Court Opinion

ID: 9527816
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:34:34.616213+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:26:14.299195
License: Public Domain

*112Fairchild, J.
(dissenting). Assuming that Kennedy-Ingalls was negligent as alleged by James, James’ injury gave rise to a cause of action against Kennedy-Ingalls. Smith owned a portion of the cause of action and James owned the balance. James’ complaint sought recovery of $100,000. Kennedy-Ingalls asserted a right to recoup from Smith because of its fault, and it was also claimed that coemployees of James were negligent. Kennedy-Ingalls’ liability was compromised at $17,500, all payable to James. Smith gave up any right to receive money, but in turn obtained a release from any claim for reimbursement of Kennedy-Ingalls. Smith’s other employees were released from alleged liability. If that claim of liability were well grounded, they would be liable to Kennedy-Ingalls for contribution. In my opinion the compromise settlement determined the net amount recoverable by James and Smith from Kennedy-Ingalls, after allowing for possible recovery by Kennedy-Ingalls from Smith and its other employees. The liability of Kennedy-Ingalls determined by the settlement (plus justified expense) would be the amount recoverable by Kennedy-Ingalls from defendant Meissner. Meissner has not been unjustly enriched as a result of the compromise settlement made by Kennedy-Ingalls. I would affirm the order of the trial court.