Pagliaroni v. Mastic Home Exteriors, Inc.
This text of 310 F. Supp. 3d 274 (Pagliaroni v. Mastic Home Exteriors, Inc.) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District Court, District of Columbia primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.
Opinion
Denise J. Casper, United States District Judge *280I. Introduction
Anthony Pagliaroni ("Pagliaroni"), Vicki O'Brien ("O'Brien"), Catherine Lynch ("Lynch") and John Costello ("Costello") (collectively, "Plaintiffs") seek damages as well as declaratory and injunctive relief from Defendants Mastic Home Exteriors ("Mastic") and Deceuninck North America ("DNA") arising from damage to their decks allegedly caused by a design defect in the Oasis decking formula. Plaintiffs assert claims for breach of warranty, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment and violation of certain state consumer protection laws. D. 53. Mastic and DNA have both filed for summary judgment. D. 266 (Mastic), 270, 272, 274, 276 (DNA). For the reasons stated below, the Court ALLOWS IN PART AND DENIES IN PART Mastic's motion, D. 266, and ALLOWS DNA's motions for summary judgment, D. 270, 272, 274, 276.
II. Standard of Review
The Court grants summary judgment where there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the undisputed facts demonstrate that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). "A fact is material if it carries with it the potential to affect the outcome of the suit under the applicable law." Santiago-Ramos v. Centennial P.R. Wireless Corp.,
III. Factual Background
Both Mastic and DNA submitted statements of material fact. See D. 269; D. 271 at 2-6; D. 273 at 2-4; D. 275 at 2-3; D. 277 at 2-3. Plaintiffs, however, did not respond to Defendants' statements of material facts in a manner that indicates what, if any, material facts they dispute. Where there has been no such response to the material facts as presented by movants, they may be deemed admitted. Stonkus v. City of Brockton Sch. Dep't,
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Denise J. Casper, United States District Judge *280I. Introduction
Anthony Pagliaroni ("Pagliaroni"), Vicki O'Brien ("O'Brien"), Catherine Lynch ("Lynch") and John Costello ("Costello") (collectively, "Plaintiffs") seek damages as well as declaratory and injunctive relief from Defendants Mastic Home Exteriors ("Mastic") and Deceuninck North America ("DNA") arising from damage to their decks allegedly caused by a design defect in the Oasis decking formula. Plaintiffs assert claims for breach of warranty, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment and violation of certain state consumer protection laws. D. 53. Mastic and DNA have both filed for summary judgment. D. 266 (Mastic), 270, 272, 274, 276 (DNA). For the reasons stated below, the Court ALLOWS IN PART AND DENIES IN PART Mastic's motion, D. 266, and ALLOWS DNA's motions for summary judgment, D. 270, 272, 274, 276.
II. Standard of Review
The Court grants summary judgment where there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the undisputed facts demonstrate that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). "A fact is material if it carries with it the potential to affect the outcome of the suit under the applicable law." Santiago-Ramos v. Centennial P.R. Wireless Corp.,
III. Factual Background
Both Mastic and DNA submitted statements of material fact. See D. 269; D. 271 at 2-6; D. 273 at 2-4; D. 275 at 2-3; D. 277 at 2-3. Plaintiffs, however, did not respond to Defendants' statements of material facts in a manner that indicates what, if any, material facts they dispute. Where there has been no such response to the material facts as presented by movants, they may be deemed admitted. Stonkus v. City of Brockton Sch. Dep't,
DNA designed and manufactured Oasis decking ("Oasis"), a deck product made of wood-polymer composite. D. 269, ¶ 1; D. 271 at 2; D. 273 at 2; D. 275 at 2; D. 277 at 2. Mastic, formerly known as Alcoa Home Exteriors, Inc., and owned by Ply Gem Industries, Inc. ("Ply Gem"), marketed and distributed Oasis. D. 269, ¶ 2. Mastic sold Oasis to wholesalers and distributors, who would in turn resell Oasis to other distributors, contractors and retailers, who in turn would sell Oasis to end-users or consumers. D. 271 at 2; D. 273 at 2; D. 275 at 2; D. 277 at 2. Mastic offered an express warranty that Oasis "would be free from defects in material and worksmanship for twenty-five years" (the "Limited Warranty"). D. 269, ¶ 4. The Limited Warranty included a disclaimer that limited the remedies for a warranty claim to replacement of defective Oasis decking or refund of the value of the defective product. D. 269, ¶ 5. The Limited Warranty also provided that Mastic was not responsible for consequential, special or incidental damages arising out of the purchase of Oasis and that it was the exclusive warranty for Oasis. D. 269, ¶¶ 6-7.
Pagliaroni lived in Swansea, Massachusetts. D. 269, ¶ 10; D. 271 at 2. Prior to purchasing Oasis, a contractor recommended it to Pagliaroni and gave him a brochure and sample. D. 271 at 2-3. The brochure referred to the Limited Warranty. D. 271 at 3. Pagliaroni built his Oasis deck in the summer of 2006. D. 269, ¶ 11. D. 271 at 3. Pagliaroni noticed cracks in his Oasis deck for the first time in August 2007, approximately one year after it had been constructed and installed. D. 269, ¶ 16; D. 271 at 3. In addition to cracking, Pagliaroni also saw mold growth and swelling and warping of the Oasis deck boards, which concerned him. D. 269, ¶¶ 17-18; D. 271 at 3-4. As the cracking continued to worsen, Pagliaroni's contractor inspected the deck in 2007 and concluded that the problems related to the product rather than the installation. D. 269, ¶¶ 19-20; D. 271 at 4. Pagliaroni then attempted to contact Mastic about the issues with his Oasis deck later in 2007, but did not speak to anyone. D. 269, ¶ 21; D. 271 at 4. In early 2010, Pagliaroni or his wife contacted Mastic again, and in April 2010, Mastic sent Pagliaroni a letter informing him of the warranty process and enclosing a warranty claim form. D. 269, ¶¶ 22-23; D. 271 at 4. Pagliaroni submitted a warranty claim in April 2011. D. 269, ¶ 24; D. 271 at 4. Mastic approved Pagliaroni's warranty claim and offered reimbursement for the purchase price of his Oasis deck, but Pagliaroni rejected the offer. D. 269, ¶¶ 25-26; D. 271 at 5.
Lynch lives in Harpersfield, New York. D. 269, ¶ 28; D. 275 at 2. Lynch constructed her Oasis deck in or about September 2007. D. 269, ¶ 29; D. 275 at 2. Lynch reviewed the Limited Warranty prior to purchasing her Oasis deck and understood *282that it excluded labor. D. 269, ¶¶ 35-36. Lynch noticed cracking in her Oasis deck in April 2009, D. 275 at 3, and noticed cupping and warping in October 2011, D. 269, ¶ 39; D. 275 at 3, and submitted a warranty claim to Mastic on March 6, 2012, D. 269, ¶¶ 38-42; D. 275 at 3. Mastic approved Lynch's warranty claim and offered reimbursement for the purchase price of her Oasis deck, but Lynch rejected the offer. D. 269, ¶¶ 43-44; D. 275 at 3.
Costello lives in Portland, Oregon. D. 269, ¶ 46. In March 2008, Costello engaged a builder to build a deck using Oasis. D. 269, ¶¶ 47-48; D. 273 at 2. The builder purchased the Oasis for Costello's deck from ABC Suppliers. D. 269, ¶ 53. Costello knew of the Limited Warranty "that had conditions regarding coverage." D. 269, ¶ 52. Costello noticed problems with his Oasis deck for the first time between Spring 2009 and 2010, when he saw delamination and warping of the deck boards. D. 269, ¶ 54; D. 273 at 3. Costello contacted Mastic, which approved his warranty claim and offered reimbursement of the purchase price of his Oasis deck, but Costello rejected the offer. D. 269, ¶¶ 59-61; D. 273 at 3-4.
O'Brien lives in Buffalo, Minnesota. D. 269, ¶ 63. O'Brien hired a builder to construct a deck for her in 2006. D. 269, ¶¶ 64-65. O'Brien reviewed two Oasis brochures before she purchased Oasis decking. D. 269, ¶ 66. When making this decision, O'Brien paid particular attention to the Limited Warranty, which was described and referred to in the brochures. D. 269, ¶¶ 67-68. O'Brien was aware "that there might be exclusions from coverage under the warranty because it was a limited warranty." D. 269, ¶ 69. O'Brien noticed problems for the first time between late 2010 and spring 2011, when she noticed mold on her Oasis deck. D. 269, ¶ 70; D. 277 at 3. O'Brien submitted a warranty claim to Mastic on or about June 12, 2012. D. 269, ¶ 73; D. 277 at 3. Mastic inspected O'Brien's Oasis deck on August 28, 2012. D. 269, ¶ 74; D. 277 at 3. On September 4, 2012, Mastic denied O'Brien's warranty claim because the cracking in her Oasis deck was caused by the manner in which the deck was screwed down during installation rather than a defect covered by the Limited Warranty. D. 269, ¶¶ 75-76; D. 277 at 3.
IV. Procedural History
On January 27, 2012, Pagliaroni filed this putative class action. D. 1. In the second amended complaint, filed on May 29, 2013, Plaintiffs1 asserted claims against Mastic for breach of express warranty, negligent misrepresentation and violation of various consumer protection laws under Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York law, and against both Defendants for breach of implied warranty, unjust enrichment, negligence, and declaratory and injunctive relief. D. 53 ¶¶ 137-218. On September 22, 2015, the Court denied Plaintiffs' motion for class certification, D. 231, so only the individually named plaintiffs remain. The Court heard the parties on the pending motions and took these matters under advisement. D. 301.
V. Discussion
A. Statute of Limitations
1. Pagliaroni
a) Pagliaroni's Implied Warranty Claim Is Time-Barred
Mastic argues that Pagliaroni's claims for breach of implied and express warranties are time-barred. DNA makes *283the same argument for Pagliaroni's breach of implied warranty claim against it. Plaintiffs counter that Pagliaroni's claims are not time-barred because the limitations period was tolled by Mastic and DNA's fraudulent concealment of its knowledge relating to Oasis's susceptibility to premature cracking, pointing to Mastic testing in December 2006 which revealed "catastrophic failures" in Oasis. D. 291 at 5.
Claims for breach of warranty under Massachusetts law are subject to a four-year statute of limitations under contract-based theories, or three years for tort-based theories. Mass. Gen. L. c. 106, § 2-725(1) ; see Bay State-Spray & Provincetown S.S., Inc. v. Caterpillar Tractor Co.,
A contract-based breach of warranty claim "accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of warranty occurs when tender of delivery is made, except that where a warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods and discovery of the breach must await the time of such performance the cause of action accrues when the breach is or should have been discovered." Mass. Gen. L. c. 106, § 2-725(2). First, "an implied warranty, by its nature, does not extend to future performance." Howard v. IKO Mfg., Inc.,
b) Pagliaroni's Breach of Express Warranty Claim Is Time-Barred
As to the breach of express warranty claim, Mastic argues this warranty also does not extend to future performance, although on its face the warranty's promise that Oasis decking would be free "from defects in material and worksmanship in the course of manufacture" over a period of twenty five years suggests otherwise. D. 267-2 at 4. The Court, therefore, looks to the date when breach was or should have been discovered. In Coady v. Marvin Lumber & Cedar Co.,
Similarly, in this case, Pagliaroni first noticed damages to the deck including cracking, mold and expanding boards, D. 269, ¶ 17, had a contractor identify that the issue was not installation-related, id., ¶ 20, and began attempting to contact Mastic about these issues in 2007, id., ¶ 21. Accordingly, *284as in the Coady case, even if Pagliaroni's express warranty with Mastic was contingent on future performance, Plaintiffs have not raised any genuine issue of material fact that his awareness of the defects was later than 2007. While Plaintiffs rely upon Pagliaroni's description in his deposition of the damage to the deck in 2007 as "minor changes," D. 284, ¶ 17; D. 268-1 at 9, Pagliaroni was responding to a question confirming that he was dissatisfied with the deck beginning in the summer of 2007, and that such dissatisfaction included "minor changes" including reduced gaps and "a little bit of splitting by screws." D. 268-1 at 8-9. This distinction does not affect the undisputed fact that this defect, whatever its extent as initially observed, was in 2007, which means the claims began to accrue then. See Coady,
Accordingly, Pagliaroni's claim is time barred. The Court ALLOWS Mastic's motion as to Pagliaroni's breach of express warranty claim (Count I).
c) Pagliaroni's Other Claims Are Also Time-Barred
Mastic argues that Pagliaroni's claims for violation of Mass. Gen. L. c. 93A, negligence and negligent misrepresentation are similarly time-barred, but on the basis of the discovery rule identifies these claims as accruing by August 2007 when he noticed problems with the deck that caused him to ask a contractor to inspect the deck and ultimately contacted Mastic. D. 269, ¶¶ 16-21. DNA argues that Pagliaroni's negligence and unjust enrichment claims are time-barred on the same basis. Plaintiffs contend on similar grounds that these claims2 are not time-barred because of Mastic and DNA's fraudulent concealment of its knowledge relating to Oasis' susceptibility to premature cracking.
Pagliaroni's Chapter 93A claim is governed by a four-year statute of limitations. Mass. Gen. L. c. 260, § 5A. His negligence, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment claims are governed by a three-year statute of limitations. Mass. Gen. L. c. 260, § 2A.
Under Massachusetts law "[t]he limitations period begins to run 'when a plaintiff discovers, or any earlier date when she should reasonably have discovered, that she has been harmed or may have been harmed by the defendant's conduct.' " Epstein v. C.R. Bard, Inc.,
*285As a general matter, "[a]pplication of the discovery rule ordinarily involves questions of fact and, therefore, "in most instances will be decided by the trier of fact." Genereux v. Am. Beryllia Corp.,
2. O'Brien's Claims For Breach Of Implied Warranty Are Time-Barred
Defendants argue that O'Brien's claim for breach of implied warranty should be dismissed as time-barred. Claims for breach of implied warranty under Minnesota law are subject to a four-year statute of limitations. See Daigle v. Ford Motor Co., No. 09-cv-3214-MJD,
Plaintiffs argue that when Mastic told O'Brien the damage to her Oasis decking was not caused by the manufacturer in response to her warranty claim, they did so knowingly to conceal their responsibility. D. 291 at 6-7. Further, Plaintiffs point generally to Mastic's "marketing literature," in which they allege Mastic claimed Oasis was a high-quality product that would never split or cup.
"Under the doctrine of equitable estoppel, if a buyer delays filing suit as a result of reasonable and detrimental reliance on a seller's assurances it will repair the defective goods, the limitations period is tolled during that period of delay." Highway Sales, Inc.,
*286argument that they were equitably estopped from filing the complaint earlier, explaining that even if there were several communications wherein defendant refused to refund plaintiffs but assured they were "committed to working" with them constituted ongoing assurances, there was "no evidence in the record from which a reasonable factfinder could conclude plaintiffs reasonably and detrimentally relied on" the defendant's promises to make the repairs. Highway Sales,
Plaintiffs alternatively contend that O'Brien's claim is not time-barred because of Mastic and DNA's allegedly fraudulent concealment of its knowledge relating to Oasis' susceptibility to premature cracking. To show fraudulent concealment justifying equitable tolling, Plaintiffs must show that Defendants concealed "the very existence of the facts which establish the cause of action" and that O'Brien was "actually unaware" of those facts. Hydra-Mac, Inc. v. Onan Corp.,
That is, even on this undisputed record, Plaintiffs have failed to show fraudulent concealment for at least two reasons. First, Plaintiffs have not shown, and do not attempt to identify which facts are those that necessarily show the purpose and effect of concealing the presence of a cause of action from O'Brien, nor do they show that O'Brien was unaware of those facts. "Under Minnesota law, an implied warranty of merchantability requires that goods be fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used. This warranty is breached when the product is defective to a normal buyer making ordinary use of the product." Daigle v. Ford Motor Co.,
Second, a mere showing of non-disclosure does not show fraudulent concealment. See Marvin Lumber & Cedar Co.,
Accordingly, the Court ALLOWS both motions as to O'Brien's claims for breach of implied warranty against Mastic (Count II) and DNA (Count III) as these claims are time-barred.
3. Lynch
a) Lynch's Claims For Breach Of Implied Warranty Are Time-Barred
Defendants argues that Lynch's claims for breach of implied warranty should be dismissed as time-barred. Claims for breach of implied warranty under New York law are subject to a four-year statute of limitations. See Orlando v. Novurania of Am., Inc.,
b) Lynch's Consumer Protection Claim Is Time-Barred
Mastic argues that Lynch's claim for deceptive acts and practices under New York law,
Claims brought under GBL 349 are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. Bristol Vill., Inc. v. Louisiana-Pac. Corp.,
*288Gaidon,
Accordingly, the Court allows Mastic's motion as to Lynch's GBL 349 claim (Count XI) as time-barred.
4. Costello's Breach of Implied Warranty Claim as to Mastic Survives
DNA argues that all of Costello's claims are time-barred because they are subject to Oregon's two-year statute of limitations for products liability actions. D. 273 at 5. Plaintiffs argue there is a dispute of material fact relating to when Costello's claim for breach of implied warranty accrued, because DNA has not met its burden of showing that Costello discovered the relationship between the damage to his Oasis decking and DNA's wrongdoing. Even if there is evidence of such a relationship, Plaintiffs argue DNA's motion should fail because Costello did not notice substantial failures until 2011. Plaintiffs also assert the same fraudulent concealment and/or *289equitable tolling argument with respect to this claim, asserting that DNA's knowledge of Oasis' catastrophic failure and contrary marketing materials and other communications prevented Costello from learning the operative facts of the claim.
Oregon law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on all claims in a products liability action from the date "the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the personal injury or property damage and the causal relationship between the injury or damage and the conduct of the defendant." O.R.S. § 30.905(1). That discovery must occur before the later of either (a) ten years from the date when the product was first purchased for use or consumption or (b) the expiration of any statute of repose in the state where the product was manufactured.
Oregon law has a similar discovery rule under which "a plaintiff's claim against a particular defendant accrues when (1) the plaintiff knows, or a reasonable person should know, that there is enough chance that the defendant had a role in causing the plaintiff's injury to require further investigation; and (2) an investigation would have revealed the defendant's role." Kildow v. Breg, Inc.,
In this case, the injury supporting Costello's claim began to run when Costello became aware of deterioration in March 2009, mold growth in April 2009 and cracking and discoloration in his Oasis decking in or about March 2010. See D. 53, ¶ 71; D. 273 at 5. Plaintiffs point to 2011 as a later time when Costello observed more substantial failures in the decking, D. 290 at 10; see D. 269, ¶ 55, when they argue the limitations period began to run. Similar to the analysis under Massachusetts law, the discovery rule under Oregon law does not consider the extent of subsequent damage, but presence of observable damage that puts plaintiff on notice of the injury and the reasonable capability to investigate and discover the defendant's role in the damage.
Plaintiffs also argue that even if there is no genuine issue of material fact that Costello discovered damage to his Oasis decking earlier, there remain genuine issues of material fact as to whether Costello was aware of DNA's role in manufacturing his Oasis decking. D. 290 at 9-10. As noted with Pagliaroni's claim under Massachusetts law, the discovery rule is marked by the plaintiff's knowledge or reasonable efforts to obtain knowledge of the damage and the likely cause of the damage at the time the claim accrued. Kildow,
*290However, the record on this point is too bare to conclude that there is no genuine issue of fact as to whether Costello could have or should have inquired who manufactured his Oasis decking earlier than he did. While DNA points to Ply Gem's response to Costello's warranty claim in 2012, in which Mastic referred Costello to a representative of DNA, providing contact information for DNA, see D. 294-3 at 7; D. 278-17, that does not resolve the dispute about whether Costello's inquiry was reasonable upon discovering the defect. "The party who asserts the statute of limitations defense must prove that an investigation would have disclosed those facts." T.R.,
B. Costello's Privity with Mastic and DNA
Both Mastic and DNA argue that Costello's claim for breach of implied warranty fails because he purchased his Oasis decking through a contractor from another distributor, ABC Suppliers, not Mastic. Plaintiffs argue that privity exists because all Plaintiffs purchased their decking through Defendants' agent-resellers, and that Mastic and DNA had executed a Sales and Distribution Agreement that made DNA the exclusive distributor of Oasis decking but for a designated territory where Mastic's own distributors could sell and resell Oasis. Thus Plaintiffs argue privity is satisfied by the agency relationship between the sellers and manufacturer.
Under Oregon law, a plaintiff claiming breach of implied warranty who only seeks damages for economic loss "must demonstrate privity of contract between themselves and [defendant]." McFadden v. Dryvit Sys., Inc., No. 04-cv-103-ST,
Plaintiffs argue that Oregon law does not require privity for a claim for breach of implied warranty arising from the Oregon Consumer Warranty Act, O.R.S. 72.8010 et seq. , under which they argue Costello's claim was brought, and therefore Mastic's authorities relate only to commercial contracts and are inapposite. Plaintiffs' own complaint, however, does not reference the Oregon Consumer Warranty Act, and in fact invokes the UCC statutes adopted by Massachusetts, *291Minnesota, New York and Oregon in its breach of implied warranty claims. See D. 53, ¶¶ 156, 172. Because the complaint only seeks damages for economic loss, which Plaintiffs do not dispute, the question of whether Costello's claim for breach of implied warranty must be dismissed turns on whether there is a genuine issue of material fact with respect to the existence of privity between Costello and DNA or Mastic, respectively.
As to DNA, there is no privity between an "ultimate purchaser" and "a manufacturer [where] the property was not purchased directly from the manufacturer but through an intermediate seller." Hupp Corp. v. Metered Washer Serv.,
The question as to Mastic turns on any agency relationship between Mastic and ABC Suppliers. Oregon law defines an agency relationship as a "fiduciary relationship that arises when one person (a 'principal') manifests assent to another person (an 'agent') that the agent shall act on the principal's behalf and subject to the principal's control." Westrope v. Ringler Assocs. Inc., No. 3:14-cv-00604-ST,
C. Lynch, O'Brien and Costello's Express Warranty Claims Against Mastic Survive
Mastic argues that Lynch, O'Brien and Costello's express warranty claims seek additional monetary remedies beyond a refund of their costs relating to their Oasis decking, D. 53, ¶ 149, and that the Limited Warranty made "replacement product or refund [of] the value of the products" the exclusive remedy, D. 269, ¶ 5. Plaintiffs argue that the Limited Warranty is unenforceable because it was not delivered to Plaintiffs after their respective purchases of Oasis decking, and, therefore, they cannot be limited in their remedies to a refund or its equivalent.
Under Oregon, New York and Minnesota law, all following the Uniform Commercial Code, unless "circumstances cause an exclusive or limited remedy to fail of its essential purpose," a seller of goods "may limit or alter the measure of damages recoverable under this Article" by limiting the remedies to return of the goods and repayment of the price or repair and replacement.
However, these facts do not resolve the antecedent question of when Lynch, O'Brien and Costello entered into their agreements with Mastic, and whether those agreements included the Limited Warranty. In most cases, advertisements do not constitute enforceable offers. See, e.g., McCabe v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., No. 16-CV-93 (ARR) (SLT),
D. O'Brien's Statutory Claims Fail
Mastic argues that Counts IX (O'Brien's claim under Minnesota Unlawful Trade Practices Act ("MUTPA") ) and X (O'Brien's claim under Minnesota False Statement in Advertising Act ("MFSAA") ) both fail because neither statute provides a private right of action. Rather, O'Brien must satisfy the Minnesota Private Attorney General Act,
Plaintiffs argue that O'Brien's claim satisfies the public benefit requirement. They point to precedent where, even when the primary relief sought was compensatory damages, courts applying Minnesota law permitted such claims to proceed where defendants had misrepresented services and products to the public, even if the number of claimants was limited. D. 291 at 19-20.
"[P]laintiffs can establish a public benefit by challenging misrepresentations made to a significant segment of the public," Khoday,
In this case, however, O'Brien has not established that her claim serves a public interest. Courts considering this question have not extended private standing under
E. Other Claims
1. Unjust Enrichment Claims
Mastic and DNA both argue that Plaintiffs' unjust enrichment claims fail as a matter of law because, inter alia , Plaintiffs have an adequate remedy of law under Mastic's express warranty, as reflected in Count I of the complaint, and that the parties' relationships are governed by contract, precluding an unjust enrichment claim. Plaintiffs do not oppose Defendants' motions on this issue. D. 291 at 2 n.1. Accordingly, the Court ALLOWS Defendants' motions as to Plaintiffs' unjust enrichment claims (Count IV).
2. Negligence and Negligent Misrepresentation Claims
Mastic argues that Lynch, Costello and O'Brien's claims for negligence and negligent misrepresentation are barred by the economic loss rule. DNA makes the same argument as to Lynch and O'Brien's negligence claims against it. Plaintiffs do not oppose any of Defendants' arguments regarding these claims (except as to the negligent misrepresentation claim by Pagliaroni which the Court has now dismissed as time-barred). See D. 290 at 2, 291 at 2 n.1. Accordingly, the Court allows Defendants' motions as to Plaintiffs' negligent misrepresentation and negligence claims (Counts V, VI, VII).
F. Plaintiffs' Claims for Declaratory and/or Injunctive Relief Fail
"The Declaratory Judgment Act,
Diaz-Fonseca v. Puerto Rico,
In this case, Plaintiffs' claim for declaratory or injunctive relief seeks a declaration from the Court listing the presence of defects in Oasis decking (parts (a) and (b) ), that Defendants knew of these defects and that Mastic's limited express warranty is unenforceable (part (c) ), and that Defendants audit, assess and create a protocol to inspect all Oasis decking (parts (d) and (e) ). See D. 53, ¶ 256(a)-(e). As to parts (a), (b) and (c) of the requested declaration, these requested declarations are a clear proclamation of liability for a past act. Plaintiffs do not identify any benefit to Plaintiffs' legal rights or influence on Defendants' obligations stemming from these declarations. As to parts (d) and (e), the requested declarations exceed the issues raised by the pleadings and supported by the evidence. After Plaintiffs' motion for class certification was denied, the case and the evidence submitted by the Parties no longer related to Mastic or DNA's entire inventory of sold or manufactured Oasis decking. Rather, the case turned on the evidence relating to each of Plaintiffs' individual Oasis decks, and whether the damage they claimed those decks suffered due to manufacturing defect entitled them to compensatory damages.
Count XIII fares no better when parts (d) and (e) are evaluated as a claim for injunctive relief. A plaintiff seeking a permanent injunction must show "(1) that it has suffered an irreparable injury; (2) that remedies available at law, such as monetary damages, are inadequate to compensate for that injury; (3) that, considering the balance of hardships between the plaintiff and defendant, a remedy in equity is warranted; and (4) that the public interest would not be disserved by a permanent injunction." eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C.,
VI. Conclusion
For the foregoing reasons, the Court ALLOWS IN PART AND DENIES IN PART Mastic's motion for summary judgment, D. 266, and ALLOWS DNA's motions for summary judgment, D. 270, 272, 274, 276. Accordingly, the only counts that remain are Count I (breach of express warranty claims against Mastic) as to O'Brien, Costello and Lynch, and Count II (breach of implied warranty claim against Mastic) as to Costello.6
So Ordered.
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