Source: http://pa.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20081223_0001491.MPA.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2016-12-04 08:26:32
Document Index: 206589356

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 240', '§ 201', '§ 240', '§ 8371', '§ 5524', '§ 240', '§ 1658', '§ 5525', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 29', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 27', '§ 83']

| Novinger Group, Inc. v. Hartford Life & Annuity Insurance Co.
Novinger Group, Inc. v. Hartford Life & Annuity Insurance Co.
NOVINGER GROUP, INC., JAMES DAVID NOVINGER, AND PATRICK D. HOSPODAVIS, PLAINTIFFSv.HARTFORD LIFE & ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, DEFENDANT
This is a diversity action sounding in negligence, securities fraud, and breach of contract, filed by plaintiffs the Novinger Group, Inc., James David Novinger, and Patrick D. Hospodavis (collectively "plaintiffs"). Plaintiffs contend that defendant Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company*fn1 ("Hartford") breached the terms of several life insurance policies and failed to fulfill its duty to supervise an agent licensed to sell such policies. Additionally, the Novinger Group, Inc. ("Novinger Group") alleges that Hartford violated Rule 10b-5 of the federal securities law, see 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. Presently before the court is Hartford's motion for summary judgment on all claims. (Doc. 59.) For the reasons that follow, the motion will be granted.
Novinger Group is a privately held Pennsylvania corporation, with an employment roll of over 350 and an annual revenue in excess of $60 million. (See Doc. 1 ¶ 1; Doc. 61, Ex. B at 12; Doc. 63 ¶ 2.) Plaintiff James David Novinger ("James") owns a predominant share of the company and is the acting president and chief executive officer. (Doc. 61, Ex. B at 11-12.) Plaintiff Patrick Hospodavis ("Hospodavis") is Novinger Group's chief financial officer. (Doc. 61, Ex. A at 11.) Hartford is an insurance company organized under the laws of Connecticut. (Doc. 63 ¶ 3.) Plaintiffs' claims are premised upon alleged wrongdoing committed by Hartford's agent, Richard Harper ("Harper"), who is not a party to this action. (See Doc. 61, Ex. B at 97-98, 101, 106; Ex. D at 109-10; Doc. 71, Ex. C at 130.)
A. The December 2001 Sale
The dispute in this case primarily centers upon the sale of eight variable life insurance policies*fn3 by Hartford to Novinger Group in December 2001. Four months prior to this sale, in August 2001, top executives at Novinger Group were approached by Harper, a Wachovia Securities ("Wachovia") employee licensed to sell Hartford insurance policies through Wachovia. (Doc. 63 ¶ 6; Doc. 73 at 1.) Plaintiffs expressed interest to Harper in purchasing long-term investment plans for Novinger Group's top executives. (See Doc. 63 ¶¶ 6-7.) Harper offered to structure a set of lucrative deferred compensation policies*fn4 based upon the purchase and retention of variable life insurance through Hartford. (Doc. 63 ¶ 8; Doc. 73 at 1.) Essentially, Harper proposed an investment vehicle that required each Novinger Group executive to invest in a life insurance policy containing several sub-accounts, each of which were composed of market-centric mutual funds. (Id.)
Harper met with the plaintiffs again on September 11, 2001, in order to describe the proposed insurance policies in more detail. (See Doc. 61, Ex. A at 31-32; Ex. C ¶¶ 13-14, 16; Doc. 72, Ex. P at 28-32; Doc. 73, Ex. B.) By way of a series of Powerpoint illustrations, Harper outlined the mechanics of the policies. (See Doc. 73, Ex. B.) Harper explained that each Novinger Group policyholder would be required to purchase variable life insurance through Hartford, (see Doc. 61, Ex. A at 37; Ex. D at 23; Doc. 63 ¶ 8), and that the ultimate value of an individual's policy was subject to the performance of the various stock investments comprising the policy's sub-accounts. (Doc. 63 ¶ 8.)
Between September 11, 2001, and December 5, 2001, James, Hospodavis, and Frank Kruse ("Kruse"), another high-ranking Novinger Group executive, participated in at least three more meetings with Harper, each time discussing the specifics of the proposed DC policies. (See Doc. 61, Ex B at 42; Ex. C ¶¶ 17, 20; Doc. 63 ¶ 7.) At some of these meetings, Harper presented illustrations depicting projected financial growth based upon variable rates of market return. (See Doc. 61, Ex. B at 54, 99, 112-13; Doc. 63 ¶ 8; Doc. 71, Ex. C at 139.) Prior to their purchase of the Hartford plans in early December, plaintiffs understood that the ultimate value of the policies was market-based and thus not guaranteed. (Doc. 61, Ex. A at 54; Ex. D at 29; Doc. 63 ¶ 8.)
From December 5 through December 20, 2001, plaintiffs purchased and signed the paperwork for eight Hartford variable life insurance policies. (See Doc. 63 ¶¶ 9-10; Doc. 71, Exs. I-N.) All of the policies were prepared and signed by Harper. (See Doc. 71, Exs. I-N.) By signing each policy, Harper certified that he provided prospectuses and certain financial growth illustrations to the individual policyholder; that he explained that certain policy elements were not guaranteed; and that he had made no statements inconsistent with the financial growth illustrations that he attested to providing. (See, e.g., id. at Ex. I, p. 8.) Correspondingly, each policyholder acknowledged that his policy's non-guaranteed elements were subject to market fluctuation, that the market projections illustrated in the policy documents did not represent a guarantee of future growth, and that the ultimate value of the variable life insurance policy was dependent upon the market success of its specific sub-accounts. (Doc. 63 ¶ 14.)
In early January 2002, plaintiffs received executed copies of their Hartford variable life insurance policies. (Doc. 61, Ex. H; Doc. 63 ¶ 21.) It is undisputed that the finalized policy documents delivered by Hartford accurately lists all charges and fees, as well as the annual premiums that each policyholder is required to pay. (See Doc. 63 ¶¶ 22-23.) Furthermore, plaintiffs admit that they did not review the policies at the time of delivery, nor did they do so during the ten-day post-delivery "grace period"*fn5 provided in the contracts. (Id. ¶¶ 23, 25.)
B. The April 2002 Sale
On April 15, 2002, Hartford sold plaintiffs a $6,000,000 Buy-Sell Policy*fn6 on the life of James. (Doc. 63 ¶ 37; Doc. 71, Ex. H.) This sale was the product of several months of discussion, beginning in October 2001, between Harper, James, Kruse, and Novinger Group's attorneys. (Doc. 63 ¶¶ 31-32.) James initially approached Harper because he was seeking to develop an investment vehicle that would enable him to sell his ownership share in Novinger Group to Kruse, who James had selected to succeed him as company president. (See Doc. 61, Ex. B at 71; Ex. C ¶ 25; Ex. D at 78-80.) In order to purchase James's shares, Kruse needed to raise $2 million in approximately five years' time. (See Doc. 61, Ex. D at 79.) Under the terms of the agreement propounded by Harper, Novinger Group would purchase a Hartford variable life insurance policy-composed of potentially high-return market-based sub-accounts-on the life of James. (See Doc. 63 ¶ 34-36, 38.) In advance of the final sale in April 2002, Harper provided plaintiffs with a hypothetical illustration of financial growth based upon variable rates of return, (see id. ¶ 35), and indicated that Kruse could potentially withdraw $2 million from the account in five years, (see Doc. 61, Ex. D at 78-79; Doc. 63 ¶ 35). Plaintiffs admit that prior to purchasing the policy, they understood that its value would vary based on the value of its sub-accounts. (Doc. 63 ¶ 35.)
The Buy-Sell Policy was finalized and signed on April 25, 2002. (Id. ¶ 44). It is undisputed that the costs and charges reflected in the executed policy were consistent with the April illustration presented by Harper prior to finalization. (Id. ¶¶ 42, 45.) Moreover, plaintiffs concede that they did not examine the policy at the time it was signed, nor did they do so within the twenty days in which a signatory had a right to rescind. (Id. ¶¶ 41, 47.)
C. The March 2003 Arbitration
By the fall of 2002, plaintiffs had become concerned about the financial performance of the Hartford policies. (Id. ¶ 50.) On November 1, 2002, after speaking with an outside insurance expert, Hospodavis sent a letter to Harper requesting an explanation of the variable life insurance policies' historic rate of return. (Doc. 71, Ex. C at 118-20.) Shortly thereafter, plaintiffs' counsel, Neil Yahn ("Yahn"), telephoned Harper to complain about both the variable life policies and the Buy-Sell Policy. (Doc. ¶ 51.) Before their conversation ended, Yahn threatened to "bury" Harper in litigation. (Id.; see also Doc. 61, Ex. C ¶ 30.)
At an impasse with Harper, plaintiffs took their concerns to Wachovia. In January 2003, Yahn sent Wachovia a letter claiming that Harper engaged in unethical and high-pressure sales tactics in order to force the purchase of the Hartford policies upon Novinger Group. (See Doc. 62, Ex. S.) Wachovia denied that Harper engaged in any misconduct. (Id.) Plaintiffs responded to Wachovia's self- absolvatory response by announcing their intention to commence civil suit in Pennsylvania state court. (See id.) The tenor of communications between the parties did not subsequently improve.
On March 13, 2003, plaintiffs initiated arbitration proceedings with the National Association of Broker Dealers ("NASD") against Wachovia, Harper, and Hartford. (Doc. 62, Ex. U.) Plaintiffs' statement of claim alleged that Harper "engaged in deceptive sales techniques using misleading materials and illustrations in the sale of several Hartford Variable Universal Life Insurance Policies." (Id. at 1.) Specifically, five grounds for relief were identified: (1) breach of a duty of good faith; (2) breach of a duty of care of suitability; (3) breach of a duty to supervise; (4) state law insurance fraud; and (5) violations of Rule 10b-5 of the federal securities law. (Id. at 6-11.) By virtue of a general account agreement, plaintiffs were contractually required to seek redress with Wachovia and Harper via arbitration. (See Doc. 62, Ex. S.) Hartford, who was not a party to the general account agreement, opted out of the arbitration on August 20, 2003. (Doc. 62, Ex. T.)
Plaintiffs, Wachovia, and Harper thereafter proceeded to arbitration. Each of the parties were represented by counsel, and both Wachovia and Harper were permitted to submit pre-hearing pleadings answering the allegations contained in plaintiffs' statement of claim. (See Doc. 62, Ex. W.) Additionally, the parties appeared extensively in hearings before the arbitrators. Over the course of eight days in June 2005 and May 2006, seventeen sessions were held before the arbitration panel in Philadelphia, during which evidence and argument were presented.*fn7 (Id. at 4.) Harper alone testified for upwards of twelve hours. (See Doc. 61, Ex. C ¶ 32.) On May 9, 2006, the arbitration panel issued a written award, holding Wachovia liable for the sum of $70,000, but denying all plaintiffs' claims against Harper. (Doc. 62, Ex. W at 3; see also Doc. 63 ¶ 55.) The arbitration award was neither appealed nor submitted to a court for judicial confirmation.
On January 24, 2006, plaintiffs commenced this action, alleging (1) breach of implied and express warranties to sell a suitable product, (2) breach of the duty of good faith, (3) violation of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, 73 PA. CONS. STAT. ANN. § 201-1(ii), (4) negligent supervision, (5) violation of Rule 10b-5 of the federal securities law, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5, and (6) violation of Pennsylvania's Insurance Bad Faith statute, 42 PA. CONS. STAT. ANN. § 8371. (Doc. 1.) Pursuant to a motion filed by Hartford on March 28, 2006, (see Doc. 16), the court dismissed plaintiffs' claims asserting a breach of the duty of good faith, violation of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, and violation of the Pennsylvania Insurance Bad Faith statute, (see Doc. 31).
On November 26, 2007, Hartford filed the instant motion for summary judgment. (Doc. 59.) Hartford claims that the statute of limitations lapsed on the negligence and Rule 10b-5 allegations, as well as plaintiffs' assertion that Hartford breached the implied and express warranties of suitability in the December 2001 sale of the variable life insurance policies. (Id. at 19.) Hartford also alleges that collateral estoppel bars plaintiffs from asserting each of their claims. (Id.) Finally, Hartford argues that each asserted cause of action fails plaintiffs' prima facie requirements. (Id.) The motion has been fully briefed and is ripe for disposition.
Statutes of limitations are deadlines, the expiration of which foreclose a litigant's right to a hearing on the merits. "A statute of limitations generally begins to run when a cause of action arises or accrues." Novinger Group, Inc. v. Hartford Ins., Inc., 514 F. Supp. 2d 662, 668 (M.D. Pa. 2007). In the summary judgment posture, the lapse of the relevant statute of limitations is a matter of law for the court's adjudication unless the expiry or tolling of the limitations period requires resolution of factual issues. Hartford argues that the limitations period has expired on each of plaintiffs' remaining claims. The court will address these contentions seriatim.
By purportedly allowing its agent, Harper, to engage in unethical sales practices, and by failing to implement oversight controls that would prevent such practices, plaintiffs contend that Hartford breached its duty "to insure that Harper acted within the boundaries of the law." (Id. ¶¶ 147-48.) Under Pennsylvania law, negligence claims are governed by a two-year statute of limitations.*fn8 42 PA. CONS. STAT. § 5524(7). This limitations clock begins to tick when the injury in question is inflicted. See Fine v. Checcio, 870 A.2d 850, 857 (Pa. 2005). The parties appear to agree that, with respect to plaintiffs' negligence claim, the alleged injuries occurred when the sale of the variable life insurance policies and the Buy-Sell Policy was consummated in December 2001 and in April 2002, respectively.*fn9 (See Doc. 1 ¶¶ 147-49; Doc. 60 at 20-22.)
The complaint was filed in the instant matter on January 24, 2006, well over three years after the Buy-Sell Policy was executed in April 2002. (Doc. 1; Doc. 63 ¶ 44.) Under an elementary computation of the two-year limitations period, plaintiffs' negligence cause of action had lapsed-and plaintiffs were foreclosed from a hearing on the merits-long before the complaint was filed. See Pocono Int'l Raceway, Inc. v. Pocono Produce, Inc., 468 A.2d 468, 471 (Pa. 1983) ("Once the prescribed statutory period has expired, the party is barred from bringing suit . . . ."); see also Murphy v. Diogenes A. Saavedra, M.D., P.C., 746 A.2d 92, 94 (Pa. 2000) (describing the claimant's duty to bring suit within the statutory period). In fact, plaintiffs do not dispute that their complaint was filed over two years after the alleged injury arose; instead, plaintiffs contend that the statute of limitations was tolled until they reasonably could have discovered their injury. (See Doc. 69 at 20-21.)
The "discovery rule" is a well-known exception to the straightforward temporal application of a negligence limitations period. Pennsylvania courts have explained that "[t]he purpose of the discovery rule has been to exclude from the running of the statute of limitations that period of time during which a party who has not suffered an immediately ascertainable injury is reasonably unaware he has been injured." Fine, 870 A.2d at 858; Lesoon v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 898 A.2d 620, 627 (Pa. Super. 2006). Thus, in those situations in which a party cannot reasonably discover his or her injury, the limitations period is tolled until such time that the exercise of diligence would reveal the harm. Crouse v. Cyclops Indus., 745 A.2d 606, 611 (Pa. 2000); Toy v. Metro. Life Ins. Co., 863 A.2d 1, 7 (Pa. Super. 2004). However, application of the discovery rule is narrow, for "[t]here are very few facts which diligence cannot discover." Fine, 870 A.2d at 858 (quoting Crouse, 745 A.2d at 611). Litigants seeking refuge under the discovery rule's shelter bear the burden of demonstrating their exercise of reasonable diligence given the circumstances involved in the case. See Vojtasek v. Diocese of Allentown, 916 A.2d 637, 641 (Pa. Super. 2006).
Plaintiffs' invocation of the discovery rule is nonsensical. On March 13, 2003, Novinger Group filed its statement of claim with the NASD, requesting relief for Hartford's negligent supervision of its agent, Harper. (See Doc. 62, Ex. U at 8-9.) Thus, by March 2003, plaintiffs had not only discovered their claim, but were actively prosecuting it. Plaintiffs nonetheless failed to initiate the instant suit against Hartford until January 2006, nearly three years after they identified their negligent supervision claim and described it in detail to the NASD. Consequently, Hartford's motion for summary judgment on this claim will be granted.
2. Rule 10b-5 Securities Fraud
Rule 10b-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 makes it unlawful for any person to "employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud" or to "make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact . . . in connection with the purchase or sale of any security." 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. Novinger Group*fn10 argues that Hartford committed securities fraud by failing to provide them with vital financial information and creating a "false sense of urgency" prior to sale of the variable life insurance policies in December 2001. (See Doc. 1 ¶¶ 152-53.) Hartford contends that the statute of limitations period applicable to Novinger Group's claim has expired. (Doc. 60 at 20-22.)
A complaint under Rule 10b-5 "may be brought not later than the earlier of . . . 2 years after the discovery of facts constituting the violation . . . or 5 years after such violation." 28 U.S.C. § 1658(b). Novinger Group filed the complaint sub judice on January 24, 2006. (Doc. 1.) Thus, if Novinger Group knew of the basis for its securities fraud claims prior to January 24, 2004, it is foreclosed from proceeding on the merits. See In re Merck & Co., Inc. Sec. Derivative & ERISA Litig., 543 F.3d 150, 160-61 (3d Cir. 2008) (discussing the limitations period under the Securities Exchange Act).
As previously noted, Novinger Group delivered its statement of arbitration claim to the NASD on March 13, 2003. This arbitration claim specifically identified Hartford's violation of Rule 10b-5 as a potential ground of relief. (See Doc. 62, Ex. U at 10-11.) Thus, Novinger Group knew of the basis for its 10b-5 claim prior to January 24, 2004, and plaintiffs' claim is time-barred. Attempting to salvage this potential cause of action, Novinger Group invokes the "inquiry notice" rule, which delays the commencement of the limitations clock until a plaintiff, "in the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have known of the basis for their claims." Benak ex rel. Alliance Premier Growth Fund v. Alliance Capital Mgmt. L.P., 435 F.3d 396, 400 (3d Cir. 2006) (quoting In re NAHC, Inc. Sec. Litig., 306 F.3d 1314, 1325 (3d Cir. 2002)). This contention fares no better than its argument for tolling the statute of limitations, discussed above. In March 2003, Novinger Group was not only on notice of the basis for its securities fraud claim, but was actively attempting to rectify the fraud of which it believed itself to be a victim. Consequently, Novinger Group's 10b-5 claim is untimely and summary judgment will be granted in favor of Hartford.
3. Breach of the Warranty of Suitability
Plaintiffs allege that Hartford breached implied and express warranties of suitability. (See Doc. 1 ¶¶ 124-26.) Specifically, plaintiffs claim that, prior to the finalization of the December 2001 and April 2002 sales, Harper represented that the policies acquired by Novinger Group would achieve certain positive financial returns within a five year period. (See Doc. 69 at 23-24.) Relying on these assurances, plaintiffs proceeded to purchase the Hartford policies, which failed to perform as Harper predicted. (See id.) Plaintiffs contend that the unsuitability of the policies only became apparent after the plans were finalized and payments came due. (See id. at 24.) In light of these allegations, plaintiffs' suitability claim sounds in breach of contract.
Hartford argues that the statute of limitations on has expired with respect to the sale of the variable life insurance policies in December 2001.*fn11 Specifically, Hartford contends that the limitations period began to run at the time the variable life insurance policies were executed and delivered to plaintiffs in finalized form, in early January 2002. (See Doc. 60 at 22-24.) The statute of limitations on a breach of contract claim in Pennsylvania is four years.*fn12 42 PA. CONS. STAT. § 5525. According to Hartford, the four-year period lapsed in early January 2006, several weeks prior to plaintiffs' filing date of January 24, 2006.
Invoking the discovery rule, plaintiffs argue that they could not reasonably ascertain the unsuitability of the Hartford policies until at least February 2002, when Hospodavis began to receive regular statements reflecting the financial performance of the variable life insurance policies. (See Doc. 69 at 14-15.); see also Dalrymple v. Brown, 701 A.2d 164, 167 (Pa. 2007) (describing the discovery rule exception in the breach of contract context). Hartford counters this assertion by pointing to the fact that the relevant terms underlying the insurance policies were disclosed at the time the contracts were delivered in early January 2002, were unaltered in the time period subsequent to delivery, and were thus ascertainable at delivery through the exercise of reasonable diligence.*fn13 (See Doc. 60 at 23-24.)
In a scenario potentially implicating the discovery rule, the "point at which the injured party should reasonably be aware that he or she has suffered an injury is generally an issue of fact to be determined by the jury." Sadtler v. Jackson-Cross Co., 587 A.2d 727, 732 (Pa. Super. 1991); Cochran v. GAF Corp., 666 A.2d 245, 248 (Pa. 1995). "Only where the facts are so clear that reasonable minds cannot differ may the commencement of the limitations period be determined as a matter of law." Baumgart v. Keene Bldg. Prods. Corp., 666 A.2d 238, 244 (Pa. 1995). Here, plaintiffs argue that technical terminology and confusing growth illustrations were utilized by Harper during contract negotiations, and that these pre-sale terms contradicted terms appearing in the policies executed in early January 2002. (See Doc. 69 at 14-16, 23-24.) Plaintiffs explain their inability to discover these contradictions at delivery by pleading ignorance of the meaning of various terms of art, which allegedly differed from the meaning conveyed by Harper's pre-sale usage of similar terminology. (See id. at 13-15.) Consequently, plaintiffs contend that it was not until February 2002-when they began to receive the regular financial statements-that the policies' exact financial behavior became apparent.
The court finds that the extent to which plaintiffs exercised reasonable diligence in order to discern whether the December 2001 insurance policies were suitable is a material fact in dispute. Consequently, Hartford's request for summary judgment based upon an expiration of the statute of limitations will be denied.
A federal court sitting in diversity in Pennsylvania must apply Pennsylvania law with respect to issue preclusion. See Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 199; see also Greenleaf v. Garlock, Inc., 174 F.3d 352, 357 (3d Cir. 1999). The Pennsylvania Supreme Court consults the Restatement of Judgments in order to delineate the contours of issue preclusion under state law. See, e.g., Pa. State Univ. v. County of Centre, 615 A.2d 303, 306 (Pa. 1992); see also Shaffer v. Smith, 673 A.2d 872, 874-75 (Pa. 1996); Bortz v. Workmen's Comp. Appeal Bd., 683 A.2d 259, 261-62 (Pa. 1996). According to the Restatement, "When an issue of fact or law is actually litigated and determined by a valid and final judgment, and the determination is essential to the judgment, the determination is conclusive in a subsequent action between the parties, whether on the same or a different claim." RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF JUDGMENTS § 27.
More specifically, Pennsylvania courts apply a four-part test derived from § 27 of the Restatement to determine whether collateral estoppel bars a potential claim. An issue will be precluded if: (1) the issue decided in the prior adjudication was identical to the issue presented in the later action; (2) there was a final judgment on the merits; (3) the party against whom collateral estoppel is asserted was a party or in privity with the party to the prior adjudication; and (4) the party against whom collateral estoppel is asserted had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the applicable issue in the prior adjudication. Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 199 (citing state court decisions); Kelley v. TYK Refractories Co., 860 F.2d 1188, 1194 (3d Cir. 1988) (same). As this test makes clear, a party that was a non-participant in the first action may assert collateral estoppel "defensively" against a plaintiff bringing a second suit on an issue previously litigated and lost, so long as the plaintiff had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the first instance. See RESTATEMENT § 29; see also Blonder-Tongue Labs., Inc. v. Univ. of Ill. Found., 402 U.S. 313, 324 (1971).
In the action sub judice, no prior court of competent jurisdiction has adjudicated any of the issues currently before this court. However, plaintiffs presented a nearly identical set of claims before the NASD arbitration panel, which issued a judgment on those claims in May 2006. (See Doc. 62, Ex. W.) Hartford argues that the findings of the arbitration panel represent a prior adjudication, precluding plaintiffs from relitigating identical issues in the instant forum. (See Doc. 60 at 25-27.) Under Pennsylvania law, "arbitration awards and their findings are considered final judgments for the purposes of collateral estoppel." Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 199; Brody v. Hankin, 299 F. Supp. 2d 454, 459 (E.D. Pa. 2004) ("[A]n arbitration award, unless and until invalidated, creates or authoritatively declares rights even as a judgment does and further litigation of a claim submitted to an arbitrator is precluded by the entry of an award thereon."), rev'd on other grounds, 145 F. App'x 768 (3d Cir. 2005). Thus, an arbitration award may collaterally estop litigation of identical claims. Hence, the court will examine the particularities of both the remaining claims and their prior prosecution within the rubric of the Restatement § 27 test.
In the arbitration proceeding, plaintiffs characterized their suitability claim as a "Breach of a Duty of Care of Suitability," thus styling the issue as one sounding in negligence. (See Doc. 62, Ex. U at 7.) In the federal complaint, however, plaintiffs characterize the suitability allegation as a "Breach of Contract-Unsuitability." (Doc. 1 at 24.) Thus, a preliminary examination indicates that the issues are not precisely identical. Hartford's motion for summary judgment argues that although the issues lack total identity, plaintiffs' suitability claim is identical to that prosecuted in the prior arbitration. Plaintiffs do not dispute this contention and, if they disagree with Hartford's argument, they make no attempt to vocalize their dissent. In order to ensure proper application of the law, however, the court will engage in a thorough analysis of the identity of issues requirement, to determine whether the issues are "in substance the same," even if the nomenclature used by plaintiffs' counsel is slightly dissimilar. See Raytech Corp. v. White, 54 F.3d 187, 192-93 (3d Cir. 1995); Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 203 ("Even if there was not a precise identity of the 'cause of action' asserted, it would be of no legal consequence; . . . . Only the issues need be the same.").
To aid the court's analysis, the Restatement identifies four factors to be considered: (1) whether there is a substantial overlap between the evidence or arguments required in the second proceeding and those advanced in the first, (2) whether any new evidence or arguments involve an application of the same rule of law at issue in the prior proceeding, (3) whether pretrial preparation and discovery in the first adjudication reasonably should have embraced the issue sought to be presented in the second, and (4) whether the claims in the two proceedings are "closely related." See RESTATEMENT § 27 cmt. c. In sum, "[a] determination of whether two lawsuits are based on the same cause of action turns on the essential similarity of the underlying events giving rise to the various legal claims." Churchill v. Star Enters., 183 F.3d 184, 194 (3d Cir. 1999) (quoting Bd. of Trs. of Trucking Employees of N. Jersey Welfare Fund, Inc. v. Centra, 983 F.2d 495, 504 (3d Cir. 1992)).
In the instant case, plaintiffs' suitability claim endeavors to hold Hartford liable for sales conduct engaged in by Harper, whose alleged misdeeds include: presenting misleading Powerpoint illustrations; ambiguously utilizing terms of art to mislead plaintiffs; and falsely certifying that he explained financial growth illustrations. (See Doc. 69 at 12-15.) When they were questioned regarding Hartford's alleged wrongdoing during the discovery phase of this litigation, each of Novinger Group's key executives pointed to misrepresentations made by Harper during his sales pitch.*fn14 (See Doc. 61, Ex. A at 101; Ex. B at 97-98, 108; Ex. D at 110.) Furthermore, plaintiffs never identify the actions of a single Hartford employee-other than Harper-as a basis for their suitability cause of action.
In the prior arbitration, plaintiffs' suitability claim was similarly focused upon Harper's purportedly misleading conduct during the sale of the Hartford policies. Plaintiffs argued that Harper failed to notify Novinger Group of the unsuitability of the insurance policy; that Harper failed to notify plaintiffs of the specific charges and expenses associated with the policy; that Harper utilized "sales talk," leaving plaintiffs ill-informed; that Harper failed to deliver the proper prospectuses and employed false sales illustrations; and that Harper improperly "rushed" plaintiffs into executing the policies. (See Doc. 62, Ex. U at 7.) Although plaintiffs re-characterize their cause of action as a breach of contract in the federal complaint, it is clear to the court that identical issues are implicated. In the present matter, plaintiffs allege that Hartford sold them unsuitable policies, that Hartford failed to explain the policies' charges and expenses in a non-technical manner, that Harper used improper "sales talk" to effectuate the sale, that no prospectuses were ever provided, that the financial growth illustrations presented by Harper were false, and that Harper created a "false sense of urgency" to consummate the sale. (See Doc. 1 ¶ 126.) Thus, both complaints key upon misdeeds allegedly performed by Harper during the sale of the life insurance policies.
The court finds that these suitability claims focus on an identical set of facts raising an identical set of issues. See Churchill, 183 F.3d at 194 (advising courts to examine the "essential similarity of the underlying events giving rise to the legal claims"); see also Raytech, 54 F.3d at 192-93 (inquiring whether issues that are dissimilar on the surface are "in substance the same"). Were the suitability issue to proceed in this court, the evidence and argument necessary for plaintiffs to prevail would be substantially the same as that required of them during the arbitration. See RESTATEMENT § 27 cmt. c (counseling courts to consider whether the evidence and arguments required in the second proceeding substantially overlap with those required in the first). The issue plaintiffs seek to present in this proceeding-whether Harper sold plaintiffs Hartford policies that were unsuitable-has been adjudicated and plaintiffs are collaterally estopped from a second bite at the apple.
2. Final Judgments on the Merits
Proper application of collateral estoppel requires that the issue in question was previously the subject of (1) a final judgment (2) on the merits. See RESTATEMENT § 27. Under Pennsylvania law, arbitration proceedings and their findings are final judgments for purposes of issue preclusion. See Dyer v. Travelers, 572 A.2d 762, 764 (Pa. Super. 1990); Ottaviano v. Se. Pa. Transp. Auth., 361 A.2d 810, 814-15 (Pa. Super. 1976). Signatories to the arbitration agreement may bargain for non-preclusive effect but, in the absence of such a provision, issues that the arbitrator "actually and necessarily decided" are foreclosed from relitigation because "the party against whom estoppel is invoked had full incentive and opportunity to litigate the matter." Frog, Switch & Mfg. Co. v. Pa. Human Rels. Comm'n, 885 A.2d 665, 661 (Pa. 2005). Plaintiffs do not contend that the arbitral award lacked finality for purposes of issue preclusion; the court will nonetheless conduct a thorough analysis.
Pennsylvania law considers an arbitration award to be "final" in either of two circumstances. Most obviously, an arbitral award is final when it has been judicially confirmed. See id. State law also treats as final an unconfirmed award from which no appeal is taken.*fn15 Robbins v. Buck, 827 A.2d 1213, 1215 (Pa. Super. 2003); Ottaviano, 361 A.2d at 814-15 ("An unappealed from award is final and estops the party against whom it is made from proceeding further with the same cause of action." (quoting Romanovich v. Hilferty, 245 A.2d 701, 705 (Pa. Super. 1968)). In the instant matter, the arbitration award was not appealed; as such, it constitutes a final judgment for collateral estoppel purposes.
There is no question that the arbitration panel rendered a decision on the merits of the suitability issue. Plaintiffs' cause of action hinges solely upon conduct allegedly engaged in by Harper while he attempted to sell the Hartford insurance policies. See supra Part III.B.1. Moreover, plaintiffs do not dispute the fact that they contested the suitability of Harper's salesmanship during the arbitration. It is also undisputed that the arbitration panel issued a finding of no liability with respect to Harper's actions. (See Doc. 63 ¶ 55.) Thus, Harper's liability for these representations was squarely addressed on the merits during the arbitration and the arbitrator's award on this issue is preclusive upon this court. As the Third Circuit has explained,
If the defendant's responsibility is necessarily dependent upon the culpability of another, who was the immediate actor, and who, in an action against him by the same plaintiff for the same act, has been adjudged not culpable, the defendant may have the benefit of that judgment as an estoppel . . . . [W]hen the plaintiff has litigated directly with the immediate actor the claim that he was culpable, and, upon the full opportunity thus afforded for its legal investigation, the claim has been adjudged against the plaintiff, there is manifest propriety, and no injustice, in holding that he is thereby concluded from making it the basis of a right of recovery from another who is not otherwise responsible.
Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 205-06 (quoting C.S. Helmig v. Rockwell Mfg. Co., 131 A.2d 622, 628 (Pa. 1957)).
3. Plaintiffs were Parties to the Prior Adjudication
In order to trigger the issue preclusive effect of a judgment, the party against whom collateral estoppel is asserted must have been a party or in privity with the party to the prior adjudication. RESTATEMENT § 27; see also Balent v. City of Wilkes-Barre, 669 A.2d 309, 313-14 (Pa. 1995). Plaintiffs do not dispute that they were a party to the prior arbitration. Rather, plaintiffs argue that Hartford "did not submit to the jurisdiction of the NASD," thereby foreclosing its attempt to take advantage of the arbitral findings in the instant proceedings. (See Doc. 69 at 23.) However, the fact that Hartford was not a party to the arbitration is irrelevant. "Mutuality of the parties, once the rule, has now been abolished in Pennsylvania, Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 200 n.10, and a non-party to the antecedent action is free to defensively invoke collateral estoppel against a party to the initial proceeding, see Muhammad v. Strassburger, McKenna, Messer, Shilobod & Gutnick, 587 A.2d 1346, 1348 (Pa. 1991); In re Estate of Ellis, 333 A.2d 728, 730-31 (Pa. 1975). Plaintiffs' active prosecution of the suitability issue in the arbitration binds them to that arbitral determination in this court.
Finally, application of collateral estoppel requires that the party against whom collateral estoppel is asserted had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in question in the prior adjudication. RESTATEMENT § 27; Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 199. Essentially, this is a due process requirement. "A party does not have an opportunity for a full and fair hearing when procedures fall below the minimum requirements of due process as defined by federal law." Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 205 (quoting Bradley v. Pittsburgh Bd. of Educ., 913 F.2d 1064, 1074 (3d Cir. 1990)). An arbitration proceeding affords a full and fair opportunity to litigate when it entails the "essential elements of adjudication," including the right of parties to present evidence and legal argument in support thereof. RESTATEMENT § 83. Plaintiffs initiated the prior proceedings with the NASD by filing a complaint-like statement of claims. (See Doc. 62, Ex. U.) Both Wachovia and Harper were afforded the opportunity to offer pleadings in response. (See Doc. 62, Ex. W at 1.) Each party was represented by counsel. (Id.) The proceedings lasted eight days and were held before the full arbitration panel. (See id. at 4.) Live testimony, evidence, and argument were presented. (Id. at 1-4.) Plaintiffs do not contend that these procedures, for which they freely bargained, fell below the due process threshold.*fn16
Plaintiffs sole contention with respect to the "full and fair opportunity" requirement is that their "claims against [Hartford] in this action are based in large part on documents discovered from [Hartford] in ongoing discovery." (Doc. 69 at 23.) Plaintiffs do not elaborate upon this contention and neglect to identify the documents upon which their instant claims rely, except to note parenthetically that the "NASD does not permit depositions." (Id.) A review of the record indicates that plaintiffs declined to depose a corporate representative from Hartford and, while they did conduct two depositions of Harper during fact discovery in this matter, he also provided twelve hours of live testimony during the arbitration proceeding.*fn17
(See Doc. 61, Ex. C ¶ 32.) The suitability claim in this matter is based entirely upon representations allegedly made by Harper to Novinger Group executives, each of whom was available for testimony in the arbitration. Thus, plaintiffs had access during the arbitration to all of the key players involved in the contested sales. The mere fact that they were required to elicit testimony before the arbitration panel, rather than via deposition, has no effect on plaintiffs' opportunity to fully and fairly litigate their claim.
The court does not arrive at its determination without caution, however, and is mindful of the Third Circuit's admonition against application of collateral estoppel to arbitral awards absent extreme care. See Witkowski, 173 F.3d at 206 (warning that doubts about collateral estoppel's application to arbitration awards "should usually be resolved against its use"). Procedures may vary from one arbitration procedure to the next, and arbitrators are bound neither by the prevailing case law or the applicable rules of evidence. See, e.g., Universal Am. Barge Corp. v. J-Chem, Inc., 946 F.2d 1131, 1137 (5th Cir. 1991) (counseling courts to consider "the procedural adequacy of the arbitration proceeding"). Indeed, the basis of an award may be obscure and the claims actually decided in the arbitration unclear. See, e.g., Postlewaitte v. McGraw-Hill, 333 F.3d 42, 48-49 (2d Cir. 2003). Consequently, courts should ensure that an arbitration proceeding observed certain signposts of formality before applying estoppel.*fn18 When procedures hew closer to traditional litigation, however, it is appropriate to afford preclusive effect to issues adjudicated in the arbitration.
The court has carefully examined the record to ensure that the prior arbitration was not only procedurally sufficient, but also resulted in a judgment deserving of preclusive effect. Each party was permitted leave to file pre-arbitration pleadings with the arbitration panel. Eight days of testimony and argument were presented, including twelve hours of testimony by Harper alone. The panel of arbitrators produced a written opinion and the parties do not dispute the critical findings of this opinion. Quite simply, this proceeding not only afforded adequate due process, but required a substantial expenditure of time, money, and manpower between parties in an adversarial posture. By attempting to move forward in this court with their suitability claim, plaintiffs seek a result inconsistent with the findings of the arbitration panel. This case presents the paradigm for application of collateral estoppel.*fn19 See Montana, 440 U.S. at 153-54.
In December 2001 and April 2002, plaintiffs purchased several variable life insurance policies from Hartford, through Hartford's agent, Richard Harper. For three years thereafter, plaintiffs engaged in adversarial arbitration with Harper and his employer, Wachovia. Plaintiffs' complaint seeks to relitigate the arbitral result with which they are dissatisfied. Plaintiffs negligence and 10b-5 claims are time barred. In addition, the arbitral adjudication is final. Plaintiffs are collaterally estopped from relitigating their contractual/warranty issues. The defendant is entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law.
AND NOW, this 23rd day of December, 2008, upon consideration of the defendant's motion for summary judgment (Doc. 59), and for the reasons set forth in the accompanying memorandum, it is hereby ORDERED that:
1. The defendant's motion for summary judgment (Doc. 59) is GRANTED. See FED. R. CIV. P. 56(c).