Opinion ID: 895010
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Contribution and Assignment

Text: Frymire has shown sufficient evidence to survive summary judgment on the issue of standing under the equitable subrogation doctrine. However, Jomar argues that Frymire is using equitable subrogation as a cloak to seek contribution from Jomar or an assignment of the hotel owner's claims against Jomar under circumstances in which Texas law prohibits contribution and assignment. Specifically, Jomar alleges that Frymire's own negligence caused the damages related to the water line rupture and that, as a tortfeasor, Frymire is barred from pursuing contribution from Jomar or an assignment of the hotel's claims against Jomar. [29] These arguments attack the viability of the claims Frymire seeks to pursue under the doctrine of equitable subrogation, but even if Jomar's arguments have merit, an issue on which we express no opinion, that does not mean that Frymire cannot even bring suit. Equitable subrogation confers standing on a party, opening the court-house door and allowing the subrogated party to pursue otherwise unavailable claims. [30] The validity of those claims, and any defenses asserted against them, are assessed once a party has demonstrated the right to bring suit. The court of appeals focused solely on whether Frymire had standing to pursue its claims; holding Frymire lacked standing, the court did not address the merits of Frymire's underlying claimsand neither do we. [31]