Court Opinion

ID: 2927339
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-11 22:51:31.716743+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:39:22.246964
License: Public Domain

NUMBER 13-06-00353-CV

                                    COURT OF APPEALS

                       THIRTEENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                          CORPUS CHRISTI - EDINBURG

                      IN RE RIO GRANDE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

                              On Petition for Writ of Mandamus.

                                    MEMORANDUM OPINION

             Before Chief Justice Valdez and Justices Yañez and Vela
                       Memorandum Opinion Per Curiam1

        Relator, Rio Grande Regional Hospital (“Rio Grande”), filed a petition for writ of

mandamus seeking to compel the trial court to grant its motion to arbitrate under the

Federal Arbitration Act (the “FAA”). See 9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16 (2000). We deny the writ.

                                               I. Background

        Real party in interest, Norma Gonzalez, worked for Rio Grande as a housekeeper.

She was injured in the course and scope of her employment and brought suit against Rio

Grande, a non-subscriber to workers’ compensation, for negligence, gross negligence, and

        1
          See T EX . R . A PP . P . 5 2 .8 (d ) (“W hen denying relief, the court m ay hand dow n an opinio n but
is not required to do so.”); T EX . R . A PP . P . 47.4 (distinguishing opinions and m em orandum opinions).
premises liability.

       Rio Grande filed a motion to compel arbitration based on affidavit testimony from

Mary Ann Escobedo, its Employee Health and Safety Plan coordinator, a copy of the “HCA

Inc. Employee Health and Safety Program Benefit Plan” (the “Plan”), a list of “Affiliated

Employers,” including Rio Grande, and the “HCA Inc. Employee Health and Safety

Program Summary Plan Description General Information.”

       The “Election to Participate in the Employee Health and Safety Program Benefit

Plan of HCA INC and Agreement to Submit to Arbitration,” signed by Gonzalez, provides

in part:

       I understand that HCA Inc. and its Affiliated Employers do not subscribe to
       the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act; and instead, HCA Inc. has
       established an Employee Health and Safety Program Benefit Plan (“Plan”)
       that has been adopted by its Affiliated Employers. I also understand that
       under the Plan and under certain conditions, subsequent to a work-related,
       on-the-job injury, certain medical treatment and certain wage replacement
       benefits will be provided only to those employees who voluntarily elect to
       participate in the Plan. I further understand that the Plan includes provisions
       for mutual arbitration of certain disputes between HCA Inc. and/or its
       Affiliated Employers and its/their employees.

       I have had explained to me and understand that I have a right not to
       participate in the Plan and retain the right to sue in civil court and pursue my
       common law rights. In doing so, I would not be eligible to receive any
       occupational benefits under the Plan if I am injured on the job. If I choose
       not to enroll in the Plan, I understand I am entitled to bring legal action in civil
       court against HCA Inc. and/or any Affiliated Employer(s) . . . .

       By execution of this document, I hereby voluntarily elect to participate in the
       Employee Health and Safety Program Benefit Plan of HCA Inc. (the “Plan”).
       AS REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF THE PLAN, I, THE UNDERSIGNED,
       AND ON BEHALF OF MY HEIRS AND ASSIGNS, HEREBY FREELY,
       IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREE NOT TO SUE HCA INC.
       AND/OR ANY AFFILIATED EMPLOYER(S) IN CIVIL COURT FOR ANY
       AND ALL CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION, WHETHER NOW EXISTING
       OR ARISING IN THE FUTURE, THAT I, MY HEIRS OR ASSIGNS MAY
       HAVE AGAINST HCA INC., ITS AFFILIATED EMPLOYERS AND /OR
       SUBSIDIARIES, THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS,
       AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, THAT ARISE OUT OF OR ARE RELATED TO
       INJURIES OR DEATH SUSTAINED BY ME IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE

                                                2
       OF MY EMPLOYMENT BY HCA INC. AND/OR ANY AFFILIATED
       EMPLOYER(S) AND ARE CAUSED BY THE SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF HCA
       INC. AND/OR ANY AFFILIATED EMPLOYERS OR THE NEGLIGENCE OF
       HCA INC. AND/OR ANY AFFILIATED EMPLOYER(S) CONCURRENT
       WITH THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. Rather,
       by electing to participate in this Plan, I agree to resolve my claims by
       arbitration as outlined below . . . .

       In execution of this Election to Participate (“Exhibit 1") under the Employee
       Health and Safety Program Benefit Plan, I agree that all claims or
       controversies arising out of or relating to any on-the-job injury and/or death
       that cannot first be resolved through an internal review process and, if
       necessary, through mediation are subject to final and binding arbitration, and
       shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration
       Association . . . .

       ....

       I understand that should I elect to retain my legal rights to sue HCA Inc.
       and/or any Affiliated Employer(s) in civil court and reject the benefits outlined
       in the Plan, I must request the appropriate form from the Human Resources
       Director.

The Plan defines an “employee” as a “person who is solely employed in the State of Texas

by an Employer . . . but shall not include any person who performs services for an

Employer as an independent contractor or otherwise in a non-employee status.” Under the

Plan, a “participant” is an “eligible [e]mployee who satisfies all requirements for

participating in the Plan, who has elected to participate in the Plan . . . .”

       Escobedo testified that Rio Grande, a non-subscriber under the Texas Workers’

Compensation Act, established the Plan “to provide participating employees who elect to

participate in the Plan with certain benefits for occupational injuries and illnesses.” The

Plan is for “the prevention of work-related injuries.” Its purpose is “to provide (1) certain

medical benefits for Participants who sustain an occupational injury and (2) certain short-

term wage replacement benefits to Participants who sustain an occupational injury.”

       Escobedo testified that Rio Grande is an “Affiliated Employer” under the Plan.

Under the Plan, HCA Inc., its affiliated employers, and their employees agree to “mutual

                                               3
and binding arbitration” as to any and all disputes arising out of a reported or claimed on-

the-job injury, including a claim of workplace negligence.       According to Escobedo,

employees who elect to participate in the Plan receive “immediate” coverage. Escobedo

testified that Gonzalez signed an election to participate in the Plan.

       Gonzalez filed a response to the motion to compel arbitration in which she denied

the existence of a valid arbitration agreement, denied that Rio Grande was a party to the

alleged agreement to arbitrate, and asserted that the alleged agreement lacked

consideration. Gonzalez testified by affidavit attached to her response that she was hired

by Rio Grande on a temporary basis to perform housekeeping services in place of a

regular, full-time employee who was on medical leave. Her supervisor, Stew White, told

her that she was classified as a “PRN” or “Pool” employee, who would work on an “as

needed” basis, and that as classified, she “was not entitled to any employee benefits.”

       Gonzalez testified that she signed the election “in exchange for HCA Inc.’s promise

to provide [her] medical treatment and wage replacement benefits for work related on-the-

job injuries.” She testified that, at the time she signed the election form, she was not

shown or provided copies of the HCA Inc. Employee Health and Safety Program Benefit

Plan or the HCA Employee Health and Safety Program Summary Plan Description.

       Gonzalez worked for Rio Grande for approximately three months. On July 30, 2003,

in the presence of her supervisor, Norma Alvarado, Gonzalez sustained a head injury in

the course and scope of her employment when she struck her head on a metal light fixture.

Gonzalez attempted to file an incident report and claim for benefits under the Plan.

According to her testimony, she “was not allowed to do so by my Supervisor Norma

Alvarado, by Ms. Alvardo’s Supervisor Stew White, or Mary Ann of Human Resources.”

According to her testimony, “Mr. Stew at that time notified me that as a PRN employee I

                                             4
did not qualify for any type of employee benefit.” Gonzalez further testified that her

attorney also attempted to submit a claim on her behalf and was informed that she was not

covered under the Plan.

       The trial court held a non-evidentiary hearing on the motion to compel arbitration

and denied the motion without specifying the basis for its denial. This original proceeding

ensued.    The Court requested and received a response to the petition for writ of

mandamus from the real party in interest, and also received a reply thereto, with

supplemental authorities, from Rio Grande. See TEX . R. APP. P. 52.4, 52.5. Rio Grande

contends by one issue that the trial court abused its discretion by denying the motion to

compel arbitration.

       As an initial matter, we note that Rio Grande currently contends in its petition for writ

of mandamus that it denied benefits to Gonzalez because she failed to timely file her claim

under the Plan. This argument was not presented to the trial court and is unsupported by

any record evidence. Accordingly, we do not consider it herein. See generally TEX . R.

APP. P. 33; In re Am. Optical Corp. 988 S.W.2d 711, 714 (Tex. 1998) (orig. proceeding);

In re Chu, 134 S.W.3d 459, 463 (Tex. App.–Waco 2004, orig. proceeding). Rio Grande

does not otherwise address or refute Gonzalez’s testimony that she was never eligible for

benefits under the Plan, nor does it offer evidence that she was a qualified employee who

was eligible for participation in the Plan.

                                   II. Standard of Review

       A writ of mandamus will issue if the trial court has clearly abused its discretion and

there is no other adequate remedy of law. Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 840 (Tex.

1992) (orig. proceeding). We may not substitute our judgment for that of the trial court

with respect to the resolution of factual issues or matters within the trial court's discretion.

                                               5
Id. at 839-40. The relator must show that the trial court could reasonably have reached

only one decision. Id. The reviewing court cannot disturb the trial court's decision unless

it is shown to be arbitrary and unreasonable. Id. With respect to the trial court's decision

on legal issues, our review is much less deferential. Id. at 840. A trial court has no

discretion in determining what the law is or applying the law to the facts. Id. Thus, a clear

failure by the trial court to analyze or apply the law correctly will constitute an abuse of

discretion. Id.

       When a trial court erroneously denies a motion to arbitrate under the FAA,

mandamus is the appropriate remedy. In re Halliburton Co., 80 S.W.3d 566, 573 (Tex.

2002) (orig. proceeding); see 9 U.S.C.A. § 4 (2000) (section 4 of the FAA provides in part

that “[a] party aggrieved by the alleged failure, neglect, or refusal of another to arbitrate

under a written agreement for arbitration may petition . . . for an order directing that such

arbitration proceed in the manner provided for in such agreement”).

       As the Texas Supreme Court has reaffirmed, the issuance of mandamus “is largely

controlled by equitable principles.” In re Sw. Bell Tel. Co., L.P., 226 S.W.3d 400, 404 (Tex.

2007) (orig. proceeding) (quoting Rivercenter Assocs. v. Rivera, 858 S.W.2d 366, 367

(Tex. 1993)). In the recent decision in Pleasant Glade Assembly of God v. Schubert, both

the majority opinion and dissent discuss judicial estoppel, an equitable doctrine invoked

by a court at its discretion. 264 S.W.3d 1, 6 (Tex. 2008); see also id. 264 S.W.3d at 14-15

(Jefferson, C.J., dissenting) (quoting New Hampshire v. Maine, 532 U.S. 742, 750-51

(2001)). “The doctrine of judicial estoppel . . . is a rule of procedure based on justice and

sound public policy . . . to prevent the use of intentional self-contradiction as a means of

obtaining unfair advantage.” Id. at 6. In the context of arbitration, the Texas Supreme

Court has also recently reaffirmed that estoppel bars a party from taking one view with

                                             6
respect to the benefits under a contract and the opposite view with regard to the arbitration

clause in the same contract:

       In arbitration cases, we have held a nonparty who enjoys substantial direct
       benefits from a contract may be estopped from denying an arbitration clause
       in the same contract. By the same token, a party who enjoys substantial
       direct benefits by gaining an advantage in the pretrial litigation process
       should be barred from turning around and seeking arbitration with the spoils.

Perry Homes v. Cull, 258 S.W.3d 580, 593 (Tex. 2008) (footnote omitted); see also In re

Weekley Homes, L.P., 180 S.W.3d 127, 133-35 (Tex.2005), and Meyer v. WMCO-GP,

LLC, 211 S.W.3d 302, 305 (Tex.2006).

                       III. The Court’s Review of Arbitration Issues

       Justice Nathan Hecht recently wrote that “[i]nstitutional litigants, usually defendants,

view arbitration as . . . more favorable for strategic reasons” despite the fact that they

forego “a right of appeal.” Nathan Hecht, Jury Trials Trending Down in Texas Civil Cases,

69 TEX . BAR J. 854 (Oct. 2006). But see generally Perry Homes, 258 S.W.3d at 597

(finding that plaintiffs, seeking to compel arbitration against an institutional defendant,

waived their rights to arbitration). While arbitrators may decide what defenses might apply

to the whole contract, “courts decide defenses relating solely to the arbitration clause” and

thus “courts must decide if an arbitration clause was” fraudulently induced. Perry Homes,
258 S.W.3d at 589. Accordingly, because issues like waiver go “solely to the arbitration

clause rather than the whole contract, consistency suggests it is an issue for the courts”

rather than the arbitrator. Id. “In the arbitration context, arbitration clauses generally do

not require mutuality of obligation so long as adequate consideration supports the

underlying contract.” In re Lyon Financial Services, Inc., 257 S.W.3d 228, 233 (Tex. 2008)

(citing In re FirstMerit Bank, N.A., 52 S.W.3d 749, 757 (Tex. 2001)).

       Texas jurisprudence mandates that we vigilantly maintain this Court’s review of

                                              7
arbitration issues; as Justice Scott Brister recently reminded us, our right to trial by jury is

a keystone of the American tradition of liberty:

       The Founders saw trial by jury as a means of protecting Americans from their
       own government . . . . The Declaration of Independence listed twenty-seven
       specific complaints against George III's government, one of which was
       “depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury.” Even before
       the Revolutionary War, Blackstone called trial by jury “the principal bulwark
       of our liberties.”

Scott Brister, The Decline in Jury Trials: What Would Wal-Mart Do? 47 S. TEX . L. REV. 191,

212-13 (2005) (footnotes omitted).

                          III. Validity of the Arbitration Agreement

       A party seeking to compel arbitration by a writ of mandamus must (1) establish the

existence of a valid agreement to arbitrate under the FAA, and (2) show that the claims in

dispute are within the scope of the agreement. In re Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc., 166
S.W.3d 732, 737 (Tex. 2005) (orig. proceeding). "Whether a valid arbitration agreement

exists is a legal question subject to de novo review." In re D. Wilson Constr. Co., 196
S.W.3d 774, 781 (Tex. 2006). In determining the validity of agreements to arbitrate which

are subject to the FAA, we generally apply state-law principles governing the formation of

contracts. In re Palm Harbor Homes, Inc., 195 S.W.3d 672, 676 (Tex. 2006) (citing First

Options of Chicago, Inc. v. Kaplan, 514 U.S. 938, 944 (1995)). If the trial court finds there

is a valid agreement to arbitrate, the burden shifts to the party opposing arbitration to prove

its defenses. J.M. Davidson, Inc. v. Webster, 128 S.W.3d 223, 227 (Tex. 2003).

       Once a valid agreement to arbitrate has been established, the court must then

determine whether the arbitration agreement covers the nonmovants' claims.                In re

FirstMerit Bank, N.A., 52 S.W.3d 749, 753 (Tex. 2001). To determine whether an existing

arbitration agreement covers a party's claims, a court must "focus on the complaint's

factual allegations rather than the legal causes of action asserted." Id. at 754. Federal

                                               8
policy embodied in the FAA favors agreements to arbitrate and courts must resolve any

doubts about an arbitration agreement's scope in favor of arbitration. Id. at 753. If the

arbitration agreement encompasses the claims and the party opposing arbitration has

failed to prove its defenses, the trial court has no discretion but to compel arbitration and

stay its own proceedings. Id. at 753-54; D.R. Horton, Inc. v. Brooks, 207 S.W.3d 862, 866-

67 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2006, no pet.); Feldman/Matz Interests, L.L.P. v.

Settlement Capital Corp., 140 S.W.3d 879, 883 (Tex. App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2004, no

pet.).

                      IV. Validity & Scope of Agreement to Arbitrate

         In the instant case, Gonzalez signed a document entitled “Exhibit ‘1' Election to

Participate in the Employee Health and Safety Program Benefit Plan of HCA, Inc. and

Agreement to Submit to Arbitration.” Under this document, Gonzalez elected to receive

benefits under the Plan in exchange for not suing HCA Inc. or any affiliated employers in

civil court for any causes of action arising out of or relating to injuries in the course and

scope of her employment. Although Gonzalez asserts several defenses to the agreement,

Gonzalez’s arguments below and on appeal do not deny the existence of this signed

document. Accordingly, we conclude that Rio Grande has established the existence of an

arbitration agreement.

         We further conclude that the arbitration agreement covers Gonzalez’s claims

against Rio Grande. In the instant case, all of Gonzalez’s claims have their genesis in an

injury she received in the course and scope of her employment, and accordingly, fall within

the scope of the broad arbitration clause that she signed. In this regard, we would note

that courts recognize the use of “any” dispute “arising out of or relating to” as broad

language that expressly includes tort and other claims relating to the contractual

                                             9
relationship. See In re Jim Walter Homes, Inc., 207 S.W.3d 888, 895 (Tex. App.–Houston

[14th Dist.] 2006, orig. proceeding); Dewey v. Wegner, 138 S.W.3d 591, 601 & n.20 (Tex.

App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 2004, orig. proceeding).

                                     V. Nonsignatory

       The initial burden of establishing the existence of an arbitration agreement includes

proving that the party seeking to enforce the agreement was a party to the agreement or

otherwise had the right to enforce it. Merrill Lynch Trust Co. FSB v. Alaniz, 159 S.W.3d
162, 167-68 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi 2004, no pet.); Mohamed v. Auto Nation USA

Corp., 89 S.W.3d 830, 836 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, orig. proceeding); see also

In re Merrill Lynch Trust Co. FSB, 235 S.W.3d 185, 189-90 (Tex. 2007) (orig. proceeding)

(discussing the enforcement of arbitration against non-signatory corporate affiliates).

Gonzalez asserts that there was not a valid arbitration agreement because Rio Grande was

not a party to the arbitration agreement. In the instant case, Gonzalez signed a document

entitled “Exhibit 1,” further entitled “Election to Participate in the Employee Health and

Safety Program Benefit Plan of HCA, Inc. and Agreement to Submit to Arbitration.”

Gonzalez testified that, at the time she signed the election, she was not shown or provided

copies of the HCA Inc. Employee Health and Safety Program Benefit Plan or the HCA

Employee Health and Safety Program Summary Plan Description.

       The election refers to the Plan and acknowledges that Gonzalez has received a

copy of the summary plan description. Under the election:

       The Arbitration Procedures set forth in the Summary Plan Description (and
       also in Section Seven of the Plan) are incorporated by reference into, and
       made part of, this Agreement the same as if they were set forth in this
       Agreement at length and in full. This Agreement, combined with the
       incorporated Arbitration Procedures set forth in the Summary Plan
       description, is the complete agreement between HCA, Inc., its Affiliated
       Employers and me on the subject of arbitration of these types of disputes.

                                            10
The Affiliated Employers are identified in Exhibits to the Summary Plan Description and the

Plan. Rio Grande is included in that list.

         A person who signs a contract is presumed to have read and understood the

contract and to have fully comprehended its legal effect, unless she establishes fraud in

the inducement or mental incapacity. Raymond James & Assocs. v. Bowman, 196 S.W.3d
311, 318 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 2006, no pet.); Nguyen Ngoc Giao v. Smith &

Lamm, 714 S.W.2d 144, 146 (Tex. App.–Houston [1st Dist.] 1986, no writ). We need not

reach the question of whether Gonzalez’s assertions regarding the empty promise of

employee benefits in exchange for signing the election adequately raise the issue of fraud

in the inducement in light of our conclusions about the failure of consideration, as set out

below.

                                            VII. Consideration

         Rio Grande has proved the existence of a valid arbitration agreement and a dispute

falling within the scope of the agreement. In re Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc., 166 S.W.3d

at 737. Accordingly, we next consider whether Gonzalez has carried her burden of proof

regarding her defenses to the arbitration agreement. J. M. Davidson, Inc., 128 S.W.3d at

227. Gonzalez contends that the arbitration agreement is not enforceable because the

agreement was not supported by consideration or there was a failure of consideration, or

a condition precedent was never satisfied.2

         Rio Grande argues that there was not a failure of consideration. It contends that:

         2
          Lack of consideration refers to a contract that lacks m utuality of obligation. Belew v. Rector, 202
S.W .3d 849, 854 n.4 (Tex. App.–Eastland 2006, no pet.) (citing Fed. Sign v. Tex. S. Univ., 951 S.W .2d 401,
409 (Tex. 1997)). Failure of consideration occurs when, due to a supervening cause after an agreem ent is
reached, the prom ised perform ance fails. Id. (citing US Bank, N.A. v. Prestige Ford Garland Ltd. P'ship, 170
S.W .3d 272, 279 (Tex. App.–Dallas 2005, no pet.)). The distinction between the two is that lack of
consideration exists im m ediately after the execution of a contract while failure of consideration arises because
of subsequent events. Id. In contrast, a condition precedent is an event that m ust happen or be perform ed
before a right can accrue to enforce an obligation. See id.

                                                       11
(1) the parties’ mutual promises to arbitrate constitute proper consideration supporting the

agreement; (2) Gonzalez received the benefit of “participation and coverage” under the

plan for three months prior to her injury, and this participation constituted the necessary

consideration for the agreement; and (3) if there is any failure of consideration based on

Gonzalez’s failure to receive benefits under the Plan, it is a partial failure, given

consideration provided by the mutual promises to arbitrate and Gonzalez’s ability to

participate in the Plan, and thus rescission of the agreement is not allowed.

       In determining the validity of agreements to arbitrate which are subject to the FAA,

we generally apply state-law principles governing the formation of contracts. See Kaplan,
514 U.S. at 944; In re Palm Harbor Homes, Inc., 195 S.W.3d 672, 676 (Tex. 2006) (orig.

proceeding). Under Texas law, parties enter into a binding contract when the following

elements exist: (1) an offer; (2) an acceptance in strict compliance with the terms of the

offer; (3) a meeting of the minds; (4) each party’s consent to the terms; and (5) execution

and delivery of the contract with the intent that it be mutual and binding. Labor Ready

Cent. III, L.P., 64 S.W.3d at 522.

       Consideration is a fundamental element of any valid contract. See id. A contract

that lacks consideration lacks mutuality of obligation. See Fed. Sign v. Tex. State Univ.,

951 S.W.2d 401, 408-09 (Tex. 1997); Labor Ready Cent. III, L.P., 64 S.W.3d at 522.

Arbitration agreements, like other contracts, must be supported by consideration. In re

Palm Harbor Homes, Inc., 195 S.W.3d at 676; see In re Advance PCS Health L.P., 172
S.W.3d 603, 607 (Tex. 2005) (orig. proceeding) (per curiam). In arbitration agreements,

consideration may take the form of bilateral promises to arbitrate. In re Palm Harbor

Homes, Inc., 195 S.W.3d at 676; In re Advance PCS, 172 S.W.3d at 607. When an

arbitration clause is part of a larger, underlying contract, the remainder of the contract may

                                             12
suffice as consideration for the arbitration clause. In re Palm Harbor Homes, Inc., 195
S.W.3d at 676; see also In re FirstMerit Bank, N.A., 52 S.W.3d 749, 757 (Tex. 2001) (orig.

proceeding).

       Based on the specific arbitration provision at issue in this case and the record

evidence, we conclude that the arbitration agreement at issue herein lacked consideration.

Under the agreement, Gonzalez was promised medical and wage-replacement benefits

in exchange for giving up her right to bring a legal action against HCA Inc. and its affiliated

employers and their employees. However, when Gonzalez was injured and attempted to

claim benefits under the Plan, she was told that she was a “PRN” or “pool” employee who

did not qualify for medical or other benefits under the Plan. In other words, she did not

qualify as an employee participant under the Plan. Any consideration for Gonzalez was

wholly illusory.

       In contending that the parties’ mutual agreements to arbitrate their disputes

furnished the requisite consideration, Rio Grande misconstrues the nature of the

agreement and election signed by Gonzalez. Gonzalez did not agree to arbitrate her

disputes with Rio Grande in exchange for Rio Grande’s agreement to arbitrate its disputes

with her. Simply put, the agreement is not a mutual agreement to arbitrate the parties’

disputes. Rather, under the express language of the election, Gonzalez agreed to arbitrate

her disputes in exchange for being allowed to participate in the benefit Plan established

by Rio Grande. However, according to the record evidence, she was never eligible to

participate or receive benefits.

       Rio Grande’s promise that Gonzalez could participate in the Plan if she agreed to

arbitrate any disputes was illusory.      “When illusory promises are all that support a

purported bilateral contract, there is no contract.” Light v. Centel Cellular Co., 883 S.W.2d
13
642, 644-45 (Tex. 1994) (“Consideration for a promise, by either the employee or the

employer in an at-will employment, cannot be dependent on a period of continued

employment.”). In other words, there was no mutuality of obligation because Rio Grande’s

agreement to allow Gonzalez to participate in the Plan was illusory from the inception of

the purported contract. See Tenet Healthcare v. Cooper, 960 S.W.2d 386, 388-89 (Tex.

App.–Houston [14th Dist.] 1998, pet. dism’d w.o.j.). Cf. Celestino v. Mid-American Indem.

Ins. Co., 883 S.W.2d 310 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi 1994, writ denied) (construing an

insurance policy that offered no coverage).

      Moreover, the Texas Supreme Court’s discussion of estoppel in Perry Homes v. Cull

is appropriate here insofar as the evidence in this case shows that Rio Grande

simultaneously denies that the Election and Plan is applicable to Gonzalez, yet seeks to

apply that same Election and Plan to Gonzalez in order to force her to arbitrate her

disputes. See 258 S.W.3d at 593.

      Rio Grande’s argument that Gonzalez received “participation and coverage” under

the Plan is nonsensical at best and disingenuous at worst. Although Escobedo testified

that employees receive “immediate coverage” when they sign the Plan, the uncontradicted

evidence adduced from Gonzalez is that she was not such an employee. The record is

wholly devoid of any evidence that Gonzalez was allowed to participate in the Plan or that

she received coverage under the Plan. According to the record evidence, Gonzalez was

a “pool” or “PRN” employee who was not eligible to participate in or receive benefits under

the Plan. Rio Grande has adduced no evidence that suggests otherwise.

      Finally, Rio Grande contends that, if there is any failure of consideration based on

Gonzalez’s failure to receive benefits under the Plan, it is a partial failure, given

consideration provided by the mutual promises to arbitrate and Gonzalez’s ability to

                                            14
participate in the Plan, and thus rescission of the agreement is not allowed. We have

already determined that the agreement at issue lacked consideration, rather than suffered

a failure of consideration. Accordingly, we need not further address this issue herein. See

TEX . R. APP. P. 47.1, 47.4; Belew v. Rector, 202 S.W.3d 849, 854 n.4 (Tex. App.–Eastland

2006, no pet.) (distinguishing failure of consideration and lack of consideration).

                                      IV. Conclusion

       The Court, having examined and fully considered the petition for writ of mandamus

and response thereto, is of the opinion that Rio Grande has not shown itself entitled to the

relief sought. Accordingly, the stay previously imposed by this Court is LIFTED. See TEX .

R. APP. P. 52.10(b) (“Unless vacated or modified, an order granting temporary relief is

effective until the case is finally decided.”). Rio Grande’s motion to dismiss and for costs

is DENIED. The petition for writ of mandamus is DENIED. See id. 52.8(a).

                                                        Per Curiam

Memorandum Opinion delivered and filed
this the 25th day of February, 2009.

                                            15