Opinion ID: 1168278
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Liability of Trident

Text: This court has held numerous times that findings of fact and conclusions of law must be upheld if supported by substantial evidence, and may not be set aside unless clearly erroneous. Pandelis Constr. Co. v. Jones-Viking Assoc., 103 Nev. 129, 734 P.2d 1236 (1987); Ivory Ranch, Inc. v. Quinn River Ranch, Inc., 101 Nev. 471, 705 P.2d 673 (1985); Joseph F. Sanson Inv. Co. v. Cleland, 97 Nev. 141, 625 P.2d 566 (1981); Landex, Inc., v. State ex rel List, 94 Nev. 469, 582 P.2d 786 (1978). Additionally, in the absence of express findings of fact by the district court, the supreme court will imply findings where the evidence clearly supports the judgment. Cooper v. Pacific Auto. Ins. Co., 95 Nev. 798, 603 P.2d 281 (1979). Specifically, Trident contends that the evidence does not support a finding that it was working as a general contractor. Trident maintains that it was merely the construction coordinator, and therefore, was in an agency relationship with AVA. We find it unnecessary to consider whether Trident was a general contractor or a construction coordinator, and consider only whether substantial evidence supports the judgment. Trident contracted with West for the work. AVA was not a party to that contract. Trident obtained the building permits, accepted the bids and supervised all work, and paid West out of its general account. NRS 624.020 provides in relevant part: 2. A contractor is any person, ... acting solely in his professional capacity, who in any capacity other than as the employee of another with wages as the sole compensation, undertakes to, ... construct, alter, repair, ... any building ... or other structures or works in connection therewith. Evidence of the securing of any permit from a governmental agency ... shall be accepted by ... any court of this state as prima facie evidence that the person securing such permit ... is acting in the capacity of a contractor ... . 4. A contractor within the meaning of this chapter includes a construction manager who performs management and counseling services on a construction project for a professional fee. (Emphasis added). Although not specifically set out in the findings of fact and conclusions of law, the district court considered the evidence before it and determined that Trident did not carry its burden in light of the prima facie case against it. The district court's finding that Trident was the general contractor on the Polynesian Hotel project was supported by substantial evidence. Where the trial court, sitting without a jury, makes a determination predicated upon conflicting evidence, that determination will not be disturbed on appeal where supported by substantial evidence. Dickstein v. Williams, 93 Nev. 605, 608, 571 P.2d 1169, 1171 (1977).