court
applied the abuse of discretion review standard to a trial court ruling on a motion to
continue the summary judgment hearing. Pitzer v. Union Bank of Cal., 141 Wn.2d 539,
556,9 P.3d 805 (2000) (citing Tellevik v. Real Property Known as 31641 West
Rutherford Street, 120 Wn.2d 68,90,838 P.2d 111 (1992), without acknowledging
Folsom). Then, seven years later, our Supreme Court again applied the de novo review
standard to a trial court ruling on a motion to strike evidence from consideration on
summary judgment because it contained inadmissible legal conclusions. Davis v.
Baugh Indus. Contractors, Inc., 159 Wn.2d 413, 416, 420-21,150 P.3d 545 (2007)
(citing Folsom, 135 Wn.2d 658). And again, the ruling concerned the admissibility of
evidence contents under the evidence rules, not evidence timeliness under the civil
rules. Id.Meanwhile, this court has consistently applied the de novo review standard to
trial court rulings concerning the contents of evidence presented on summary
judgment. 2 But this court has inconsistently applied the de novo and abuse of discretion
2 See, e.g., Kenco Enters. Nw., LLC v. Wiese, 172 Wn. App. 607, 614-15, 291
P.3d 261 (hearsay), review denied, 177 Wn.2d 1011 (2013); Kellar v. Estate of Kellar,
172 Wn. App. 562, 576-79,291 P.3d 906 (2012) (dead man's statute), review denied,
178 Wn.2d 1025 (2013); Rice v. Offshore Sys., Inc., 167 Wn. App. 77, 85-87, 272 P.3d
865 (authentication, hearsay, personal knowledge, speculation), review denied, 174
Wn.2d 1016 (2012); Renfro v. Kaur, 156 Wn. App. 655, 666, 235 P.3d 800 (2010)
(extrinsic, subjective intent); Ensley v. Mollmann, 155 Wn. App. 744, 751-55, 230 P.3d
599 (2010) (hearsay); Lane v. Harborview Med. Ctr., 154 Wn. App. 279,286-88,227
P.3d 297 (2010) (competence, relevance); Ross v. Bennett, 148 Wn. App. 40, 45, 48­
49,203 P.3d 383 (2008) (extrinsic, subjective intent, context of formation,
authentication, legal conclusion, relevance, undue prejudice, hearsay); Momah v.
Bharti, 144 Wn. App. 731, 749-52,182 P.3d 455 (2008) (hearsay); Cotton v.
Kronenberg, 111 Wn. App. 258, 264,266-67,44 P.3d 878 (2002) (legal conclusion).
9
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
review standards to trial court rulings concerning the timeliness of evidence presented
on summary judgment. The majority of judicial opinions applied the abuse of discretion
review standard without acknowledging Folsom in this context. 3 However, two judicial
opinions followed Folsom in this context. See Southwick v. Seattle Police Officer John
Doe No.1, 145 Wn. App. 292, 297, 301-02, 186 P.3d 1089 (2008) (reviewing de novo a
ruling striking untimely evidence filed before the summary judgment hearing (citing
Folsom, 135 Wn.2d at 663»; Davies v. Holy Family Hosp., 144 Wn. App. 483, 490-91,
494, 499-500, 183 P.3d 283 (2008) (reviewing for abuse of discretion a ruling striking
3 See, e.g., Colo. Structures, Inc. v. Blue Mountain Plaza, LLC, 159 Wn. App.
654,660,246 P.3d 835 (2011) (reviewing for abuse of discretion a ruling on untimely
evidence filed before the summary judgment hearing (overlooking Folsom and citing
O'Neill v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Wash., 124 Wn. App. 516, 521,125 P.3d 134 (2004)
(similarly overlooking Folsom»; Garza v. McCain Foods, Inc., 124 Wn. App. 908, 917­
18,103 P.3d 848 (2004) (reviewing for abuse of discretion a ruling on untimely evidence
filed before the summary judgment hearing (overlooking Folsom and citing Int'l Ultimate,
Inc. v. Sf. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 122 Wn. App. 736, 744, 87 P.3d 774 (2004)
(similarly overlooking Folsom»); O'Neill, 124 Wn. App. at 521-22 (reviewing for abuse of
discretion a ruling on untimely evidence filed before the summary judgment hearing
(overlooking Folsom and citing Brown v. Peoples Mortg. Co., 48 Wn. App. 554, 558-60,
739 P.2d 1188 (1987) (decided before Folsom))); Idahosa v. King County, 113 Wn. App.
930, 935-37,55 P.3d 657 (2002) (reviewing for abuse of discretion a ruling on an
untimely response filed before the summary judgment hearing (overlooking Folsom and
citing a former local rule providing untimely materials were, by default, unavailable to
the trial court for consideration on summary judgment unless the trial court made a
contrary discretionary ruling»; Colwell v. Holy Family Hosp., 104 Wn. App. 606, 610,
613-14,15 P.3d 210 (2001) (reviewing for abuse of discretion a ruling on untimely
evidence filed after the summary judgment hearing (overlooking Folsom and citing Cox
v. Spangler, 141 Wn.2d 431, 439,5 P.3d 1265 (2000) (considering evidence
admissibility outside the summary judgment context»); Sec. State Bank v. Burk, 100
Wn. App. 94, 102-03, 995 P .2d 1272 (2000) (reviewing for abuse of discretion a ruling
on untimely evidence filed before the summary judgment hearing (overlooking Folsom
and citing Brown, 48 Wn. App. at 559 (decided before Folsom))); McBride v. Walla
Walla County, 95 Wn. App. 33, 36-37, 975 P.2d 1029 (1999) (reviewing for abuse of
discretion a ruling on untimely evidence filed before the summary judgment hearing
(overlooking Folsom and citing no authority».
10
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
untimely evidence filed after the summary judgment hearing (citing Folsom, 135 Wn.2d
at 663, regarding a different issue». The review standard apparently depended on
whether the untimely evidence was filed with the trial court before or after the summary
judgment hearing.
Under Folsom, an appellate court cannot properly review a summary judgment
I
J
order de novo without independently "examin[ing] all the evidence presented to the trial
court" on summary judgment. 135 Wn.2d at 663. Division One of this court followed
! Folsom's precedential reasoning. See Southwick, 145 Wn. App. at 297, 301-02. Thus,
! we agree with appellants and conclude that under Folsom, an appellate court cannot
I fully engage in the same inquiry as the trial court, or construe all evidence and
reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, unless the
appellate court evaluates anew all evidence available to the trial court for potential
consideration on summary judgment.
Regarding availability, the determining factor is whether the evidence was "on
file" with the trial court, CR 56(c), and "called to the attention of the trial court" on
summary judgment, RAP 9.12; see Colwell, 104 Wn. App. at 615 (citing Mithoug v.
Apollo Radio of Spokane, 128 Wn.2d 460, 462,909 P.2d 291 (1996». If it was, like
here, we review de novo the trial court ruling striking the evidence from consideration on
summary judgment. See Folsom, 135 Wn.2d at 663. While Dr. Li's third affidavit was
untimely under CR 56(c), the clerk accepted the filing. See CR 5(e). Under these
circumstances, the evidence was available to the trial court for potential consideration
11
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
on summary judgment. 4 Striking the evidence does not change our conclusion that the
third affidavit was "on file" with the trial court, CR 56(c), and "called to the attention of
the trial court" on summary judgment, RAP 9.12; see Cameron v. Murray, 151 Wn. App.
646,658,214 P.3d 150 (2009) ("[M]aterials submitted to the trial court in connection
with a motion for summary judgment cannot actually be stricken from consideration as
is true of evidence that is removed from consideration by a jury; they remain in the
record to be considered on appeal."); accord Ensley, 155 Wn. App. at 751 n.7.
Therefore, Folsom's reasoning extends to the trial court's motion-to-strike ruling
as well as its summary judgment orders. But considering other directly controlling
authority, Fo/som's reasoning does not extend to the trial court's motion-for-continuance
ruling discussed below. See Pitzer, 141 Wn.2d at 556 (citing Tellevik, 120 Wn.2d at 90)
(reviewing for abuse of discretion a ruling on a motion to continue the summary
judgment hearing); see also State v. Gore, 101 Wn.2d 481, 487, 681 P.2d 227 (1984)
(citing Godefroy v. Reilly, 146 Wash. 257, 259, 262 P. 639 (1928)) (stating our Supreme
Court's pronouncement of state law binds all lower courts until overruled).
In sum, we review the trial court's motion-to-strike ruling de novo, see Fo/som,
135 Wn.2d at 663; Davis, 159 Wn.2d at 416, 420-21, review its motion-for-continuance
ruling for abuse of discretion, see Pitzer, 141 Wn.2d at 556 (citing Tel/evik, 120 Wn.2d
at 90), and review its summary judgment orders de novo, see Highline, 87 Wn.2d at 15;
Mahoney, 107 Wn.2d at 683.
4 Spokane County Local Rules do not change this presumption because they do
not provide otherwise. Contra Idahosa, 113 Wn. App. at 935-37 (quoting former Pierce
12
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
B. Ruling to Strike Third Affidavit
The issue is whether the trial court erred in granting respondents' motion to strike
Dr. U's third affidavit as untimely. In light of our standard-of-review discussion, we
choose to consider Dr. U's third affidavit in reviewing the summary judgment order de
novo. See Southwick, 145 Wn. App. at 297,301.
The civil rules set a specific timeline for summary judgment procedure. The
nonmoving party must "file and serve opposing affidavits ... not later than 11 calendar
days before the hearing." CR 56(c). But the trial court "may permit affidavits to be
supplemented or opposed by ... further affidavits." CR 56(e). Thus, "Until a formal
order granting or denying the motion for summary judgment is entered, a party may file
affidavits to assist the court in determining the existence of an issue of material fact." 5
Coferv. Pierce County, 8 Wn. App. 258, 261, 505 P.2d 476 (1973) (citing Felsman v.
Kessler, 2 Wn. App. 493, 498, 468 P.2d 691 (1970».
Upon motion, the trial court may strike a late filing "unless good cause is shown
for, or justice requires, the granting of an extension of time." CR 5(d)(2). Alternatively,
upon motion, the trial court may forgive a late filing "for cause shown ... where the
County Local Civil Rule 56(c)(3»; Brown, 48 Wn. App. at 559 & n.1 (quoting former King
County Local Civil Rule 56(c)(1)(B».
5 Respondents dispute this basic principle, citing judicial opinions stating
evidence is not newly discovered, within the meaning of CR 59(a)(4) and CR 60(b)(3), if
it was reasonably available before the opportunity to present it to the trial court passed.
See Wagner Dev., Inc. v. Fid. & Deposit Co. of Md., 95 Wn. App. 896, 907, 977 P.2d
639 (1999); Adams v. W. Host, Inc., 55 Wn. App. 601, 608, 779 P.2d 281 (1989).
Those judicial opinions are irrelevant to respondents' motion to strike, which involves
CR 5(d)(2) and CR 6(b)(2).
13
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
failure to act was the result of excusable neglect." CR 6(b)(2).6 These considerations
are essential to fulfilling the civil rules' purpose of ensuring the trial court justly, speedily,
and inexpensively determines every action, preferably on the merits rather than
technicalities. See CR 1, 56(c), (e)-(f); Hessler Constr. Co. v. Looney, 52 Wn. App. 110,
112,757 P.2d 988 (1988) (citing Rinke v. Johns-Manville Corp., 47 Wn. App. 222, 227,
734 P.2d 533 (1987»; Fox v. Sackman, 22 Wn. App. 707. 709, 591 P.2d 855 (1979).
Eight factors assist us in determining whether a delay resulted from excusable
neglect:
(1) The prejudice to the opponent; (2) the length of the delay and its
potential impact on the course of judicial proceedings; (3) the cause for
the delay, and whether those causes were within the reasonable control of
the moving party; (4) the moving party's good faith; (5) whether the
omission reflected professional incompetence. such as an ignorance of
the procedural rules; (6) whether the omission reflected an easily
manufactured excuse that the court could not verify; (7) whether the
moving party had failed to provide for a consequence that was readily
foreseeable; and (8) whether the omission constituted a complete lack of
diligence.
6 Though appellants did not cite CR 6(b)(2) to the trial court, they nonetheless
invoked this rule by stating the reasons for the delay and formally "request[ing] ... this
Court permit the supplemental filing of Dr. Li's [third] affidavit in response to the current
Motion for Summary Judgment." CP at 76. Appellants invoked this rule by thoroughly
briefing excusable neglect in their motion for reconsideration. See Nail v. Consol. Res.
Health Care Fund I, 155 Wn. App. 227, 232, 229 P.3d 885 (2010) ("[N]ew issues may
be raised for the first time in a motion for reconsideration, thereby preserving them for
review, where ... they are not dependent upon new facts and are closely related to and
part of the original theory."). And. respondents' motion to strike necessarily implicates
both CR 5(d)(2) and CR 6(b){2) because these rules are inextricably intertwined in the
trial court's decision on whether to consider or not consider Dr. Li's third affidavit on
summary judgment.
14
No.. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
15 KARL B. TEGLAND, WASHINGTON PRACTICE: RULES PRACTICE § 48:9, at 346 (2d ed.
2009) (citing Pioneer Inv. Servs. Co. v. Brunswick Assocs. Ltd. P'ship, 507 U.S. 380,
113 S. Ct. 1489, 123 L. Ed. 2d 74 (1993)).
Appellants filed Dr. Li's third affidavit 10 days after the deadline and the day
before the summary judgment hearing. Respondents lacked sufficient time to file a
reply before the summary judgment hearing. But with the trial date still three and one-
half months away and the dispositive motions deadline still three months away,
respondents would suffer no prejudice by a short delay for them to respond to the third
affidavit and for the trial court to consider all relevant materials, with or without further
argument.
Appellants' counsel swore "the delay ... was due to Defendants' arbitrarily
selecting a summary judgment date during which Plaintiffs' counsel was unavailable to
adequately work with Plaintiffs' expert Dr. Kasey Li." CP at 76 (emphasis added).
Appellants' counsel elaborated,
2. Defendant Patrick Collins filed his Motion for Summary Judgment
without seeking the availability of Plaintiffs' counsel.
3. During the time that Plaintiffs' counsel's response was due to
Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment, Plaintiffs' counsel was in
another medical malpractice trial in Ephrata, Washington. That trial began
March 7, 2012 with the jury rendering its verdict in favor of the Plaintiff on
March 20, 2012. Dr. Chad Collins' attorney ... was in the Ephrata trial
and thus, was aware that Plaintiffs' counsel was unavailable to provide a
response to Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment.
4. Nonetheless, even though trial was ongoing Plaintiffs' counsel
attempted to work with Plaintiffs' expert Dr. Kasey Li in obtaining an
affidavit in response to Defendants' Motion for Summary JudgmentF)
7 Respondents do not dispute these facts. Instead, they argue appellants had
over three months to file a summary judgment response and over a year to obtain Dr.
Li's medical expert opinion. But under respondents' stipulated continuance, appellants
15
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
CP at 75-76 (emphasis added).
Appellants' counsel acted in good faith when obtaining Dr. U's first and second
affidavits before the deadline, even though appellants' counsel lacked the time and
attention needed to ensure the affidavits provided enough specificity to show a genuine
issue of material fact exists on negligence. Although appellants' counsel believed the
affidavits supplied sufficient facts, he ultimately needed Dr. U's third affidavit to
substantiate his previously stated opinions with more specific facts. The third affidavit
stated no new opinions. We accept that the demands of the Ephrata trial were outside
the reasonable control of appellants' counsel. And, the delay in filing the third affidavit
reflects no professional incompetence or complete lack of diligence by appellants'
counsel. Appellants' counsel gave verifiable, not easily manufactured reasons for the
delay. The situation was not readily foreseeable because (1) respondents' counsel did
not coordinate the summary judgment hearing with appellants' counsel, even though Dr.
Chad's counsel was in trial with appellants' counsel, and (2) once appellants' counsel
obtained Dr. U's first and second affidavits. he had a reasonably debatable legal reason
for thinking they were sufficient to defeat respondents' summary judgment motion, an
argument he vigorously maintains on appeal.
Appellants' counsel called to the trial court's attention that Dr. U's third affidavit
provides enough specificity to show a genuine issue of material fact exists on
had no obligation to file affidavits until March 19,2012. See Cofer, 8 Wn. App. at 261.
Respondents unduly emphasize that appellants' counsel managed to obtain Dr. U's first
and second affidavits before the deadline. But we reason appellants' counsel, acting in
16
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
negligence. In a seminal case, our Supreme Court held, "We feel impelled to set aside
the summary judgment, lest there be evidence available that will support the plaintiffs
allegations." Preston v. Duncan, 55 Wn.2d 678, 683, 349 P.2d 605 (1960). After all,
"Summary judgment procedure ... is a liberal measure, liberally designed
for arriving at the truth. Its purpose is not to cut litigants off from their right
of trial by jury if they really have evidence which they will offer on a trial, it
is to carefully test this out, in advance of trial by inquiring and determining
whether such evidence exists."
Id. (quoting Whitaker v. Coleman, 115 F.2d 305, 307 (5th Cir. 1940)); see also Barber,
81 Wn.2d at 144 ("The object and function of summary judgment procedure is to avoid a
useless trial. A trial is not useless, but is absolutely necessary where there is a genuine
issue as to any material fact."); Babcock v. State, 116 Wn.2d 596, 599, 809 P.2d 143(1991) ("Summary judgment exists to examine the sufficiency of legal claims and
narrow issues, not as an unfair substitute for trial.").
Considering all, we conclude appellants have justly shown good cause for a time
extension to file Dr. Li's third affidavit. The delay resulted from excusable neglect. See
CR 5(d)(2), 6(b)(2). Therefore, we reverse the trial court's motion-to-strike ruling.
C. Continuance Ruling
The issue is whether the trial court erred in denying appellants' motion to
continue the summary judgment hearing. Appellants contend the trial court had a duty
to grant a continuance because they met all necessary criteria.
If, by affidavit, the nonmoving party states reasons why he or she cannot
currently present evidence opposing summary judgment, the trial court "may order a
good faith, lacked the time and attention needed to ensure the affidavits provided
17
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to
be had or may make such other order as is just." CR 56(f). The trial court may deny
the motion for continuance solely if '''(1) the requesting party does not offer a good
reason for the delay in obtaining the desired evidence; (2) the requesting party does not
state what evidence would be established through the additional discovery; or (3) the
desired evidence will not raise a genuine issue of material fact."'8 Tel/evik, 120 Wn.2d
at 90 (quoting Turner v. Kohler, 54 Wn. App. 688, 693, 775 P.2d 474 (1989». This
court previously explained,
[W]hen a trial court has been shown a good reason why an affidavit of a
material witness cannot be obtained in time for a summary judgment
proceeding the court has a duty to accord the parties a reasonable
opportunity to make their record complete before ruling on a motion for a
summary judgment, especially where the continuance of the motion would
not result in a further delay of the trial.
Cofer, 8 Wn. App. at 262-63; see also Coggle v. Snow, 56 Wn. App. 499, 507,
784 P.2d 554 (1990).
The trial court must make justice its primary consideration in ruling on a motion
for continuance, even an informal one. Goggle, 56 Wn. App. at 508; Butler v. Joy, 116
Wn. App. 291,299, 65 P.3d 671 (2003). And "it is hard to see 'how justice is served by
a draconian application of time limitations' when [the nonmoving] party is hobbled by
enough specificity to show a genuine issue of material fact exists on negligence.
8 A trial court abuses its discretion if its decision is "manifestly unreasonable,"
based on "untenable grounds," or made for "untenable reasons." State ex rei. Carroll v.
Junker, 79 Wn.2d 12,26,482 P.2d 775 (1971); see also In re Marriage of Littlefield, 133
Wn.2d 39, 47, 940 P.2d 1362 (1997) ("A court's decision is manifestly unreasonable if it
is outside the range of acceptable choices, given the facts and the applicable legal
standard; it is based on untenable grounds if the factual findings are unsupported by the
18
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
legal representation that has had no time to prepare a [sufficient] response to a motion
that cuts off any decision on the true merits of a case." Butler, 116 Wn. App. at 300
(quoting Coggle, 56 Wn. App. at 508). Absent prejudice to the moving party, the trial
court should grant a motion for continuance under such circumstances. Id. at 299-300.
Here, justice required continuing the summary judgment hearing to allow full
consideration of Dr. U's third affidavit. As noted above, appellants were hobbled by
counsel who, due to extenuating circumstances, lacked the time and attention needed
to ensure Dr. U's first and second affidavits provided enough specificity to show a
genuine issue of material fact exists on negligence. Appellants' counsel needed to file
Dr. Li's third affidavit to substantiate his previously stated opinions. But the third
affidavit stated no new opinions. With the trial date still three and one-half months away
and the dispositive motions deadline still three months away, respondents would suffer
no prejudice if the trial court continued the summary judgment hearing and considered
the third affidavit.
The trial court denied a continuance after deciding appellants' counsel did not
offer a good enough reason for the delay in filing Dr. U's third affidavit or state what
evidence a continuance would yield. The trial court's decision to deny a continuance or
enlarge the time for filing was manifestly unreasonable, considering the unrefuted
reasons given by appellants' counsel. ConSidering the strength of the factors outlined
above, we conclude it was outside the range of acceptable choices for the trial court to
say those reasons were not good enough. A continuance would have allowed the trial
record; it is based on untenable reasons if it is based on an incorrect standard or the
19
t
J
I
No. 31128-7:.111
j Keck v. Collins
I
court to fully evaluate the third affidavit and given respondents time to respond to the
! specific facts raising a genuine issue of material fact on negligence. Denying a
~
i continuance under these circumstances would untenably elevate deadlines over justice
I and technicalities over the merits, and thus, deny appellants an opportunity to try their
! case to a jury. Therefore, we conclude the trial court abused its discretion and erred in
denying appellants' motion to continue the summary judgment hearing.
I D. Summary Judgment
I
I
The issue is whether the trial court erred in granting respondents' summary
I judgment motions on negligent postoperative care and negligent referral. Appellants
I
I argue genuine issues of material fact exist on negligence. We agree.
i
i
I Summary judgment is proper if the records on file with the trial court show "there
is no genuine issue as to any material fact" and "the moving party is entitled to a
judgment as a matter of law." CR 56(c). A genuine issue is one upon which reasonable
people may disagree; a material fact is one controlling the litigation's outcome. Morris
v. McNicol, 83 Wn.2d 491,494,519 P.2d 7 (1974); Ranger Ins. Co. v. Pierce County,
164 Wn.2d 545, 552, 192 P.3d 886 (2008).
Initially, the moving party bears the burden of proving no genuine issue of
material fact exists. LaPlante v. State, 85 Wn.2d 154, 158,531 P.2d 299 (1975). A
defendant may meet this burden by showing the plaintiff lacks evidence supporting his
or her case. Young v. Key Pharms., Inc., 112 Wn.2d 216, 225 n.1, 770 P.2d 182 (1989)
(citing Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 325, 106 S. Ct. 2548, 91 L. Ed. 2d 265facts do not meet the requirements of the correct standard.").
20
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
(1986». Then, the burden shifts and the plaintiff must present admissible evidence
showing a genuine issue of material fact exists. Id. at 225; see CR 56(e). The plaintiff
"may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of his pleading, but ... must set forth
specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for triaL" CR 56(e); see also Young,
112 Wn.2d at 225-26. Summary judgment is required if the plaintiff '''fails to make a
showing sufficient to establish ... an element essential to that party's case, and on
which that party will bear the burden of proof at triaL'" Young, 112 Wn.2d at 225(quoting Celotex Corp., 477 U.S. at 322).
In an action for injury resulting from health care, the plaintiff must usually present
medical expert testimony to prove the defendant was negligent. See Harris v. Robert C.
Groth, MD, Inc., 99 Wn.2d 438, 449, 663 P.2d 113 (1983); see also RCW 7.70.040(1)
(stating a health care provider is negligent if he or she "fail[s] to exercise that degree of
care, skill, and learning expected of a reasonably prudent health care provider at that
time in the profession or class to which he or she belongs, in the state of Washington,
acting in the same or similar Circumstances"). In Guile v. Ballard Community Hospital,
70 Wn. App. 18,25,851 P.2d 689 (1993), Division One explained when the burden
shifts and the plaintiff files medical expert affidavits opposing summary judgment, those
affidavits must set forth "specific facts establishing a cause of action," not "conclusory
statements without adequate factual support."
21
No. 31128-7-111
i
f
Keck v. Collins
I Appellants invite us to overrule Guile, arguing it is incorrect and harmful because
it reads CR 56{e)'s specific facts requirement too restrictively,9 demands more
specificity on summary judgment than ER 704 and 705 would demand at trial, 10
contradicts or lacks support from other judicial opinions, and generally undermines
summary judgment's purpose. We decline appellants' invitation because Guile is well
established as a correct and helpful interpretation of CR 56(e)'s specific facts
requirement. See, e.g., Stewart-Graves v. Vaughn, 162 Wn.2d 115, 138, 170 P.3d
1151 (2007) (citing Guile, 70 Wn. App. at 25, with approval); Green v. Am. Pharm. Co.,
136 Wn.2d 87, 98 n.5, 960 P.2d 912 (1998) (same); Davies, 144 Wn. App. at 493,496
(same); see also Doe v. Puget Sound Blood Clr., 117 Wn.2d 772, 787, 819 P.2d 370(1991); Hash v. Children's Orthopedic Hosp. & Med. Ctr., 49 Wn. App. 130, 134-35,741
P.2d 584 (1987), affd, 110 Wn.2d 912,757 P.2d 507 (1988).
Unlike the trial court, we reason at the outset that the so-called "negligent
referral" claim is inseparable from appellants' general claim of negligent postoperative
care. Appellants' complaint states a single medical negligence cause of action.
Whether referrals were required or not, made or not, or were adequate or not, are
factual issues bearing on whether respondents' follow-up care fell below the accepted
9 See CR 56 (e) ("When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported
as provided in this rule, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or
denials of his pleading, but his response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this
rule, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If he
does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against him.").
10 See ER 704 ("Testimony in the form of an opinion or inferences otherwise
admissible is not objectionable because it embraces an ultimate issue to be decided by
the trier of fact."); ER 705 ("The expert may testify in terms of opinion or inference and
22
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
standard of care. The parties genuinely dispute all these factual issues. And, Ms. Keck
asserts Dr. Patrick was involved in her postoperative care, while he denies it.
Considering the record, these factual issues are all debatable and best left for trial as
part of appellants' general claim of negligent postoperative care.
As to negligent postoperative care, respondents met their initial burden of proving
no genuine issue of material fact exists by showing appellants lacked medical expert
testimony establishing negligence. Thus, the burden shifted and appellants had to
present medical expert testimony showing a genuine issue of material fact exists by
setting forth specific facts establishing negligence. Dr. Li's first and second affidavits
lack required specificity because they do not state what facts support his opinion that
respondents' postoperative care fell below the accepted standard of care. But Dr. Li's
third affidavit provides this specificity by stating Ms. Keck's medical records show:
• During and after her December 6, 2007 follow-up visit, respondents made no
appreciable attempt to evaluate the green pus oozing from Ms. Keck's surgical
incision or the pain and total numbness in her chin.
• Following Dr. Olsen's January 22, 2008 telephone call expressing concerns
about infection, pain, and swelling in Ms. Keck's jaw and relapse in her bite
alignment, respondents did not closely track Ms. Keck's condition in Spokane or
refer her to a Missoula ear, nose, and throat specialist; plastic surgeon; or oral
surgeon.
• Respondents allowed further instability in Ms. Keck's jaw by removing but not
replacing loose plates and screws during her January 24,2008 surgery.
• Though respondents knew Ms. Keck continued suffering nonunion, infection, and
pain in her jaw, they did not address these problems during or after her surgeries
of January 24, 2008, March 18, 2008, June 11, 2008, or July 18, 2008. The
accepted standard of care required respondents to either closely track Ms.
Keck's condition in Spokane or else refer her to a Missoula ear, nose, and throat
specialist; plastic surgeon; or oral surgeon. But respondents did neither.
give reasons therefor without prior disclosure of the underlying facts or data, unless the
judge requires otherwise.").
23
i
~ No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
1
• Respondents' negligence proximately caused Ms. Keck's ongoing problems
1 because her jaw probably would have healed properly if, shortly after her initial
'.
I
i
November 26, 2007 surgery, respondents had either closely tracked her
condition in Spokane or else referred her to a Missoula ear, nose, and throat
specialist; plastic surgeon; or oral surgeon.
I Dr. U's third affidavit shows a genuine issue of material fact exists by setting forth
I specific facts establishing negligence. Cf. Shellenbarger v. Brigman, 101 Wn. App. 339,
I
I 346-48, 3 P.3d 211 (2000). Nonetheless, Dr. Chad argues Dr. U's third affidavit is still
I
I
insufficient to raise any genuine issue of material fact. Dr. Chad's arguments
I underscore how, considering Dr. U's third affidavit, reasonable people may disagree on
I
, the facts surroundi~g respondents' postoperative care in relation to the accepted
standard of care. Thus, a genuine issue exists on the facts allegedly constituting
negligent postoperative care. These facts are material because they control the
litigation's outcome. Viewing all evidence and reasonable inferences in the light most
favorable to appellants, a genuine issue of material fact exists on negligent
postoperative care. Therefore, the trial court erred in granting respondents' summary
judgment motions on negligent postoperative care and, inclusively, negligent referral.
E. Reconsideration Ruling
The assigned error claims the trial court erred in denying appellants' motion to
reconsider the summary judgment order on negligent postoperative care. Appellants
contend the trial court should have, for the reasons discussed in the sections above,
granted reconsideration on the basis of Dr. U's third affidavit.
We review a reconsideration ruling for abuse of discretion. Rivers v. Wash. State
Conference of Mason Contractors, 145 Wn.2d 674, 685, 41 P.3d 1175 (2002). The trial
·24
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins
court may, upon motion, reconsider its summary judgment order if "there is no evidence
or reasonable inference from the evidence to justify ... the decision, or [the decision] is
contrary to law," or "substantial justice has not been done." CR 59(a)(7), (9). Because
we have concluded the trial court erred in granting respondents' motion to strike,
denying appellants' motion for continuance, and granting respondents' summary
judgment motions on negligent postoperative care, it abused its discretion and erred in
denying appellants' motion for reconsideration. See Bank of N. Y. v. Hooper, 164 Wn.
App. 295, 305,263 P.3d 1263 (2011).
Reversed.
Brown, J.
I CONCUR:
25
31128-7-III
KORSMO, J. (concurring) Although the majority correctly reverses and remands
this case because plaintiffs counsel was entitled to more time to prepare his response to
the summary judgment motions, I do not concur in the extension of the language from
Folsom v. Burger King, 135 Wn.2d 658, 663, 958 P.2d 301 (1998), into appellate court
de novo oversight of the trial court's calendar management authority. That subject has
traditionally been left to the discretion of the trial court l and we should not overturn those
types of decisions absent abuse of that discretion. The Folsom language only applies to a
trial court's summary judgment evidentiary rulings rather than to related matters such as
continuances and the consideration of untimely filings.
In addition to being an imprudent policy choice, the elevation of the Folsom
language fails for several additional reasons. First, as applied to this context, the
language is dicta. At issue in Folsom was the standard of review of a trial court decision
to strike portions of an expert's affidavits due to varied deficiencies. Id. at 662-63. The
court concluded, unsurprisingly, that the appropriate standard was de novo review of the
E.g., State ex reI. Sperry v. Superior Court/or Walla Walla County, 41 Wn.2d
I
670,671,251 P.2d 164 (1952).
No. 31128-7-111
Keck v. Collins - concurring
reasons for striking the excised portions of the affidavits. Id. at 663. Not only were the
trial judge's rulings based on legal grounds, but to leave such rulings to the discretion of
the trial court would not ensure that the summary judgment was based on the evidence
most favorable to the defending party. Id. The trial judge, after all, does not find facts or
resolve disputes concerning material facts at summary judgment. Those matters are left
for the trial process. The record must be reviewed most favorably to the responding party
and that can only be done if all of the admissible evidence can be considered. As that
presents a nondiscretionary legal question, the appellate court necessarily applies de novo
revlew.
Unfortunately, Folsom stated its resolution of the argument about striking the
evidence universally, indicating that de novo review extended to "all trial court rulings
made in conjunction with a summary judgment motion." Id. The Folsom court, of
course, was not reviewing all potential rulings made in conjunction with a summary
judgment motion. It was dealing with a ruling striking evidence. There was no
discretionary aspect to that ruling-the trial judge was either right on the law or he was
not. Either way, it presented a legal question rather than a discretionary ruling. Folsom
did not speak to, and should not be read to address, additional types of rulings arising
from a summary judgment motion.
A second problem with reading Folsom as the majority does is that it necessarily
overrules, sub silentio, a large number of cases without applying the standards for doing
2
No. 31128-7-III
Keck v. Collins - concurring
so articulated in In re Rights to Waters ofStranger Creek, 77 Wn.2d 649, 466,P.2d 508
(1970).2 E.g., King County Fire Prot. Dist. No. 16 v. Hous. Auth. ofKing County, 123
Wn.2d 819,826,872 P.2d 516 (1994); McKee v. Am. Home Prod., Corp., 113 Wn.2d
701, 706, 782 P.2d 1045 (1989); Bernal v. Am. Honda Motor Co., Inc., 87 Wn.2d 406,
413,553 P.2d 107 (1976).3 Both before and after Folsom, the court has continued to treat
a trial court's decision on scheduling summary judgment hearings as a matter left to the
trial court's discretion. 4 See, e.g., Pitzer v. Union Bank ofCal., 141 Wn.2d 539, 556, 9
P.3d 805 (2000); Tellevik v. 31641 Rutherford St., 120 Wn.2d 68,90, 838 P.2d 111(1992). The fact that the Supreme Court forgot this statement just two years later when it
decided Pitzer suggests that it did not intend Folsom to have such a sweeping impact.
The two cases cited by the majority as following Folsom do not support that
reading. In Davies v. Holy Family Hospital, 144 Wn. App. 483, 183 P.3d 283 (2008),
this court faced issues concerning an expert's qualifications and whether his declarations
of negligence were sufficient to defeat summary judgment. Id. at 494. This court cited
the Folsom language and conducted an appropriate legal analysis of the issues. Id. at
494-96. However, the court then turned to plaintiffs argument that the court had erred in
2 Stare decisis "requires a clear showing that an established rule is incorrect and
harmful before it is abandoned." Stranger Creek, 77 Wn.2d at 653.
3 The noted cases do conflict with the Folsom statement in that all of them
reviewed summary judgment motions to strike under the abuse of discretion standard.
4 Similarly, the decision to continue a civil or a criminal trial is left to the
discretion of the trial court. State v. Downing, 151 Wn.2d 265,272,87 P.3d 1169 (2004).
3
No. 31128-7-III
Keck v. Collins - concurring
denying reconsideration because he was unrepresented, needed more time to file an
affidavit from his expert, and deserved the opportunity to file an untimely response. This
court ultimately concluded that the trial court had not abused its discretion in these
rulings. Id. at 498-01. Davies strongly suggests that the Folsom rule is limited solely to
summary judgment evidentiary rulings rather than issues of timeliness, scheduling, and
reconsideration.
The other case relied upon by the majority is Southwick v. Seattle Police Officer
John Doe No.1, 145 Wn. App. 292, 186 P.3d 1089 (2008). Southwick also does not aid
the majority's reading of Folsom. There the court, in its standard of review section, cited
Folsom for the proposition that an otherwise discretionary motion to strike is reviewed de
novo when "made in conjunction with a motion for summary judgment." Id. at 297.
However, in its analysis of the trial court's ruling striking an untimely declaration in
opposition to summary judgment, the Southwick court applied the abuse of discretion
standard rather than the Folsom de novo legal standard. 5 Id. at 301-02.
5 Before and after Folsom, this court consistently has applied the abuse of
discretion standard to trial court timeliness rulings in summary judgment proceedings.
E.g., Colo. Structures, Inc. v. Blue Mountain Plaza, LLC, 159 Wn. App. 654, 660, 246
P.3d 835 (2011); Davies, 144 Wn. App. at 500; Garza v. McCain Foods, Inc., 124 Wn.
App. 908, 917, 103 P.3d 848 (2004); O'Neill v. Farmers Ins. Co. of Wash., 124 Wn. App.
516,521-22, 125 P.3d 134 (2004); Idahosa v. King County, 113 Wn. App. 930, 936-37,
55 P.3d 657 (2002); Security State Bank v. Burk, 100 Wn. App. 94, 102-03,995 P.2d
1272 (2000); McBride v. Walla Walla County, 95 Wn. App. 33, 37, 975 P.2d 1029(1999); Brown v. Peoples Mortg. Co., 48 Wn. App. 554, 559-60, 739 P.2d 1188 (1987).
4
No. 31128-7-III
Keck v. Collins - concurring
Since these cases do not support the broad reading of Folsom, the majority is left
with nothing but the language of that opinion itself. As noted previously, the statement
arose in the context of reviewing the legal grounds for the trial court's ruling striking
some of the proffered evidence and the court justified its decision on the basis of the need
to ensure that all admissible evidence was considered. That rationale has little relation to
a court's scheduling authority or local motion practice deadlines.
The Washington Supreme Court recently provided some guidance on what to
consider when fashioning an appropriate standard of review:
An abuse of discretion standard often is appropriate when (1) the trial court
is generally in a better position than the appellate court to make a given
determination; (2) a determination is fact intensive and involves numerous
factors to be weighed on a case-by-case basis; (3) the trial court has more
experience making a given type of determination and a greater
understanding of the issues involved; (4) the determination is one for which
no rule of general applicability could be effectively constructed; and/or (5)
there is a strong interest in finality and avoiding appeals.
State v. Sisouvanh, 175 Wn.2d 607,621,290 P.3d 942 (2012) (citations and quotations
omitted).
These factors support reading the Folsom language narrowly. Enforceability of
local rules and decisions on whether to grant continuances should be left to the discretion
of the trial judge who has the most experience with those matters as well as with the
counsel involved. An appellate court is seldom in the position where it can legitimately
5
No. 31128-7-III
Keck v. Collins - concurring
tell a trial court that it erred in enforcing its own local rules. We should review any such
challenges for abuse of discretion.
The Folsom language will have to be explained and applied by the Washington
Supreme Court at some point. However, this court does not have the authority to
overturn a Supreme Court and neither should we unnecessarily interpret a case in a
manner that puts it in conflict with other cases, The majority reading of Folsom puts that
case at odds with even more decisions than Folsom itself implicitly did. Since I don't
think the Folsom language should be applied outside of summary judgment evidentiary
rulings, I respectfully concur only in the result of the majority opinion.
6