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06/07/96 OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP v. ELLIOTT TURBOMACHINERY C BLUE BOOK CITATION FORM: 1996.C05.238 (http://www.versuslaw.com) [Editor's note: footnotes (if any) trail the opinion] [1] United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. [2] No. 95-30662. [3] OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORPORATION, and Travelers Insurance Company, [4] Plaintiffs-Appellees, v. [5] ELLIOTT TURBOMACHINERY COMPANY, INC., [6] Defendant-Appellant, [7] Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, [8] Defendant. [9] June 3, 1996. [10] Appeal from the United States District Court for the Western District of
Louisiana. [11] Before REYNALDO G. GARZA, WIENER and STEWART, Circuit Judges. [12] STEWART, Circuit Judge: [13] This interlocutory appeal raises issues of first impression involving Louisiana
contract law. Elliott Turbomachinery Company appeals the district court's decision denying
its second motion for summary judgment regarding the plaintiffs' claim for gross
fault.*fn1 The district court held that the warranty provision in Elliott's commercial
contract, which limits the duration of its liability for gross fault to only one year, is
violative of Louisiana public policy and therefore invalid. After reviewing and analyzing
applicable Louisiana law, we are convinced that the district court correctly interpreted
the provision. Therefore, we affirm the district court's judgment. [14] FACTS [15] Occidental Chemical Corporation executed an agreement with a general contractor,
Braun, for an engineering construction project at Occidental's St. Charles plant.*fn2 The
agreement authorized Braun to issue purchase orders and execute subcontracts (subject to
Occidental's approval) to obtain goods and services for Occidental. [16] Pursuant to this agreement, Braun subcontracted Elliott to rerate*fn3 certain
turbines and compressors owned by Occidental. Elliott had manufactured the turbines and
compressors for the previous owner of the St. Charles plant. The subcontract between Braun
and Elliott contained warranty and liability provisions limiting the duration of Elliott's
warranty for its rerates.*fn4 Specifically, Elliott's warranty ended twenty-four months
from the date of shipment or twelve months from the date of first use, whichever period
was shorter. Further, the provisions limited Elliott's responsibility to repair or
replacement and made Elliott completely immune from liability for damages. [17] Braun also executed a second subcontract with Elliott which required Elliott to
install the equipment after it was rerated. This contract also contained warranty and
liability provisions.*fn5 The provisions limited Elliott's installation services warranty
to ninety days from the date Elliott completed the installation. Further, the provisions
restricted Braun and Occidental's remedy to repair or replacement and excluded all other
warranties as well as Elliott's liability for special or consequential damages. [18] Elliott rerated Occidental's J802R2 compressor, which had been manufactured by
Elliott in 1966, and shipped it to the St. Charles plant in July of 1989. Elliott
completed installation of the compressor in August of 1989. On December 24, 1990 during a
harsh freeze, the compressor failed. The compressor suffered extensive damage, which
forced Occidental to cease operation of the plant until the compressor was repaired. The
compressor failure and shutdown cost Occidental millions of dollars in damages. Traveler's
Insurance paid Occidental $7 million in repair costs and consequential damages. [19] Occidental believed that the compressor failed because Elliott replaced one of the
compressor's components (guide vanes) with inferior parts, which damaged the
compressor.*fn6 Occidental and Travelers sued Elliott and its insurer alleging several
contractual causes of action. The district court applied the contractual provisions
limiting Elliott's warranties and Occidental's recovery. The district court found that the
contract expressly excluded most of Occidental's claims, which were filed sixteen months
after the date of first use. However, the court held that article 2004 of the Louisiana
Civil Code invalidated the contractual provision limiting Elliott's warranty for gross
fault. Accordingly, the court denied Elliott's motion for summary judgment on the issue of
gross fault. The district court granted Elliott leave to appeal the interlocutory judgment
to this court. [20] DISCUSSION [21] A. STANDARD OF REVIEW. [22] It is well-established that this court reviews de novo questions of law raised in
summary judgment appeals. See Eugene v. Alief Indep. Sch. Dist., 65 F.3d 1299, 1303 (5th
Cir.1995). More specifically, we review a district court's interpretation of a state
statute de novo. See Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Corp. v. Transportation Ins. Co., 953
F.2d 985, 987 (5th Cir.1992). The district court's interpretation of article 2004 clearly
qualifies for de novo review. In reviewing the issue, we must use the same criteria as the
district court, see General Elec. Capital Corp. v. Southeastern Health Care, Inc., 950
F.2d 944, 947-48 (5th Cir.1991), which in this case involve the principles applicable to
granting summary judgment, see id.; and Fed.R.Civ.Pro. 56(c). Nevertheless, our standard
of review discussion cannot end here because a state statute is involved. [23] Our interpretation of a state statute is not accomplished with unfettered
discretion. The federal court is bound to answer the question the way the state's highest
court would resolve the issue. See Transcontinental Gas, 953 F.2d at 988. In addressing an
insurance issue, this Court in Graham v. Milky Way Barge, Inc., 824 F.2d 376, 381 (5th
Cir.1987) explained as follows: [24] When the state courts have not yet decided a particular question, the duty of the
federal court is to decide what the state courts would hold if faced with that issue....
In making this determination it is our duty ... to view ourselves ... as an inferior state
court and to reach the decision that we think a state court would reach.... As a federal
court, it is not for us to adopt innovative theories of state law, but simply to apply the
law as it currently exists.... If the law of Louisiana is to be changed, it is up to the
Supreme Court of Louisiana and not this court to change the substantive law of that state.
[25] (citations, brackets, and quotations omitted). Accordingly, we must interpret a
state statute the way the Louisiana Supreme Court would interpret the statute based upon
prior precedent, legislation, and relevant commentary. [26] B. INTERPRETATION OF ARTICLE 2004. [27] Both parties agree that no Louisiana court has ever applied article 2004 to a
warranty duration provision. Both parties also assert that article 2004 is clear and
unambiguous, though both present very different interpretations of the article. [28] Elliott argues that article 2004 does not apply to a warranty duration provision.
It asserts that Louisiana courts routinely enforce warranty duration provisions in
commercial contracts. Elliott also contends that article 2004 literally applies to
liability provisions, not warranty provisions. As warranties regulate obligations rather
than liabilities, article 2004 does not affect warranty provisions. Additionally, Elliott
asserts that the law review article written by Professor Saul Litvinoff,*fn7 which
prompted the enactment of article 2004, supports the validity of the warranty provision at
issue. Finally, Elliott maintains that invalidating the warranty provision will destroy
the parties' freedom to contract, which is valued by the Louisiana Civil Code. [29] In response, Occidental and Travelers argue that Elliott's warranty provision does
not expressly apply to gross negligence.*fn8 They also assert that article 2004 applies to
"any" clause limiting liability for intentional and gross fault. Because the
present provision directly limits Elliott's liability for gross negligence, it violates
article 2004. Further, the appellees contend that Professor Litvinoff's law review article
actually supports the district court's interpretation. Finally, they argue that
Louisiana's statutory construction principles mandate the district court's interpretation.
[30] In determining which interpretation of article 2004 would likely be adopted by the
Louisiana Supreme Court, we will begin with the language of the article and the rules of
construction provided in the Civil Code. Article 2004, entitled "Clause that excludes
or limits liability," provides as follows: [31] Any clause is null that, in advance, excludes or limits the liability of one party
for intentional or gross fault that causes damage to the other party. Any clause is null
that, in advance, excludes or limits the liability of one party for causing physical
injury to the party. [32] The statutory construction articles in the Louisiana Civil Code provide that
"Persons may not by their juridical acts derogate from laws enacted for the
protection of the public interest. Any act in derogation of such laws is an absolute
nullity." La.Civ.Code art. 7. "When a law is clear and unambiguous and its
application does not lead to absurd consequences, the law shall be applied as written and
no further interpretation may be made in search of the intent of the legislature."
La.Civ.Code art. 9. "When the language of the law is susceptible of different
meanings, it must be interpreted as having the meaning that best conforms to the purpose
of the law." La.Civ.Code art. 10. "Words of law must be given their generally
prevailing meaning." La.Civ.Code art. 11. [33] Reading the construction articles together, we find that article 2004 is not clear
and unambiguous. The article is susceptible of two reasonable interpretations regarding
warranty provisions, as presented by the parties.*fn9 We therefore must interpret article
2004 in a manner that best conforms to the purpose of the law and Louisiana public policy.
See La.Civ.Code arts. 7, 10. [34] Though the comments do not carry the force of law, we may glean from the comments
the legislature's intent when enacting the article. The comments to article 2004 indicate
that the article does not change the law; it merely "expresses the consequence of the
principle of contractual freedom stated in C.C. Art. 1901." Citing the Louisiana
Supreme Court in Freeman v. Dep't of Highways, 253 La. 105, 217 So.2d 166 (1968), the
comments provide a reasoning behind the statute: the clauses "are against public
policy because the overriding principle of good faith would be destroyed if it were
possible to contract away for liability for fraud." Further, the comments explain
that the article does not invalidate clauses which are governed by federal legislation,
which relieve liability for delay damage, which relieve liability for slight fault, and
which allocate between the parties the risk of potential liability towards third parties
(i.e., indemnity or "hold harmless" clauses). Instead, the article prohibits
only clauses that exclude or limit liability for intentional or gross fault. [35] Likewise, insights regarding article 2004 surface in the writings of Professor
Litvinoff, who was the inspiration for the provision and also the reporter for the
Louisiana Law Institute Committee which revised Louisiana contract law. In particular, we
may suppose the purpose of article 2004 from the law review article in which Professor
Litvinoff introduces a proposed version of article 2004 amid a thorough discussion of
Louisiana public policy and legal history. See Saul Litvinoff, Stipulations As To
Liability And As To Damages, 52 Tul.L.Rev. 258 (1978). Professor Litvinoff explains inter
alia that contractual clauses limiting the duration of a party's obligation of warranty
are valid under the Louisiana Civil Code, except in those situations where public policy
would be violated. 52 Tul.L.Rev. at 295, Professor Litvinoff comments: "Agreed delays
for discovery of defects in workmanship, materials, or redhibitory defects, or even delays
for eviction to occur must be regarded as valid, without limitations other than those
required by the public order[.]" 52 Tul.L.Rev. at 295-96. Moreover, on the issue of
"public order," Professor Litvinoff clarified that because "gross
fault" involves a certain degree of fraudulent intent, "a clause relieving a
party of the consequences of his gross fault is ... as greatly opposed to the public order
as a clause relieving him of the consequences of his intentional nonperformance or
fraud." 52 Tul.L.Rev. at 279. Reading Professor Litvinoff's restriction on warranty
limitations with his explanation of gross fault, we are convinced that although
limitations regarding warranties are permissible in most circumstances, such limitations
are prohibited when the obligor is guilty of gross fault. [36] We find that article 2004 stands as a legislative pronouncement of public policy
which parties to a contract cannot ignore. Gross fault or gross negligence is so closely
akin to intentional fault and fraud that it would disrupt the social order to allow
parties to contract in advance to limit liability for gross fault. [37] The Louisiana statutes and cases generally define gross negligence as conduct
which falls below that which is expected of a reasonably careful person under like
circumstances, or which is less than that diligence which even careless men are accustomed
to exercise. Gross negligence is also "reckless disregard" or "careless
indifference," and may involve a gross or substantial deviation from an expected or
defined standard of care. [38] Rosenblath's v. Baker Indus., 634 So.2d 969, 973 (La.App.2d Cir.1994). Thus, any
contractual clause which operates to limit a plaintiff's right to redress a violation for
gross fault violates Louisiana public policy. Contractual provisions excluding gross fault
may therefore convert an otherwise valid contractual provision into an invalid one. [39] Elliott attempts to persuade this Court that the contract remains valid in this
case because Occidental and Travelers allege gross negligence rather than gross fault,
suggesting that gross fault does not encompass gross negligence. Elliott maintains that
gross fault necessarily implicates more than negligence because Professor Litvinoff places
gross fault in the same category as intentional fault and fraud. Accordingly, Elliott
interprets gross fault as adding another form of "fraud" or "intentional
fault." We find this interpretation unnecessarily restrictive and inconsistent with
the Louisiana cases applying article 2004. We previously have determined that article 2004
encompasses gross negligence. See Orthopedic
& Sports Injury Clinic v. Wang, 922 F.2d 220, 224 (5th
Cir.1991). Louisiana opinions rendered after our decision in Wang
have reached the same conclusion. See, e.g., Broom v. Leebron & Robinson Rent-A-Car,
626 So.2d 1212, 1216 (La.App.2d Cir.1993). [40] Further, the Louisiana Civil Code drives a stake through the heart of Elliott's
interpretation of gross fault. Article 3506 of the Code expressly refers to negligence
when defining gross fault. The article provides: "The gross fault is that which
proceeds from inexcusable negligence or ignorance; it is considered as nearly equal to
fraud." La.Civ.Code art. 3506, Section(s) 13 (emphasis added). The legislature
obviously intended gross fault to encompass gross negligence. We therefore find no merit
to Elliott's characterization of gross fault. [41] The warranty clause in Elliott's contract has the effect of limiting its liability
for gross fault because without the clause Occidental would have over eight more years to
bring an action for Elliott's breach.*fn10 We are convinced that the legislature intended
article 2004 to reach warranty clauses effecting gross negligence actions. We, therefore,
hold that while Louisiana law permits parties to limit, by contract, the duration of a
warranty, article 2004 prohibits provisions limiting the duration of a warranty when gross
fault is involved.*fn11 Consequently, Elliott's warranty provision is void because it
impermissibly operates in a manner that limits actions for gross negligence. [42] CONCLUSION [43] Louisiana public policy precludes the agreement that Elliott attempts to enforce
through its motion for summary judgment. Article 2004 establishes that Elliott cannot
contract in advance to limit its liability for gross negligence. Therefore, we AFFIRM the
judgment of the district court denying Elliott's motion for summary judgment. ***** BEGIN FOOTNOTE(S) HERE ***** [44] *fn1 The district court granted Elliott's first motion for summary judgment as to
the plaintiffs' claims for negligence, breach of contract, breach of express and implied
warranties, and redhibition. [45] *fn2 Occidental purchased the St. Charles plant in 1982. [46] *fn3 "Rerate" is a procedure to create a modification in a turbine or
compressor in order to change the performance characteristics of the turbine or
compressor. [47] *fn4 The rerate agreement provided as follows: [48] 27. WARRANTY REMEDIES If within 24 months from date of shipment, or within 12
months from date first used as intended, whichever occurs first, Buyer discovers defects,
errors, omissions, performance deficiencies, or breach of any warranty as to the items,
materials, or work supplied by Seller, then Seller shall promptly repair or replace
without cost to Buyer, the items or materials in question and reperform any defective
work, and Buyer will provide at no cost to Seller, all necessary cranes and rigging as
required for such work. If Seller fails after reasonable written notice to proceed
promptly with the repair or replacement of the defective items or materials, Buyer may
repair or replace such items or materials and charge all reasonable direct costs
associated with such work, except for any crane or rigging expenses, to the Seller without
voiding the warranties herein. [49] The warranties in Clauses 25, 26, and 27 and the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness of purpose shall be Seller's sole warranty responsibilities to
Buyer or Buyer's Customer and are given in lieu of all other warranties, express or
implied. The remedies provided in this Clause 27 are the sole remedies provided to Buyer
and its Customers for any failure of Seller to comply with its warranty obligations. [50] 50. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Notwithstanding any other provision in the Purchase
Order or elsewhere to the contrary, in no event shall Seller or its suppliers be liable,
whether arising under contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or
otherwise, for loss of anticipated profits, loss by reason of plant shutdown, nonoperation
or increased expense of operation, service interruption, cost of purchased or replacement
power, claims of buyer's customers, subcontractors of [sic] suppliers, cost of money, loss
of use of capital or revenue, or for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential
loss or damage of any nature arising at any time or from any cause whatsoever. [51] *fn5 The Installation agreement provided as follows: [52] 9. WARRANTY REMEDY Should subcontractor be notified of any failure to conform to
the warranty in ARTICLE 8 (MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY) above within a period of
ninety (90) days after completion of Subcontractor's work or delivery of goods and
materials, Subcontractor, without cost to Braun or Owner, shall promptly correct, repair,
or replace the materials or workmanship in whatever manner necessary so that all the
requirements of this subcontract and the obligations of Subcontractor under Article 8 are
satisfactorily fulfilled and Braun will provide at no cost to Subcontractor, all necessary
cranes and rigging for such work. If subcontractor fails after reasonable notice to
proceed promptly with the correction, repair, or replacement of any defective items,
materials, or workmanship, Braun may replace or repair such items or materials, correct
such workmanship, and charge all reasonable direct costs, except for any crane or rigging
expenses to Subcontractor. [53] The warranties in Articles 8 and 9 shall be Subcontractor's sole warranty to Braun
or Braun's Customer and are given in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied. The
remedies provided in this Article 9 are the sole remedies provided to Braun and its
Customers for any failure of Subcontractor to comply with its warranty obligations. [54] 71. MAXIMUM LIABILITY Notwithstanding any provision in this subcontract or
elsewhere to the contrary [sic], Subcontractor's maximum liability arising at any time
from any cause whatsoever, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) strict
liability or otherwise, shall not exceed $1,000,000.00 dollars. [55] 72. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY Notwithstanding any other provision in the
subcontract or elsewhere to the contrary, in no event shall Subcontractor or its suppliers
be liable, whether arising under contract, tor [sic] (including negligence), strict
liability, or otherwise, for loss of anticipated profits, los [sic] by reason of plant
shutdown, nonoperation or increased expense of operation, service interruption, cost of
purchased or replacement power, claims of Braun's customers, subcontractors or suppliers,
cost of money, loss of use of capital or revenue, or for any special, incidental [sic],
indirect or consequential los [sic] or damage of any nature arisning [sic] at any time or
from any cause whatsoever. [56] *fn6 Elliott concedes that the manner in which it attached the component to the
diaphragm of the compressor changed over the years. In fact, it had applied three
different methods to the compressor at issue. One method was used during the original
manufacture in 1966, another method was employed during a previous rerate job in the late
1980s, and a third method was used during the rerate which prompted this litigation. [57] *fn7 See Saul Litvinoff, Stipulations As To Liability And As To Damages, 52
Tul.L.Rev. 258 (1978). In the article, Professor Litvinoff discusses the validity of
various contractual stipulations through which parties attempt to limit their liability in
the event of a breach. To some extent, both parties rely on Professor Litvinoff's article
to support their respective positions. [58] *fn8 The record suggests that the parties co-drafted the contract. Accordingly, we
will not construe the contract against Elliott, and the rules regarding strict
construction do not apply to the present case. [59] *fn9 It is undisputed that general contractual provisions seeking to limit
liability for gross fault are invalid and unenforceable. See, e.g., Orthopedic
Cir.1991); Robin Towing Corp. v. Honeywell, Inc., 859 F.2d 1218, 1221 (5th Cir.1988);
Rosenblath's Inc. v. Baker Indus., 634 So.2d 969, 973 (La.App.2d Cir.), writ. denied, 640
So.2d 1348 (La.1994); Tony's Auto Parts, Inc. v. Honeywell, Inc., 522 So.2d 680, 681
(La.App. 5th Cir.1988); Banner Chevrolet v. Wells Fargo Guard Serv., 508 So.2d 966, 967
(La.App. 4th Cir.1987); and Carriage Meat Co. v. Honeywell, Inc., 442 So.2d 796, 798
(La.App. 4th Cir.1983). [60] *fn10 Louisiana law provides that a contractor is liable for non-compliance with a
construction contract. La.Civ.Code art. 2769; see also Wetmore v. Blueridge, Inc. 391
So.2d 951, 953 (La.App. 4th Cir.1980) ("A contractor is bound to warrant his work and
is responsible for damages occasioned by defective workmanship or installation"). The
statutes provide a warranty period of ten years. La.Civ.Code art. 2762. In the absence of
Elliott's warranty provision, the rerate work and installation would be covered by the ten
year period provided in article 2762. See Gulf States Util. Co. v. Ecodyne Corp., 635 F.2d
517, 521 (5th Cir.1981) (applying article 2762 to a cooling tower); and Murphy Corp. v.
Petrochem Maintenance, Inc., 180 So.2d 716, 721 (La.App. 1st Cir.1965) (applying article
2762 to an underground storage tank). [61] *fn11 We find it unnecessary to discuss cases not involving or discussing gross
fault which have upheld provisions limiting the duration of a warranty. It is conceded
that Louisiana permits limitations on warranties as long as public policy is not violated.
See, e.g., Datamatic v. Int'l Business Machines Corp., 795 F.2d 458 (5th Cir.1986)
(affirming summary judgment for a manufacturer because the contract limited its warranties
to one year from installation); and California Union Ins. Co. v. Bechtel Corp., 473 So.2d
861 (La.App. 4th Cir.), writ. denied, 477 So.2d 1128 (La.1985) (affirming the granting of
a motion for involuntary dismissal because the contract limited the warranty to defects
appearing within eighteen months of the shipment date or one year from installation,
whichever occurred first). We find these cases distinguishable and therefore give them no
weight in determining whether article 2004 reaches warranty provisions that ultimately
limit liability for gross fault. ***** END FOOTNOTE(S) HERE ***** (c) 1996 VersusLaw, Inc., (206) 250-0142 http://www.versuslaw.com 19960607 1996.C05.238 Return to Bad Software: What To Do When Software Fails.