Hartman v. Erie Ins. Co.

2017 Ohio 668

• Court: Ohio Court of Appeals
• Decided: February 24, 2017
• Docket: WD-16-022
• Status: Published

Opinion

[Cite as Hartman v. Erie Ins. Co., 2017-Ohio-668.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT WOOD COUNTY

Chad Hartman, et al. Court of Appeals No. WD-16-022

Appellants Trial Court No. 2015CV0434

v.

Erie Insurance Company DECISION AND JUDGMENT

Appellee Decided: February 24, 2017

*****

Stephen B. Mosier, for appellants.

Gordon D. Arnold and Carl A. Anthony, for appellee.

SINGER, J.

{¶ 1} Appellants, Chad and Erin Hartman, appeal from the April 18, 2016

judgment of the Wood County Court of Common Pleas granting summary judgment to

appellee, Erie Insurance Company, and dismissing the claims of appellants. For the

reasons which follow, we affirm. {¶ 2} On appeal, appellants assert the following assignments of error:

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT STRUCK ALL OF

PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENCE ON THE STATED GROUND THAT

PLAINTIFFS FAILED TO PRESENT IT IN THE FORM OF AN

AFFIDAVIT, WHEN PLAINTIFFS’ EVIDENCE WAS IN FACT

SUPPORTED BY AFFIDAVIT SWORN TO UNDER OATH BEFORE A

PROPER OFFICER, FULLY COMPLIANT WITH RULE 56 (E).

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 2

THE TRIAL COURT MISCONSTRUED THE HOMEOWNERS’

INSURANCE POLICY, AND ERRED IN GRANTING SUMMARY

JUDGMENT AGAINST RATHER THAN IN FAVOR OF THE

POLICYHOLDERS ON THE “ADDITIONAL ENDORSEMENT”

COVERAGE FOR “LOSS CAUSED BY WATER WHICH BACKS UP

THROUGH SEWERS OR DRAINS.”

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 3

POLICYHOLDERS ON THE COVERAGE PERTINENT TO “FUNGI,

WET OR DRY ROT OR BACTERIA.”

2. ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 4

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING PLAINTIFFS’

TIMELY EVIDENTIARY OBJECTIONS TO “EXPERT” TESTIMONY

PROFFERED BY ERIE, WITHOUT PROPER FOUNDATION AND

CONTRARY TO EVIDENCE RULE 702 AND 703, AND ERRED

FURTHER IN RELYING ON THAT CONTROVERTED TESTIMONY

AS ITS BASIS FOR GRANTING SUMMARY JUDGMENT AGAINST

THE POLICYHOLDERS.

{¶ 3} Appellants brought suit against appellee alleging breach of contract and a

breach of appellee’s duty of good faith and fair dealing. Appellants allege that on

May 29, 2015, their home and personal property was damaged by water backing up from

the storm drain system (hereinafter the “first claim”). Appellants reported the first claim

to appellee, who accepted the loss as being within the coverage of the policy. Appellee

reimbursed appellants $11,500 for their loss, $10,000 for the damage caused by the sump

pump back up and $1,500 as an additional payment for debris removal by a restoration

company. Appellants asserted this was only a partial payment of the loss, which appellee

ceased to continue to pay after a second claim was made.

{¶ 4} Appellants allege that on June 27, 2015, their home and personal property

was again damaged by the backup of water from the storm drain system (hereinafter the

“second claim”). Appellee denied the second claim on the ground that the anti-

concurrent causation clause precluded recovery. Appellants asserted that appellee had

3. represented to appellants that the separately-purchased endorsement was not subject to

any other policy exclusions.

{¶ 5} Appellants argued they are also entitled under the policy provisions for

“Additional Payments” to reimbursement for the cost of testing the property for fungi or

bacteria and remediating the damage from fungi or bacteria. They assert they were never

informed of this coverage by appellee.

{¶ 6} Appellants moved for partial summary judgment. The parties agreed that

the only issue before the court on summary judgment was whether there was coverage

under the policy for both loss claims. Appellants asserted that while the basic policy

provides an exclusion for “water damage” (hereinafter the “water damage exclusion”),

appellants purchased, for an additional premium, an endorsement for coverage of “Loss

Caused By Backup Of Sewers Or Drains” (hereinafter the “backup coverage

endorsement”), which did not separately restate the water damage exclusions listed in the

main policy.

{¶ 7} Appellee also moved for summary judgment on all of the claims asserting

that it paid the first claim in full and coverage for the second claim was excluded under

the policy arguing the two loss claims were not identical. The first claim was based on

water entering the basement of the home through the sump pump system. The second

claim was based upon water entering the basement of the home through the sump pump

system and through the basement windows.

4. {¶ 8} Appellee attached to its motion the affidavits of Alexander Davis, appellee’s

insurance agent who handled the first claim; John Fetters, appellee’s insurance agent

assigned to handle the second claim; and Stephen Bostwick, a registered architect, who

specialized in forensic evaluations of homes regarding water damage and the existence of

mold.

{¶ 9} Davis attested that he initially advised Mrs. Hartman that there was a

coverage deductible and the limit for the claim was $10,000, plus an additional

percentage of the limit was available for debris removal. Davis inspected the home and

took photographs. He completed an estimate of the repairs and completed the claim

when he received the invoice from the restoration company hired by the Hartmans.

Davis further attested the total payout on the claim was $11,500 and appellee did not stop

making payments on the first claim.

{¶ 10} In a second affidavit, Davis attested that during the course of handling the

first claim, he “was never made aware of any fungi or mold, or anything that would have

triggered coverage under the ‘Fungi, Wet or Dry Rot Or Bacteria’ provision in the

insurance contract. * * * Neither of the Hartmans, nor anyone else, told me there was a

problem with, or existence of, anything that would have triggered his coverage.” Davis

understood from Mr. Hartman that one of the functions of the restoration company was to

prevent problems with mold and there was nothing in the invoice suggesting fungi or

bacteria were found on the premises. Upon his inspection of the house after the

restoration work, Davis did not see any evidence of mold or observe anything that would

5. lead him to believe the fungi/bacteria coverage would have been triggered and the

Hartmans did not inquire about such coverage.

{¶ 11} Furthermore, Davis attested he did not learn of the Hartmans’ claim of

hydrostatic pressure damage occurring during the first claim incident until November

2015 in connection with this litigation. Davis never observed such damage when he

inspected the property.

{¶ 12} Fetters attested he exchanged e-mail messages with Mr. Hartman regarding

the second claim. Fetters authenticated a copy of an email Mr. Hartman sent to Fetters,

in which Mr. Hartman stated:

the area experienced a very substantial amount of rainfall within a 12-15

hour period. I once again had water entering into and accumulating several

inches deep in my basement * * * this time from groundwater entering the

basement through the basement windows and presumably also by back-up

from the storm drain system and up through the basement sump pump. The

storm drain system was overwhelmed, and overflowed forming a large pool

and accumulating around the foundation of my home. The foundation and

basement floor buckled and cracked * * *. Due to the second incident,

several inches of * * * insulation and drywall have become saturated and

will necessarily be required to be removed to prevent mold from forming.

Fetters also attested Mr. Hartman called and provided more details about the loss, telling

Fetters the water trickled through the windows, but mostly came through the sump crock.

6. Fetters attested that he informed Mr. Hartman coverage would probably be excluded if

water came through the windows.

{¶ 13} Fetters inspected the property and authenticated copies of photographs

taken that day. Fetters attested there was a slope leading toward the house and mud could

be seen on the windows, which was consistent with Mr. Hartman’s initial e-mail

statement that ground water entered the basement through the basement windows. Upon

examination of all of the evidence, Fetters concluded that the loss was caused in part by

surface water coming in through the windows of the basement, which was an excluded

loss. He informed appellants the second claim was not a covered loss.

{¶ 14} In a separate affidavit, Fetters attested that during the time he handled the

second claim, the Hartmans never said they believed mold was present or that fungi and

bacteria entered the house from the water that entered the home through the windows and

sump pump.

{¶ 15} Bostwick attested he was hired by appellee to inspect appellants’ property

in January 2015. Based on a review of the litigation documents, appellee’s records, an

examination of the property, and his education, training, and experience in the field, he

opined, to a reasonable degree of architectural and scientific probability, as follows:

During both claim incidences, water pooled above the culvert at the street and was not

drained away from the house. “Some or all of the water which entered the house * * *

included water stopped by the road and culvert from draining away from the house. * * *

Some or all of the water which entered the house * * * included water which fell to the

7. ground directly from rainfall. None of the water which entered the house * * * backed up

through the culvert.”

{¶ 16} Bostwick further attested that during his inspection of the premises, Mr.

Hartman told Bostwick that all of the water in the first claim incident entered the home

through the sump pump. Mr. Hartman used a second sump pump to keep the basement

from flooding, but could not prevent six inches of standing water from filling the

basement. He stated no water entered the basement through the windows. Bostwick

found these statements consistent with the claim file.

{¶ 17} Furthermore, Mr. Hartman told Bostwick that surface water pooled at the

windows and infiltrated the house at the windows during the second claim incident.

Bostwick observed damage around and under the windows. He opined the groundwater

came into the house through or near the two windows as well as through the sump pump.

{¶ 18} Bostwick also opined that water from a recent rain, entering a house

through a sump pump system, does not typically contain damaging fungi or bacteria

levels in concentrations sufficient to cause damage to property or require cleaning

procedures other than removal of the water and wiping down the surfaces because it is

ground water and not sewage backup. Therefore, appellants’ home should not have been

damaged by fungi or bacteria in the water after the first claim incident. He also opined

there was no property damage caused by wet rot or dry rot because this was not a sewage

backup but ground water from a substantial rain.

8. {¶ 19} During Bostwick’s inspection, Mr. Hartman explained the work performed

by the restoration company and Bostwick reviewed the company’s invoice and

photographs. All of the evidence indicated to Bostwick that the company did not remove

any drywall after the first claim incident, but did remove the baseboards and drilled holes

in the drywall at the baseboard level, and used dehumidifiers and other solutions to

prevent mold. The restoration company’s invoice did not indicate that the company

found evidence of mold, but only states the company applied antimicrobial agents and

took steps to prevent mold growth. Typically, Bostwick attested, companies doing such

work will indicate on their invoice if they remediated actual mold.

{¶ 20} During Bostwick’s inspection, the Hartmans pointed out several areas

where they suspected mold was present. Mr. Hartman claimed to have scrubbed the

walls with bleach but the mold returned after the second flooding incident. Bostwick

attested he examined the areas identified by the Hartmans by scratching and smelling the

substance. Based on his experience, Bostwick opined no mold was present because it did

not smell like mold. He also used a moisture meter on several areas and all readings were

in normal ranges, which would not have been conducive to mold growth. He did not

chemically test the areas, but based on his experience, he would have expected to find

higher moisture levels to support mold growth. He also did not have any photographic

evidence of the presence of mold. However, he attested he could not rule out mold was

possibly present.

9. {¶ 21} Bostwick inquired about damage from hydrostatic pressure on the

foundation during the first claim incident. Mr. Hartman denied seeing any such damage

after the first claim incident and before the second claim incident. Bostwick could not

find any evidence of hydrostatic damage in the photographs Davis had taken or in the

claim file.

{¶ 22} Mr. Hartman identified damage he observed after the second claim incident

which he believed was caused by hydrostatic pressure. Based on this information and

Bostwick’s own inspection, he agreed with Mr. Hartman that the home was damaged

during the second flooding incident by hydrostatic/water pressure from below the

floor/slab and foundation.

{¶ 23} On April 18, 2016, the trial court denied partial judgment to appellants and

granted summary judgment to appellee and dismissed the claims of appellants despite the

fact that the parties filed a joint notice on January 12, 2016, indicating that they agree that

the only issue to be determined on summary judgment was the issue of coverage.

{¶ 24} The appellate court reviews the grant of summary judgment under a de

novo standard of review. Doe v. Shaffer, 90 Ohio St.3d 388, 390, 738 N.E.2d 1243

(2000), citing Grafton v. Ohio Edison Co., 77 Ohio St.3d 102, 105, 671 N.E.2d 241

(1996). Applying the requirements of Civ.R. 56(C), we uphold summary judgment when

it is clear

(1) that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact; (2) that the moving

party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3) that reasonable

10. minds can come to but one conclusion, and that conclusion is adverse to the

party against whom the motion for summary judgment is made, who is

entitled to have the evidence construed most strongly in his favor. Harless

v. Willis Day Warehousing Co., Inc., 54 Ohio St.2d 64, 66, 375 N.E.2d 46

(1978).

First Assignment of Error

{¶ 25} On appeal, appellants argue in their first assignment of error the trial court

erred in striking the three declarations of Mr. Hartman on the ground the declarations did

not meet the qualifications of affidavits required by Civ.R. 56(E).

{¶ 26} Appellants supported their motion with three separate “declarations” of

Chad Hartman. After appellee moved to strike the declarations, appellants submitted a

notarized affidavit of Chad Hartman, in which he confirmed each of the statements he

made in the declarations. On April 18, 2016, the trial court granted appellee’s motion to

strike the three declarations because the documents did not meet the requirements for

affidavits permitted by Civ.R. 56(E).

{¶ 27} We agree with the trial court that the declarations filed in compliance with

28 U.S.C. 1746 are insufficient to establish factual evidence permitted by Civ.R. 56(E).

This federal statute governs federal cases and, therefore, is not applicable in a state court

proceeding in Ohio. Disciplinary Counsel v. Squire, 130 Ohio St.3d 368, 2011-Ohio-

5578, 958 N.E.2d 914, ¶ 45, fn. 3c; Toledo Bar Assn. v. Neller, 102 Ohio St.3d 1234,

2004-Ohio-2895, 809 N.E.2d 1152, ¶ 21.

11. {¶ 28} Appellants further argue that the trial court did not address the notarized

affidavit of Mr. Hartman, in which he affirmed all of his statements made in the prior

declarations. Appellants filed a proper Civ.R. 56(E) affidavit on February 16, 2016, after

the February 5, 2016 deadline for submitting evidence to the court had passed and

without leave of court. The affidavit was clearly filed in response to appellee’s

February 19, 2016 motion to strike Hartman’s declarations. The trial court did not

discuss the admissibility of the later affidavit.

{¶ 29} A trial court has “a mandatory duty * * * to thoroughly examine all

appropriate materials filed by the parties before ruling on a motion for summary

judgment.” Murphy v. Reynoldsburg, 65 Ohio St.3d 356, 358, 604 N.E.2d 138 (1992),

syllabus. However, the trial court has no duty to consider an untimely-filed affidavit, but

may do so at its discretion. Widlar v. Young, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-05-1184, 2006-Ohio-

868, ¶ 37. We find the failure to consider or to mention the affidavit in this case was not

an abuse of discretion. Appellants could have, but did not, petition the court to consider

their untimely-filed affidavit as they did for their brief in opposition to the motion for

summary judgment, to which Mr. Hartman’s third declaration was attached.

{¶ 30} Appellants also argue appellee waived the right to challenge that the

affidavit was untimely filed. We disagree. The issue on appeal is only whether the trial

court abused its discretion in failing to consider the affidavit, not whether appellee

objected to its admission.

{¶ 31} Therefore, we find appellants’ first assignment of error not well-taken.

12. Second Assignment of Error

{¶ 32} In their second assignment of error, appellants argue the trial court

misconstrued the backup coverage endorsement and limited its application to override

only the exclusion for water from sewer or drain backups (exclusion paragraph 9.b.) and

not all of the water damage exclusions.

Policy Provisions

{¶ 33} Under “Property Protection, Section I,” the insurance policy separately sets

forth the coverage type (“dwelling and other structures” and “personal property”) and the

exclusions from coverage. Under each coverage type, the exclusion sections include

identical anti-concurrent causation clauses:

“We” do not pay for loss resulting directly or indirectly from any of

the following, even if other events or happenings contributed concurrently,

or in sequence, to the loss.

{¶ 34} This clause was followed by identical water damage exclusions. These

four water damage exclusions exclude coverage for losses caused:

9. by water damage, meaning:

a. flood, surface water, * * * storm surge or overflow of a body

of water.

b. water or sewage which backs up through sewers or drains or

water which enters into and overflows from within a sump

pump, sump pump well or any other system designed to

13. remove subsurface water which is drained from the

foundation area.

This exclusion does not apply if Sewers or Drains Backup

Coverage is shown on the ‘Declarations.’ However, the

maximum amount shown on the ‘Declarations’ is the

maximum amount ‘we’ will pay for any one direct loss

caused by water or sewage which backs up through sewers or

drains, or which enters into and overflows from within a

sump pump, sump pump well or any other system designed to

remove subsurface water which is drained from foundation

area;

c. water below the surface of the ground. This includes water

which exerts pressure on, or flows, seeps or leaks through any

part of a building or other structure, including sidewalks,

driveways, foundations, pavements, patios, swimming pools

or decks; or

d. waterborne material carried or otherwise moved by any of the

water referred to in his exclusion.

This exclusion applies, but is not limited to, escape, overflow or discharge,

for any reason, of water or waterborne material from a dam, levee, seawall

or any other boundary or containment system. (Emphasis added.)

14. It is undisputed that appellants purchased the “backup coverage endorsement” referenced

in paragraph 9.b. The backup coverage endorsement in this case provides as follows:

“ERIESECURE HOME SELECT ENDORSEMENT – INCLUDING

COVERAGE FOR LOSS CAUSED BY BACKUP THROUGH SEWERS

OR DRAINS – OHIO”

*** “ADDITIONAL COVERAGES”

***

COVERAGE FOR LOSS CAUSED BY WATER BACK UP

THROUGH SEWERS OR DRAINS

“You” have purchased Sewers or Drains Backup Coverage in the

amount shown on the “declarations.” The SECTION 1 policy deductible

applies.

Trial Court’s Judgment

{¶ 35} The trial court found appellee paid the first claim in full pursuant to the

backup coverage endorsement. The trial court found there was undisputed evidence the

second claim incident was caused by both surface water entering the home through the

basement windows and by a backup of the sewer and drain. The trial court further found

the policy excluded coverage for the second claim because of the anti-concurrent

causation clause, which was not modified by the backup coverage endorsement.

15. Furthermore, the court found that the hydrostatic pressure damage is also excluded from

the policy pursuant to exclusion paragraph 9.c.

Arguments

Did the Backup Coverage Endorsement Override the Main Policy?

{¶ 36} Appellants first argue the backup coverage endorsement is not restricted to

solely water damage caused by sewer and drain backups (exclusion 9.b.) because such a

reading of the contract would render the backup coverage endorsement useless even

though they paid an additional premium for backup coverage. They argue the backup

coverage endorsement “‘controls the policy insofar as it “enlarges, modifies, or restricts

the terms” of the policy,’” and “‘if there is any conflict between the rider and policy, “the

rider controls in construing the contract especially where the provisions of the rider are

more specific”’” citing Penthouse Owners Associations, Inc. v. Certain Underwriters at

Lloyds, London, 612 F.3d 383, 386 (5th Cir.2010). Therefore, appellants argue the

backup coverage endorsement must be interpreted more broadly to cover the loss in this

case.

{¶ 37} We disagree. It is a basic contract principal that insurance policies and

endorsements must be read together as one contract. Ward v. United Foundries, Inc., 129

Ohio St.3d 292, 2011-Ohio-3176, 951 N.E.2d 770, ¶ 18. “[A]n exclusion in an insurance

policy will be interpreted as applying only to that which is clearly intended to be

excluded.” Hybud Equip. Corp. v. Sphere Drake Ins. Co., 64 Ohio St.3d 657, 665, 597

N.E.2d 1096 (1992). Accord Westfield Ins. Co. v. Hunter, 128 Ohio St.3d 540,

16. 2011-Ohio-1818, 948 N.E.2d 931, ¶ 11; Sharonville v. Am. Emps. Ins. Co., 109 Ohio

St.3d 186, 2006-Ohio-2180, 846 N.E.2d 833, ¶ 6. An unambiguous insurance policy

contract, which would include the exclusion and limitation provisions, must be enforced

as written. Nationwide Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v. Guman Bros. Farm, 73 Ohio St.3d 107, 108,

652 N.E.2d 684 (1995). The court should attempt to construe the language “in

conformity with the intention of the parties as gathered from the ordinary and commonly

understood meaning of the language employed.” Dealers Dairy Prods. Co. v. Royal Ins.

Co., 170 Ohio St. 336, 164 N.E.2d 745 (1960), paragraph one of the syllabus.

{¶ 38} We agree with the trial court that the language of the insurance policy was

unambiguous and that its application of the language was correct. The optional backup

coverage endorsement was permitted by paragraph 9.b. and allows for coverage of loss

caused by water backing up from sewers and drains, which would otherwise have been

specifically excluded from coverage under exclusion 9.b. There is no other language

which ties the backup coverage endorsement to the other water damage exclusions set

forth in paragraphs 9.a., 9.c., or 9.d.

{¶ 39} Appellants relied on the case of Myers v. Encompass Indemn. Co., 169

Ohio App.3d 545, 2006-Ohio-6076, 863 N.E.3d 1083 (12th Dist.). We agree with the

trial court that this case is distinguishable on its facts. In Myers, an “all-risk” insurance

contract provided that all losses were covered unless specifically excluded and the policy

specifically excluded losses from “flood, surface water,” subsurface water, or losses

caused by the “faulty design, construction, or maintenance” of a drainage system. Id. at

17. ¶ 19. Myers purchased additional coverage to cover losses from water backed up through

a drain or sewer. Id. at ¶ 10. While the policy also contained an anti-concurrent

causation clause, id. at ¶ 19, it was not applicable because the damages were caused by

only one event. Id. at ¶ 26.

{¶ 40} Myers’ property was damaged when a blocked storm drain caused storm

water to be forced in the opposite direction and flow into Myer’s basement. The court

determined that Myer’s loss was due to “surface water,” water that backed up because of

a defective drain, and would have been excluded under the main provisions of the policy.

Id. However, the court found that the contract language in the amendment for additional

coverage “deleted policy language that would preclude coverage where another

exclusion, such as surface water, already existed in the policy.” Id. at ¶ 29. Therefore,

the holding in Myers was based on the changes the amendment made to the policy

language. In the case before us, the backup coverage endorsement only modified the

language of exclusion 9.b. to add coverage that would otherwise have been excluded.

{¶ 41} Appellants also rely upon Butche v. Ohio Cas. Ins. Co., 174 Ohio St. 144,

187 N.E.2d 20 (1962). This case is distinguishable on its facts as well. In Butche, the

Ohio Supreme Court held that damage to an airplane caused by the wind while the

airplane was taxiing was a covered loss even though the policy insured against losses to

aircraft caused by wind but did not cover losses caused by taxiing an airplane. Id. at 146.

The court found the policy did not contain an express exclusion for loss caused by wind

while taxiing, an anti-concurrent clause, and therefore the policy coverage for wind

18. damage applied. Id. We agree with appellee that the presence of the anti-concurrent

causation clause in the policy before us distinguishes this case from Butche.

{¶ 42} We also agree with appellee that the case before us is similar to that of

Front Row Theatre, Inc. v. Am. Mfrs. Mut. Ins. Cos., 18 F.3d 1343 (6th Cir.1994). In the

Theatre case, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals considered whether surface water,

blocked from flowing through a drainage system, would be a covered loss when it flows

in the opposite direction downhill into a building. Id. at 1345. The insurer denied a

claim for loss on the basis the damage was caused by a flood. The Sixth Circuit defined

“surface water” as water which flows naturally across the land, but found the damage

caused by the backed up water flowing in the opposite direction intended by the drainage

system, would have been covered under the policy. Id. at 1347. However, because

rainwater from the storm contributed to the damage, the anti-concurrent causation clause

in the policy barred coverage. Id. at 1348.

{¶ 43} In the case before us, during the second claim incident there was evidence

that water entered the home through both the windows and, as a result of a backup of the

sump pump system, further damage was caused by hydrostatic pressure from subsurface

water. Mr. Hartman made statements to this effect in his e-mail and orally to the Fetters

and Bostwick. Furthermore, Bostwick opined the water which entered the home during

the second incident through the window was not water that backed up through the

culvert, but was pooled water from the culvert and/or rainwater from the storm. He also

opined that hydrostatic pressure caused damage during the second claim incident.

19. {¶ 44} Because there was an anti-concurrent causation clause in the policy before

us, we find coverage was excluded when there was more than one cause for the loss and

one of the causes was an excluded cause. The backup coverage endorsement did not

provide additional protection for property from damage caused by a combination of

covered and non-covered causes.

2. Did the Backup Coverage Endorsement Provide Stand-Alone Coverage?

{¶ 45} Appellants next argue the backup coverage endorsement provides for

separate, stand-alone coverage and is not subject to any of the exclusions applicable

under the basic policy provisions quoted above. They argue that if appellee had intended

for the exclusions in the main policy under each coverage type section to have been

applicable to the backup coverage endorsement, it would have referenced the exclusions

in the endorsement. Furthermore, they argue the placement of the endorsement at the

back of the policy without reference to the water damage exclusions evidences that it was

an amendment to the policy and provided stand-alone coverage.

{¶ 46} Generally, an insurance contract must be read as a whole, with the

endorsement as part of the contract policy. Ward, 129 Ohio St.3d 292, 2011-Ohio-3176,

951 N.E.2d 770, at ¶ 18 citing Penn Traffic Co. v. AIU Ins. Co., 99 Ohio St.3d 227, 2003-

Ohio-3373, 790 N.E.2d 1199, ¶ 30 (additional citation omitted).

{¶ 47} We find the endorsement here is specifically tied to the paragraph 9.b.

exclusion for water damage caused by sewer and drain backup in the main policy by the

second paragraph, which provides that the exclusion does not apply if the insured

20. purchases specific coverage for this type of loss. The endorsement clearly adds coverage

which the main policy would have excluded. Therefore, we reject appellants’ argument

that the backup coverage endorsement is a separate insurance contract.

3. Was the Water Damage Exclusion a Single Exclusion Modified by the Backup Coverage Endorsement?

{¶ 48} Appellants next argue that even if the backup coverage endorsement is

construed as being subject to the main policy water damage exclusions, the water damage

exclusion is a single exclusion which does not apply if the backup coverage endorsement

is purchased because the word “exclusion” appears under paragraph 9.b. and at the end of

section 9, and both clauses refer to the same, single exclusion.

{¶ 49} If an insurance contract provision “is reasonably susceptible of more than

one interpretation, they will be construed strictly against the insurer and liberally in favor

of the insured.” King v. Nationwide Ins. Co., 35 Ohio St.3d 208, 519 N.E.2d 1380

(1988), syllabus. In this case, we find the language is capable of only one interpretation.

The two uses of the term “exclusion” clearly relate back to two separate types of water

damage exclusions; i.e., water damage in general and specifically water or sewage

backup damage. The indentation structure of the paragraphs within section 9

unambiguously indicate that the phrase “this exclusion” under paragraph 9.b. relates back

to only paragraph 9.b., while the phrase “this exclusion” at the end of section 9 relates

back to the first clause of the entire section, “water damage.” We do not agree with

appellants that these phrases are susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation.

21. 4. Is the Backup Coverage Endorsement Illusory?

{¶ 50} Appellants argue that our construction would render the backup coverage

endorsement illusory because there would never be a situation where there was coverage

under 9.b. when exclusions 9.a. or 9.c. were applicable.

{¶ 51} In an illusory contract, the promisor “‘retains an unlimited right to

determine the nature or extent of his performance’” which “‘destroys his promise and

thus makes it merely illusory.’” 7 Med. Sys., LLC v. Open MRI of Steubenville, 7th Dist.

Jefferson No. 11 JE 23, 2012-Ohio-3009, ¶ 39, quoting Century 21 Am. Landmark, Inc. v.

McIntyre, 68 Ohio App.2d 126, 129-30, 427 N.E.2d 534 (1st Dist.1980). Because

illusory contracts are not enforceable, courts should “interpret a contract to avoid a result

which renders the contract illusory.” State v. Stanley, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 99-C.A.-

55, 2002-Ohio-4372, ¶ 22, citing State ex rel. Gordon v. Taylor, 149 Ohio St. 427, 79

N.E.2d 127 (1948), paragraph two of the syllabus. Accord Cincinnati v. Cameron, 33

Ohio St. 336, 364 (1878). If “‘there is some benefit to the insured from the face of the

endorsement, it is not an illusory contract.’” Ward, 129 Ohio St.3d 292, 2011-Ohio-

3176, 951 N.E.2d 770, at ¶ 24, citing State Auto Ins. Co. v. Golden, 125 Ohio App.3d

674, 678, 709 N.E.2d 529 (8th Dist.1998).

{¶ 52} We find the endorsement was not an illusory contract. It is clear under the

policy and backup coverage endorsement that coverage will be provided where the cause

of the loss is only from water backing up through the sewers or drains designed to

remove subsurface water from the foundation area. Therefore, the endorsement has some

22. benefit to the insured. Coverage is only excluded when damage is also occurring as a

result of surface flooding and/or excessive subsurface water buildup which causes

hydrostatic pressure. The fact that there can be situations where the backup coverage

endorsement is available prevents the endorsement from being an illusory contract.

Therefore, we find appellants’ second assignment of error not well-taken.

Third Assignment of Error

{¶ 53} In their third assignment of error, appellants argue that the trial court

misconstrued the policy and erred in granting summary judgment against appellants

regarding the “fungi, wet or dry rot or bacteria” loss.

{¶ 54} Even without considering appellants’ excluded evidence, appellants argue

appellee was not entitled to summary judgment because it failed to prove by a

preponderance of the evidence that mold was not present. Appellee’s own expert could

not rule out the presence of mold.

{¶ 55} The policy provided as follows in pertinent part:

Fungi, Wet or Dry Rot or Bacteria Coverage

“We” will pay up to a total of $10,000 for:

1. direct physical loss to property covered under PROPERTY

PROTECTION--SECTION 1, * * * resulting from, or consisting of

“fungi,” wet or dry rot or bacteria if the direct result of a PERIL

WE INSURE AGAINST; and

23. The $10,000 limit is the most “we” will pay for the cost:

a. to remove “fungi,” wet or dry rot or bacteria from

covered property;

b. to tear out and replace any part of the building or other

covered property is needed to gain access to the

“fungi,” wet or dry rot or bacteria; and

c. of any testing of air or property to confirm the absence,

presence or level of “fungi,” wet or dry rot or bacteria

whether performed prior to, during or after removal, repair,

restoration or replacement. The cost of such testing will be provided

only to the extent that there is a reason to believe that there is a

presence of “fungi,” wet or dry rot or bacteria.

The coverage provided above applies only when such loss or costs

are the result of the PERIL WE INSURE AGAINST which occurs

during the policy period and only if all reasonable means were used

to save and protect the property from further damage at or after the

time of the “occurrence” of the PERIL WE INSURE AGAINST.

{¶ 56} Appellants argue that under subsection c. quoted above, that the need to

test for mold is covered when there is a reason to believe that mold might be present and

is the result of a covered loss. Because the first claim incident was a covered loss,

appellants argue that they were entitled to coverage for testing for mold. Appellants

24. argue the presence of water in the basement and the results from their positive test results

for mold indicated a need for testing. Appellants’ evidence of testing for mold was

excluded from evidence, however, because it was not properly submitted to the court

pursuant to Civ.R. 56(E).

{¶ 57} The trial court found that while appellee would have been obligated under

the policy to cover mold damage resulting from the first claim incident, there was no

evidence of any mold. Furthermore, while appellee would also have been obligated to

test for the presence of mold after the first claim incident, that obligation was triggered

only when there was a reason to suspect mold might be present. Because the restoration

company paid by appellee treated the premises with an anti-microbial agent when

cleaning up after the first claim incident, the trial court found there was no reason to

believe that mold was present after the cleanup.

{¶ 58} We agree with the trial court. The promise to pay for the cost of testing for

mold was triggered only when it is a result of a covered loss, which would exclude mold

resulting from the second claim. As to the first claim, both insurance agents attested that

the matter of mold was not raised and they saw no evidence of mold. Davis further

attested appellee paid for a restoration company to clean the property. Furthermore,

Bostwick examined the premises for mold months after the second claim and found no

evidence of mold. There was no evidence in the record that mold was suspected other

than the fact that a backup of water through the sump pump had occurred. But, Bostwick

attested that there was little likelihood that the flooding water contained a sufficient level

25. of fungi or bacteria to cause damage because it was surface rain water and not sewage

water. He further opined that removing the water and wiping down the surfaces would

have been sufficient to prevent damage from mold and that action was taken, plus more,

by the restoration company.

{¶ 59} Therefore, we find appellants’ third assignment of error not well-taken.

Fourth Assignment of Error

{¶ 60} In appellants’ fourth assignment of error, they argue that the trial court

erred in overruling appellants’ timely evidentiary objections to the “expert” testimony of

Bostwick allegedly proffered by appellee without a proper foundation and contrary to

Evid.R. 702 and 703 and the trial court erred by relying on that testimony as a basis for

granting summary judgment in favor of appellee. In its April 18, 2016 final judgment the

trial court denied the Hartmans’ motion to strike without comment.

{¶ 61} A witness is not presumed to be an expert and the party offering the

testimony has the burden to show the witness has the qualifications to testify as an expert.

Tully v. Mahoning Exp. Co., 161 Ohio St. 457, 119 N.E.2d 831 (1954), paragraph two of

the syllabus. The trial court acts as a gatekeeper and must determine if the expert’s

methodology for formulating his expert opinion is reliable and the opinion testimony is

relevant before allowing the expert to testify. Terry v. Caputo, 115 Ohio St.3d 351,

2007-Ohio-5023, 875 N.E.2d 72, ¶ 24. The expert does not have to be the most

knowledgeable expert. McCubbin v. Mich. Ladder Co., 112 Ohio App.3d 639, 642-643,

679 N.E.2d 1142 (1st Dist.1996). Qualification of an expert is a matter within the sound

26. discretion of the trial court. Evid.R. 104(A); Celmer v. Rodgers, 114 Ohio St.3d 221,

2007-Ohio-3697, 871 N.E.2d 557, ¶ 19. On appeal, the trial court’s ruling will not be

reversed absent a showing of an abuse of discretion. Id.

{¶ 62} A witness may testify as an expert if their testimony “relates to matters

beyond the knowledge or experience” of the average juror, the expert has “specialized

knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education” about the matter, or the testimony is

based on “reliable, scientific, technical, or other specialized information.” Evid.R. 702.

The expert may base his opinion on facts or data he has perceived or were admitted into

evidence, Evid.R. 703. State v. Solomon, 59 Ohio St.3d 124, 570 N.E.2d 1118 (1991),

syllabus. The expert may testify regarding his opinion after disclosure of the facts or data

upon which his opinion is based. Evid.R. 705.

{¶ 63} Civ.R. 56(E) requires that an expert’s affidavit for summary judgment

purposes include the supporting facts upon which the expert’s opinions are based and

cannot state merely legal conclusions. Nu-Trend Homes, Inc. v. Law Offices of DeLibera,

Lyons, & Bibbo, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 01AP-1137, 2003-Ohio-1633, ¶ 59. The party

opposing the expert’s opinion bears the burden of proving the expert’s opinions are

unsupported. Holman v. Shiloh Grove L.P., 10th Dist. Franklin Nos. 15AP-228, 15AP-

797, 2016-Ohio-2809, ¶ 20. Furthermore, the expert is not required to additionally

support his opinion with tests or experiments if there was a sufficient foundation for his

opinion. Renicker v. Smith, 5th Dist. Tuscarawas Nos. 1998AP050087, 1998AP090107,

1999 Ohio App. LEXIS 1934, *7-8 (Apr. 21, 1999). The expert must render an opinion

27. to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty. State v. Jackson, 92 Ohio St.3d 436, 448,

751 N.E.2d 946 (2001).

{¶ 64} First, appellants argue Bostwick disclosed no background, education, or

experience sufficient to confer upon him some expertise in the field of microbiology or

chemistry, much less the ability to detect mold spores without testing. Second, appellants

make two challenges to Bostwick’s opinions regarding the presence of fungi and bacteria:

1.) Bostwick’s opinion no mold was present was based solely upon his examination of

the suspected mold areas by scratching and smelling the area; and 2.) Bostwick’s opinion

that it was unlikely there would be mold growth because the flooding was from rain

water, was unsupported. Appellants argued Bostwick’s statements regarding the

presence or absence of mold lacked a foundation, are pure speculation and conjecture,

and lack reliability based on scientific or technical principles because he did not conduct

any mold tests and he did not examine the removed drywall.

{¶ 65} We reject appellants’ challenge that Bostwick should not have been

qualified as an expert. Bostwick attested that he had over 25 years of significant

experience in forensic evaluations of homes to determine the cause and existence of

damage to structures, including the issues of water infiltration and flood events, and has

been recognized as an expert by many courts. Furthermore, he had been involved in over

100 evaluations regarding the issue of mold growth. We find no basis for concluding the

trial court abused its discretion by qualifying Bostwick as an expert regarding the cause

of water infiltration and flooding, including water damage and mold.

28. {¶ 66} Second, we find Bostwick’s statements of fact were supported by the

evidence in the record. Mr. Hartman stated in his e-mail that water entered the home

during the first claim incident through a backup of the sump pump during a heavy rain.

Davis attested he inspected the home after the first flooding incident and did not see

mold, the Hartmans did not claim to have seen mold, and a restoration company was paid

to take measures to prevent mold growth. The company’s invoice did not indicate mold

was discovered. Finally, Bostwick’s experience qualified him to give an opinion about

the likelihood of the presence of fungi/bacteria in rainwater flooding.

{¶ 67} Third, we find Bostwick’s opinions were reliable. His opinions of the

presence of mold and the likelihood of mold was based on his experience and his

education regarding fungi and bacteria growth in structures. He admitted he did not

conduct any chemical testing of the areas, although he did check the moisture content of

the area to ensure that it was within normal ranges. He specifically stated that he could

not rule out the possibility of mold, but only that he could not find any evidence of mold

and he believed this finding should be expected when flooding was due to rainwater.

{¶ 68} When all of the facts and Bostwick’s experience are considered together,

we find his opinion regarding the existence of mold growth was reliable and based on

facts in evidence. Perhaps further chemical testing could have been conducted. But, that

is an issue regarding the weight to be given Bostwick’s opinion and not its admissibility.

{¶ 69} Finally, appellants argue Bostwick had no qualification or factual basis for

opining that surface water entered the basement through the windows and caused

29. damage. Appellants overlook, however, the evidence from Mr. Hartman’s email

reporting that surface water came into the basement through the windows, a fact

confirmed by Fetters’ inspection, as well as Bostwick’s examination of the window areas.

{¶ 70} Furthermore, the issue of the amount of water that entered the basement

through the windows and caused loss during the second claim incident is irrelevant. The

water from both causes contributed to a significant amount of water accumulating in the

basement. There was no evidence that the two separate causes of water infiltration

caused separate and distinct damage. The policy excludes coverage whenever there are

concurrent causes of the damage; there is no proportionality rule.

{¶ 71} Therefore, we find appellants’ fourth assignment of error not well-taken.

{¶ 72} Therefore, we conclude the trial court properly granted summary judgment

in appellee’s favor. Because the granting of summary judgment resolved all of the issues

in this case, we find the trial court properly dismissed the complaint. Having found the

trial court did not commit error prejudicial to appellants and that substantial justice has

been done, the judgment of the Wood County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.

Appellants are ordered to pay the costs of this appeal pursuant to App.R. 24.

Judgment affirmed.

30. Hartman v. Erie Ins. Co. C.A. No. WD-16-022

A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to App.R. 27. See also 6th Dist.Loc.App.R. 4.

Mark L. Pietrykowski, J. _______________________________ JUDGE Arlene Singer, J. _______________________________ James D. Jensen, P.J. JUDGE CONCUR. _______________________________ JUDGE

31.