WV Insurance v. Lambert
Annotate this Case
January 1995 Term
_________
NO. 22597
_________
WEST VIRGINIA INSURANCE COMPANY,
Plaintiff Below, Appellant
V.
DARRYL W. LAMBERT; ROBERT W. SCHELLHAAS,
LINDA J. SCHELLHAAS, HUSBAND AND WIFE;
QUALITY REVIEWS, INC., A CORPORATION;
ITT HARTFORD INSURANCE GROUP, A CORPORATION;
AND USAA, A CORPORATION,
Defendants Below, Appellees
__________________________________________________________
Appeal from the Circuit Court of Berkeley County
Honorable David H. Sanders, Judge
Civil Action No. 91-C-602
AFFIRMED
____________________________________________________________
Submitted: May 9, 1995
Filed: May 18, 1995
Christopher D. Janelle
Henry, Grant, Taylor & Janelle
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Attorney for Appellant
B. Craig Manford Lawrence M. Schultz
Martinsburg, West Virginia Askin, Burke & Schultz
Attorney for Appellee Darryl W. Martinsburg, West Virginia
Lambert Attorney for Appellees
Robert W. Schellhaas, Linda
Charles F. Printz, Jr. J. Schellhaas, and Quality
Bowles, Rice, McDavid, Graff & Love Reviews, Inc.
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Attorney for Appellee ITT
Hartford Insurance Group and USAA
The Opinion of the Court was delivered PER CURIAM.
JUSTICE BROTHERTON did not participate.
RETIRED JUSTICE MILLER and JUDGE FOX sitting by temporary
assignment.
SYLLABUS BY THE COURT
1. "'"Where the policy language involved is
exclusionary, it will be strictly construed against the insurer in
order that the purpose of providing indemnity not be defeated."
Syl. pt. 5, National Mutual Ins. Co. v. McMahon & Sons, Inc., 177
W. Va. 734, 356 S.E.2d 488 (1987).' Syllabus Point 1, Marshall v.
Fair, 187 W. Va. 109, 416 S.E.2d 67 (1992)." Syllabus Point 3,
Silk v. Flat Top Construction, Inc., ___ W. Va. ___, 453 S.E.2d 356
(1994).
2. "The term 'business pursuits', when used in a clause
of an insurance policy excluding from personal liability coverage
injuries 'arising out of business pursuits of any insured',
contemplates a continuous or regular activity engaged in by the
insured for the purpose of earning a profit or a livelihood."
Syllabus Point 1, Camden Fire Insurance Association v. Johnson, 170
W. Va. 313, 294 S.E.2d 116 (1982).
3. "In reviewing a trial court's ruling on a motion for
a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, it is not the task of the
appellate court reviewing facts to determine how it would have
ruled on the evidence presented. Its task is to determine whether
the evidence was such that a reasonable trier of fact might have
reached the decision below. Thus, in ruling on a motion for a judgment not withstanding the verdict, the evidence must be viewed
in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. If on review,
the evidence is shown to be legally insufficient to sustain the
verdict, it is the obligation of this Court to reverse the circuit
court and to order judgment for the appellant." Syllabus Point 1,
Mildred L.M. v. John O.F., ___ W. Va. ___, 452 S.E.2d 436 (1994).
4. "When the plaintiff's evidence, considered in the
light most favorable to him, fails to establish a prima facie right
of recovery, the trial court should direct a verdict in favor of
the defendant." Syllabus Point 3, Roberts v. Gale, 149 W. Va. 166,
139 S.E.2d 272 (1964).
Per Curiam:
West Virginia Insurance Company (WV Insurance), the
plaintiff below and appellant herein, appeals a final order of the
Circuit Court of Berkeley County, which denied its request for a
judgment notwithstanding the verdict or, in the alternative, for a
new trial following a jury verdict adverse to its insured, Darryl
W. Lambert. The jury found Mr. Lambert was negligent when he
allowed a refuse fire to get out of control and burn a barn
belonging to his neighbor. The jury also determined insurance
coverage was available because Mr. Lambert's actions did not fall
under the "business pursuits" exclusion of his policy. This Court
has reviewed the petition for appeal, the briefs of the parties,
and all matters of record. We are of the opinion that the judgment
of the circuit court should be affirmed.
I.
FACTS
Robert W. and Linda J. Schellhaas, husband and wife, were
neighbors and friends of Mr. Lambert. Mr. Lambert was an
experienced carpenter, but remained unemployed throughout most of
1990. Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas asked him to perform various odd
jobs and chores around their home. The evidence shows that Mr.
Lambert, among other things, was paid to install a window, place
panels of wood in part of their basement, and install a lamp post in their yard. Mr. Lambert also cared for the Schellhaas's dogs on
occasion. Some of the work was gratuitous. Mr. Schellhaas
described their relationship with Mr. Lambert "as primarily one of
charitable concern for an unemployed neighbor."See footnote 1
Mr. Lambert installed drywall on a large outbuilding
which was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas and which was used as a
barn/workshop/garage.See footnote 2 Although he was paid a nominal amount for
this work, he did it in large part because he sang while others
played music in the barn and wanted to stay warm.
On January 28, 1991, Mr. Lambert was asked to pick up
construction debris from the Schellhaas's yard that remained after
an addition was added on their home. The contractor who built the
addition failed to clean up the yard after completing the work.
Mr. Lambert gathered up the materials and placed them in a large
trench that was used as a burning pit. The trench was approximately twenty feet from the barn. Mr. Lambert started the
fire and remained in the area to monitor the burning. He walked
away from the trench to gather more debris from the back of the
yard and, when he returned, the fire had escaped the pit area and
started to burn the barn.
Mr. Lambert ran to the house and shouted to Mr. and Mrs.
Schellhaas to call 9-1-1 because the barn had caught fire. He ran
back and attempted to fight the fire with a garden hose to no
avail. The barn was a total loss.See footnote 3
WV Insurance filed an action in the Circuit Court of
Berkeley County to determine its liability under Mr. Lambert's
homeowner's insurance policy and the amount of damages due Mr. and
Mrs. Schellhaas. An amended complaint was filed to add Mr. Lambert
as a party defendant. Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas's insurance carriers
filed counterclaims seeking subrogation of damages they paid for the loss.See footnote 4 These carriers also filed crossclaims against Mr.
Lambert asserting the damage to the property was proximately caused
by his negligence.
At trial, Mr. Lambert accepted full responsibility for
causing the fire. He testified it was his duty alone to monitor
the burning. He further testified that he pleaded guilty to
charges he allowed the fire to escape and paid a fine.
On the verdict form, the jury found Mr. Lambert was
negligent in causing the barn fire. It also found he was not
engaged in a business pursuit when he cleaned the debris from the
yard.
II.
BIFURCATED TRIAL
WV Insurance argues the trial court erred in trying the
issues of coverage and liability together because the mention of
insurance had an unfair prejudicial effect upon the jury verdict.
Prior to the trial of this case, WV Insurance made a motion to
bifurcate. By order entered December 23, 1993, the circuit court
ordered bifurcation based on the agreement of the parties. All
issues, claims, and defenses relating to Counts I and II of the amended complaint, coverage and liability, were set for trial on
March 11, 1994. The issue of damages was to be tried at a later
date.
On the morning of trial, counsel for WV Insurance
objected to the manner in which the case was bifurcated. He stated
it was his understanding the coverage issue would be tried first
and the liability and damage issues second. The circuit court
disagreed that prejudice would result at the mention of insurance.
The circuit court noted that insurance companies were involved on
both sides of this case, and the jury would necessarily be informed
that coverage existed. It stated "this is one of those cases where
we very nakedly move forward with full revelation of all of the
parties behind the players. It is not going to be a mystery at all
there is more than one insurance company involved here. . . . I
think we are going to all be grown ups in the room and let the jury
in on it all."
WV Insurance contends that a joint trial on coverage and
underlying tort liability is inherently improper because it merely
sought a declaratory action on the issues of coverage and
liability. In Christian v. Sizemore, 181 W. Va. 628, 383 S.E.2d 810 (1989), this Court recognized the real possibility of prejudice
should a jury be aware a plaintiff is seeking to recover damages
against a defendant's insurance carrier. In Sizemore, we held a plaintiff may amend her complaint to add a declaratory judgment
count against a defendant's insurance carrier consistent with the
remedial purposes of the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act and for
reasons of judicial economy. We stated the coverage issue "should
ordinarily be decided first, as it often may be dispositive of the
personal injury litigation." 181 W. Va. 632-33, 383 S.E.2d at 814.
However, this Court in Sizemore clearly stated the decision to
severe the issues is within the discretion of the trial judge.
ITT Hartford Group and USAA assert WV Insurance waived
any argument it may have had on this issue by choosing to include
its negligence action with the declaratory judgment action in its
amended complaint. Furthermore, ITT and USAA contend that because
insurance companies are on either side of this case, the jury would
undoubtedly be aware coverage existed even if the coverage issue
was bifurcated. Finally, they assert that because WV Insurance
waited until the morning of trial to move to separate the issues of
coverage and liability, some three years after the complaint was
filed, the trial court acted within its discretion to deny such
motion.
Based on the foregoing, we find the trial court did not
abuse its discretion in joining the issues of coverage and
liability. The discussion of insurance coverage in a case of this
nature is not necessarily reversible error. See generally Anderson v. McDonald, 170 W. Va. 56, 289 S.E.2d 729 (1982); Coffindaffer v.
Coffindaffer, 161 W. Va. 557, 244 S.E.2d 338 (1978). WV Insurance
was not prejudiced by the jury's awareness of insurance coverage
when dealing with the issue of liability.See footnote 5 Substantial evidence in
the record supports the jury verdict that Mr. Lambert was
negligent. He was forthcoming in accepting responsibility for the
fire and the fact he let it get out of hand. Furthermore, the
trial court did bifurcate on the issue of damages to avoid the real
prejudice WV Insurance feared--the jury rendering an extravagant
verdict on account of insurance.
Finally, we agree that WV Insurance invited the error of
which it now complains. First, it did seek more than a declaratory
judgment in the underlying action. It named ITT Hartford Group and
USAA as defendants. It alleged Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas were
negligent in causing the fire because they breached their duty to
supervise Mr. Lambert. Second, it should not have waited until the
morning of trial to move for bifurcation of the coverage issue. We
understand that counsel for WV Insurance misunderstood the nature
of the trial court's bifurcation order. However, WV Insurance
could have been more diligent in protecting its interests in
specifically requesting bifurcation of the coverage issue and
seeking clarification of the trial court's order below.
III.
BUSINESS PURSUITS EXCLUSION
WV Insurance contends the trial court erred in denying
its motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or, in the
alternative, for a new trial because the evidence is undisputed Mr.
Lambert was engaged in a business pursuit at the time of the fire
and such activity was excluded under the policy.See footnote 6 In Syllabus Point 3 of Silk v. Flat Top Construction, Inc., __
W. Va. __, 453 S.E.2d 356 (1994), we stated the rule that such
exclusionary language is to be strictly construed against the
insurer:
"'"Where the policy language
involved is exclusionary, it will be strictly
construed against the insurer in order that
the purpose of providing indemnity not be
defeated." Syl. pt. 5, National Mutual Ins.
Co. v. McMahon & Sons, Inc., 177 W. Va. 734,
356 S.E.2d 488 (1987).' Syllabus Point 1,
Marshall v. Fair, 187 W. Va. 109, 416 S.E.2d 67 (1992)."
In Camden Fire Insurance Association v. Johnson, 170
W. Va. 313, 294 S.E.2d 116 (1982), this Court discussed what
entailed a business pursuit within the meaning of an insurance
policy's exclusionary clause. Syllabus Point 1 of Camden states:
"The term 'business pursuits', when
used in a clause of an insurance policy
excluding from personal liability coverage
injuries 'arising out of business pursuits of
any insured', contemplates a continuous or
regular activity engaged in by the insured for the purpose of earning a profit or a
livelihood."
See Huggins v. Tri-County Bonding Co., 175 W. Va. 643, 337 S.E.2d 12 (1985).
A review of the record supports the jury's determination
that Mr. Lambert was not engaged in a business pursuit within the
meaning of this exclusionary clause. He performed a few random odd
jobs for Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas and he was not always compensated
for his services. When he did receive payment, he received a
minimal amount, much less than his expected hourly rate as a
carpenter. Mr. Lambert was unemployed during this time period and
did not advertise or seek odd jobs elsewhere. He worked on the
Schellhaas barn in part for selfish reasons because he sang with a
band that played there. Mr. Lambert's actions were not "a
continuous or regular activity for the purpose of earning a profit
or making a living." Although Mr. Lambert received payment, his
services were more a form of "neighborly or kindred accommodation
to a friend" rather than for the purpose of obtaining compensation.
Camden, 170 W. Va. at 318, 294 S.E.2d at 120. Furthermore, Mr.
Schellhaas could not find any evidence where he paid Mr. Lambert to
clean up the yard.
In Syllabus Point 1 of Mildred L.M. v. John O.F., __
W. Va. __, 452 S.E.2d 436 (1994), we stated:
"In reviewing a trial court's ruling
on a motion for a judgment notwithstanding the
verdict, it is not the task of the appellate
court reviewing facts to determine how it
would have ruled on the evidence presented.
Its task is to determine whether the evidence
was such that a reasonable trier of fact might
have reached the decision below. Thus, in
ruling on a motion for a judgment not
withstanding the verdict, the evidence must be
viewed in the light most favorable to the
nonmoving party. If on review, the evidence
is shown to be legally insufficient to sustain
the verdict, it is the obligation of this
Court to reverse the circuit court and to
order judgment for the appellant."
A review of the record shows more than sufficient evidence to
sustain the jury's verdict. Therefore, we decline to reverse the
trial court's refusal to grant WV Insurance's motion for judgment
notwithstanding the verdict.
IV.
LIABILITY OF DEFENDANTS SCHELLHAAS
WV Insurance asserts the trial court erred by granting
Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas's motion for a directed verdict on the
issue of liability. It also contends the jury should have been
instructed on joint and several liability between Mr. Lambert and
Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas and given a verdict form allowing it to
apportion liability. It argues evidence was presented to support
a finding that Mr. and Mrs Schellhaas were also responsible for the fire because they instructed Mr. Lambert to clean the debris from
the yard and he was, therefore, under their supervision. The trial
court disagreed and found "no evidence of negligence on the part of
the Schellhaas and to let it go to the jury would be to invite them
to bring back a verdict based only upon speculation and would allow
confusion in the jury because there has been no evidence that there
was any duty violated or any negligence created [or] any negligent
act done by the Schellhaas."
We find the trial court was correct in directing a
verdict for Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas at the close of the evidence.
Syllabus Point 3 of Roberts v. Gale, 149 W. Va. 166, 139 S.E.2d 272
(1964), states:
"When the plaintiff's evidence,
considered in the light most favorable to him,
fails to establish a prima facie right of
recovery, the trial court should direct a
verdict in favor of the defendant."
See Powell v. Time Ins. Co., 181 W. Va. 289, 382 S.E.2d 342 (1989);
Syl. pt. 4, Troy Mining Corp. v. Itmann Coal Co., 176 W. Va. 599,
346 S.E.2d 749 (1986). All the evidence presented at trial
indicated Mr. Lambert's actions resulted in the barn fire. Mr.
Schellhaas merely requested that Mr. Lambert clean the yard and in
no way monitored his activities that day. Mr. Schellhaas remained
in the house while Mr. Lambert performed these tasks. Mr. Lambert
admitted he made a mistake in leaving the fire unattended to gather more debris. Based on this evidence, we do not find the trial
court erred.See footnote 7
V.
REMAINING ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
We find the remaining three assignments of error are
without merit. We therefore decline to address them.See footnote 8
VI.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons the judgment of the Circuit
Court of Berkeley County is hereby affirmed.
Affirmed.
Footnote: 1
WV Insurance contends it was error to allow this testimony
because Mr. Schellhaas's view of the relationship was irrelevant
to the issue of whether Mr. Lambert's actions constituted a
business pursuit. This assignment of error is without merit.
Mr. Schellhaas's testimony shed light on the nature and extent of
the relationship. This evidence is relevant under Rule 401 of
the West Virginia Rules of Evidence because it goes toward
proving a material fact at trial--whether the business pursuit
exclusion provision of the policy would bar recovery under the
insurance policy.Footnote: 2
The building was also used by Quality Reviews, Inc., a
business owned by Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas which performed
environmental consulting services.Footnote: 3
WV Insurance cites as error the fact that the trial court
allowed a videotape of the charred remains of the barn to be
admitted. It contends the videotape was irrelevant and unduly
prejudicial. We find the trial court did not abuse its
discretion in admitting this evidence. See State v. Dillon, 191
W. Va. 648, 447 S.E.2d 583 (1994); Syl. pt. 4, Gable v. Kroger
Co., 186 W. Va. 62, 410 S.E.2d 701 (1991). The videotape lasted
approximately five minutes. When it was shown to the jury during
opening statements, it was played without sound. The videotape
also demonstrated the proximity of the burn pit to the barn. The
trial court conducted an in camera hearing to view the videotape
after WV Insurance made its objection known. The trial court
found the admission to be proper in lieu of a jury view of the
area.Footnote: 4
ITT Hartford sought $5,490.85 and USAA sought $57,612.53 in
subrogation.Footnote: 5
The record supports the finding that this was not a
meritless case decided on the basis that Mr. Lambert was insured.
"We obsere as did the Virginia Court in
Willard v. Aetna Casualty and Surety Company,
213 Va. 481, 193 S.E.2d 776 (1973), that the
purpose of the rule is to protect the insurer
and therefore the insurance company is free
to waive the rule.
". . . We do an injustice not only
to the intelligence of jurors, but to the
efficacy of the adversary system, when we
express undue concern over the quantum of
collusive or meritless law suits. There is,
to be sure, a difference between the ability
to file a suit and to achieve a successful
result. It is upon the anvil of litigation
that the merit of a case is finally
determined. Forged in the heat of trial, few
but the meritorious survive." Coffindaffer
v. Coffindaffer, 161 W. Va. at 567, 244 S.E.2d at 343. Footnote: 6
WV Insurance contends the trial court erred in giving a
jury instruction regarding the business pursuit exclusion because
it was an unduly prejudicial portion of the policy. We disagree.
The language of which WV Insurance complains was pulled directly
from the insurance policy. Furthermore, when we read the
instruction as a whole, it is clear the jury was correctly
apprised of the law and the terms of the policy. See Casteel v.
Consolidation Coal Co., 181 W. Va. 501, 383 S.E.2d 305 (1989).
The instructions regarding business pursuits stated:
Defendants ITT Hartford and USAA's
Instruction No. 4: "A 'business pursuits'
clause contained in an insurance policy,
designed to exclude from personal injury
coverage injuries arising out of business
pursuits of any insured, is interpreted under
West Virginia law to contemplate continuous
or regular activity engaged in by the insured
for the purpose of earning a profit or making
a living. One may regularly engage in a
particular activity for which he or she
received compensation without being motivated
by the prospect of profit.
"Therefore, unless the Plaintiff
West Virginia Insurance Company proves by a
preponderance of the evidence that the
services provided by Darrell [sic] M. Lambert
to the Defendants Schellhaas were continuous
or regular and were done for the purpose of
earning a profit or making a living, then the
'business pursuits' exclusion from insurance
coverage does not apply, and you may find for
the Defendant Darrell [sic] M. Lambert on
that issue.
"Circumstances you may consider in
arriving at your verdict on this issue, which
are not inclusive, are whether Darrell [sic]
M. Lambert was licensed to carry on his
activities, whether he advertised or offered
his services to the general public, and
whether he was always compensated for
rendering such service."
Defendants Schellhaas' Instruction
No. 3: "The Court instructs the jury that
under the terms of the policy at issue in
this case, business does not include:
"a. incidental activities that are
usually performed by minors; or
"b. activities that are related to
business but are usually viewed as non-
business in nature.
"If you the jury, after considering all the evidence, should conclude that cleaning up of the Schellhaas property conducted by Darrell [sic] Lambert is an incidental activity usually performed by minors or if the activities of Darrell [sic] Lambert in cleaning up the yard are related to some business but are usually viewed as non-business in nature, then your verdict may be for the Defendants."Footnote: 7 Interestingly, Mr. Lambert's attorney acknowledged no evidence supported a finding that Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas were negligent: "Obviously, to put the blame there that is less liability potentially for my client. He realizes that. However, I don't know the evidence supports it. I mean, there is no evidence whatsoever. I would like to argue it. There is no evidence he was supervised in any capacity whatsoever."Footnote: 8 The remaining assignments of error are: (1) the trial court erred in admitting evidence of WV Insurance's handling of the claim; (2) counsel for each defendant stated it was the "jury's job" to determine whether insurance coverage was available; and (3) counsel for Mr. and Mrs. Schellhaas commented during opening statements that WV Insurance had denied coverage.
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