IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION ONE
MARCY GRANTOR, an individual, No. 67916-3-1
individually and as Guardian ad Litem
for M.G., a minor, (Consolidated with No. 67917-1-1)
rj «Y~i
- 4(
c£>
Appellants/Cross Respondents, t3
'77?
i-4S:
C/> rf- --,
C2 O"^'.
v. -c -"H.
y''
•*"-**
UNPUBLISHED OPINION cr- ^r -:
urr<
BIG LOTS STORES, INC., an Ohio •jj. •$•'*
corporation, and PNS STORES INC., a "rf**- *"Vr° i
**~ t
.—,f
c? ii:.
California corporation,
—
e>
Respondents/Cross Appellants. FILED: September 16, 2013
Schindler, J. — Marcy Grantor, individually and as the guardian ad litem for
M.G. (Grantor), obtained a default judgment of $250,000 against Big Lots Stores Inc.
(BLSI). Grantor appeals the order to vacate the default judgment. BLSI cross appeals
the award of attorney fees and amendment of the caption. We affirm.
FACTS
On February 28, 2008, Marcy Grantor and her two-year-old child M.G. went to
the Big Lots store in Burien. Grantor stopped in one of the aisles to look at some items.
An employee was stacking heavy boxes across the aisle from Grantor and M.G. The
stack of boxes fell over. The boxes hit M.G., pushing her head-first into a metal shelf.
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1 -l)/2
Grantor said that when she "picked [M.G.] up from beneath the boxes," she saw a large
gash on M.G.'s forehead and "[t]he wound started to bleed heavily."
Grantor said that right after the accident happened, "the Big Lots assistant
manager named Tracy came rushing up to me, saying 'I'm so sorry,' and that she had
knocked the boxes over with her foot." Tracy gave Grantor a business card "identifying
herself and giving a phone number and contact person named Rebecca at 'Big Lots,
Inc.' for [Grantor] to call to report the injury." One side of the business card is signed by
Tracy and contains the name and address of "BIG LOTS STORE NO. 4436" at "125 B
148TH STREET[,] BURIEN, WA 98148," with the handwritten name of "Rebecca" and
her telephone number. The other side of the card states:
WE WILL PROMPTLY NOTIFY OUR HOME OFFICE OF THE INCIDENT
IN WHICH YOU WERE INVOLVED. THIS CARD IS NOT A
GUARANTEE FOR PAYMENT BUT FOR INQUIRY PURPOSES ONLY.
PLEASE DIRECT CLAIMS OR INQUIRIES ABOUT THIS MATTER TO:
BIG LOTS INC.
RISK MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
300 PHILLIPI ROAD
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43228-5311
TOLL FREE 1-888-244-5687
DATE OF INCIDENT 2/29/08 LOCATION NUMBER #4436
Big Lots Inc. (BLI) is a holding company and the parent company of Big Lots
Stores Inc. (BLSI). BLI is an Ohio corporation. BLI does not operate any retail stores or
do business in Washington. BLSI is a "retail operating company" that owns retail stores
in multiple states, including Washington, and is registered with the Secretary of State in
Washington. BLI is also the parent company of PNS Stores Inc. PNS Stores also
operates Big Lots retail stores.
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-l)/3
M.G.'s wound required seven stitches, resulting in $3,228.03 in medical
expenses. Dr. Devorah Steinecker diagnosed M.G. with a mild head injury. Dr.
Steinecker stated that the accident resulted in "cervical, upper thoracic, sternal, occipital
and intracranial dural strains along with a low back strain."
A year later, Grantor's attorney sent a letter to BLI at the Columbus, Ohio
address listed on the business card. In response to the letter, BLSI Risk Management
Department employee Michelle May called Grantor's attorney to obtain "documents
relating to [Grantor's] claims."
Grantor's attorney and May exchanged a number of e-mails discussing
settlement of the claim. The e-mails from May clearly identify her as a claims examiner
for the Risk Management Department of "Big Lots Stores, Inc." Grantor's attorney sent
May photographs and documentation of medical expenses.
After Grantor's attorney and May were unable to reach a settlement, the attorney
asked May, "Who is Big Lots' agent for service of process in Washington?" May told the
attorney that "[t]he agent is CSC, the United States Corporation Company." Corporation
Service Company (CSC) is the registered agent in Washington for BLSI. CSC is not the
registered agent for BLI.
On February 26, 2010, Grantor, individually and as the guardian ad litem for M.G.
(Grantor), filed a personal injury complaint for damages against "Big Lots, Inc., an Ohio
corporation," King County Superior Court Case Number 10-2-08519-0 SEA. The
complaint alleged that BLI is an Ohio corporation doing business in Washington, and
that venue in King County is proper "because Big Lots committed a tort giving rise to
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-l)/4
plaintiff's claims in King County." The complaint alleged M.G. was injured at "Big Lots
store No. 4436" in Burien.
On March 1, Grantor served CSC with a copy of the summons and the complaint.
The next day, CSC sent a "Rejection of Service of Process" by regular mail to Grantor's
attorney. The letter states, in pertinent part:
Rejection of Service of Process
Return to Sender Information . . . .
Date: 03/02/2010
Party Served: Big Lots, Inc.
Title of Action: Marcy Grantor vs. Big Lots, Inc.
Court: King County Superior Court, Washington
Case Number: 10-2-08519-0 SEA
The service of process received for the Party Served, as listed above,
cannot be forwarded to the intended party for the reason(s) listed below.
Because two different companies can have very similar names, the name
of the company to whom service is directed MUST BE IDENTICAL to the
company name on file with the Secretary of State, or other appropriate
state agency.
Grantor's attorney said that he never received the letter. But the Rejection of Service of
Process letter was never "returned to [CSC] by the United States Postal Service as
undeliverable."
On January 26, 2011, Grantor filed "Plaintiffs' Ex Parte Motion for Order of
Default Order Against Defendant Big Lots Stores, Inc." In the motion, the attorney
asserts that "service was properly effected upon Big Lots Stores, Inc. via personal
service on its registered agent, CSC." The attorney also asserts that "CSC was
identified as the registered agent for Big Lots Stores, Inc. by both Big Lots itselfand the
Washington Secretary of State registration documents for Big Lots Stores, Inc."
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1 -l)/5
However, the attorney concedes that "[i]n preparing this motion, counsel for plaintiffs
realized that the caption contains a clerical error in the name of defendant. The
complaint identifies defendant as 'Big Lots, Inc.' rather than 'Big Lots Stores, Inc.'"
The court entered an "Ex Parte Order of Default Against Big Lots, Inc." The Ex
Parte Order of Default Against Big Lots, Inc. states the complaint contains a "misnomer
in the caption, identifying defendant as 'Big Lots, Inc.' rather than Big Lots Stores, Inc.,"
but the attorney filed an affidavit of "Personal Service On: BIG LOTS STORES, INC."
stating that on March 1, 2010, the attorney served the complaint on CSC as the
registered agent for BLSI, and BLSI did not "appear, answer or otherwise defend this
action."
On February 25, Grantor filed an ex parte motion for entry of a default judgment
against BLSI for general and special damages of $220,000 for M.G. and $30,000 for
Grantor. In support, Grantor submitted evidence for the medical expenses of
$3,228.03, a declaration from Dr. Phil Haeck stating that a future surgery would cost
$7,000, and a declaration from Grantor.
On February 28, the court entered a judgment of $220,000 for M.G. against BLSI
and a judgment of $30,000 for Grantor against BLSI. The case caption for each of the
judgments names "Big Lots, Inc." as the defendant but "Big Lots Stores, Inc." is
designated in the judgments as the "Judgment Debtor."
The next day on March 1, Grantor filed a personal injury action against "Big Lots
Stores, Inc., an Ohio corporation," King County Case Number 11-2-08393-4 SEA, "out
of an abundance of caution." The complaint states that Grantor filed "an identical action
in this Court on February 26, 2010" but did not identify BLSI. The complaint alleges,
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1 -l)/6
"Plaintiffs properly effected service on . . . both [BLI] and [BLSI]" and a default judgment
was entered on February 28, 2011. The complaint states, in pertinent part:
1. Plaintiffs filed an identical action in this Court on February
26, 2010. King County Superior Court Case No. 10-2-08519-0. The
caption of the complaint in that matter identified the defendant as "Big
Lots, Inc.," but did not identify "Big Lots Stores, Inc." Plaintiffs properly
effected service on Big Lots Stores, Inc., which was effective against both
Big Lots, Inc. and Big Lots Stores, Inc. Neither Big Lots, Inc. nor Big Lots
Stores, Inc. answered or otherwise appeared in that action.
2. The court in King County Superior Court Case No. 10-2-
08519-0 entered an order of default on January 27, 2011, and entered
default judgment on February 28, 2011. Plaintiffs believe that judgment is
effective against either or both Big Lots, Inc. or Big Lots Stores, Inc.
3. Plaintiffs are filing this identical action out of an abundance
of caution, in the event that service or the judgment in the prior action is
held to be void or ineffective against either "Big Lots, Inc." or "Big Lots
Stores, Inc." Plaintiffs intend to move this Court to stay the above-
captioned matter pending resolution, or Big Lots' waiver or termination, of
any challenge to or appeal of the judgment of King County Superior Court
Case No. 10-2-08519-0 as against "Big Lots, Inc." or "Big Lots Stores,
Inc."
On May 31, Grantor served CSC with the default judgment entered against BLSI
on February 28 and the complaint filed against BLSI on March 1 at "Big Lots Stores, Inc.
c/o Corporation Service Company[,] 300 Deschutes Way, S. W., Suite 304[,] Tumwater,
Washington 98501." The May 31 letter states:
On February 28, 2011, the King County Superior Court in Seattle,
Washington entered default judgment against Big Lots in favor of [M.G.]
and Marcy Grantor in Case No. 10-2-08519-0. Concurrently with this
letter, the judgment has been served on Big Lots through its registered
agent, Corporation Services Company.
In addition, out of an abundance of caution, plaintiffs [M.G.] and
Marcy Grantor have caused a second complaint to be filed against Big
Lots, which also has been served today. That second complaint states
identical claims to those upon which [M.G.] and Marcy Grantor already
have obtained judgment, and has been brought solely to preserve the
Grantors' rights in the event that Big Lots attempts to overturn the
judgment in the prior action.
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-l)/7
Please have an attorney or other representative of Big Lots contact
me at his or her earliest convenience to confirm how and when Big Lots
will satisfy the judgment.
On June 1, BLI filed a notice of appearance in the first action, King County Case
No. 10-2-08519-0 SEA, and contacted Grantor's attorney to inform him that BLI does
not do business in Washington. The attorney also told Grantor's attorney that BLSI is
not the correct defendant, "the correct defendant is PNS Stores, Inc." and "PNS Stores,
Inc. did not receive notice of your client's lawsuit."1
In a June 10 letter to Grantor's attorney, the BLI attorney reiterated that BLI did
not do business in Washington and enclosed a copy of the Rejection of Service of
Process letter. The BLI attorney offered to "forward a stipulated motion to vacate" and
substitute PNS Stores for BLSI. The letter states, in pertinent part:
[T]he Complaint is denominated against "Big Lots, Inc., an Ohio
corporation." In fact, as I advised you, Big Lots, Inc. is in fact an Ohio
corporation that has no presence in Washington State and does not do
business in Washington State. Apparently, the rejection of service was
forwarded to you in response to your attempt to serve an out-of-state
corporation by serving CSC which has no authority to accept service for
Big Lots, Inc.
Your pleadings indicate that the allegations in your Complaint
"unambiguously indicate that the defendant is Big Lots Stores, Inc." In
fact, I could find no reference to Big Lots Stores, Inc in the Complaint
based on my first review. . . .
You indicated in your declaration in support of default that you
discovered your mistake before requesting ex parte relief. I would have
expected you to then amend your Complaint, name the correct defendant,
and see that the correct defendant was properly served.
. . . Further, as I advised you by telephone, Big Lots Stores, Inc. is
not even the correct defendant; rather, the correct defendant is PNS
Stores, Inc. PNS Stores, Inc. did not receive notice of your client's
lawsuit.
Finally, the Rejection of Service of Process should have been clear
notice to your client that Big Lots, Inc. was not the proper defendant. If in
1PNS Stores is a California corporation.
7
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1 -l)/8
fact, as all of the pleadings submitted to the court suggest, and your
pleadings argue, it was really your client's intention to sue Big Lots Stores,
Inc., you should have done so by amending and re-serving your original
Complaint.
On July 14, BLSI filed a motion to vacate the ex parte order of default and entry
of the default judgments. BLSI argued that because it was not served and did not
receive notice of the lawsuit or entry of judgments until May 31, 2011, the order of
default and default judgments were void and should be vacated. As the attorney for BLI
previously told Grantor's attorney, BLSI stated that "[t]he entity operating the retail store
where the alleged injuries occurred is PNS Stores, Inc., ('PNS') a California
Corporation, separate and distinct from BLSI." BLSI pointed out that it was never
named or identified by Grantor as a defendant in the complaint, and the caption in the
ex parte motion for default and the default judgments named BLI, not BLSI. BLSI also
argued there were questions of fact about actual or constructive notice of an unsafe
condition.
In support of the motion to vacate the ex parte order of default and default
judgments, BLSI submitted the declaration of CSC employee Andrew Gachaiya.
Gachaiya states, in pertinent part:
As a registered agent for the receipt of service of process, CSC is only
authorized to receive service of process on behalf of entities that have
named it as their registered agent. According to our records, CSC is not
now, nor was it anytime during the pendency of this case, the registered
agent for Big Lots, Inc. in the State of Washington.
Gachaiya testified that "[o]n March 2, 2010, CSC sent a Rejection of Service of Process
letter via United States Postal Service regular mail" to Grantor's attorney and had no
record of the letter "having been returned to it by the Unites States Postal Service as
undeliverable."
8
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1 -l)/9
BLSI attorney Tamara Nelson testified that because the summons and complaint
served on CSC "were not directed to Big Lots Stores, Inc., Big Lots Stores, Inc. never
received notice of the lawsuit." BLSI did not have notice of the lawsuit or entry of the
order of default and default judgments until May 31, 2011.
Grantor argued that the misnomer in the caption did not mean service of process
was defective because the registered agent for BLSI was served and the complaint
identified BLSI. Grantor's attorney also states that he never received a rejection of
service from CSC, and BLSI could not show excusable neglect.
The court held a hearing on the motion to vacate on July 22. At the beginning of
the hearing, the BLSI attorney agreed to substitute PNS Stores as the named defendant
in the lawsuit. At the conclusion of hearing, the court ruled that it was "clear there has
been some miscommunication" caused by giving Grantor the business card and that
Grantor also "made mistakes." Because there was "no information to show that Big
Lots, Inc. the parent, Big Lots Stores, much less PNS had actual notice that a lawsuit
had been filed," the court continued the hearing to allow the parties to engage in
discovery.
Grantor took the depositions of Marc Amos, the attorney representing BLSI and
PNS Stores, and CSC employee Gachaiya.
Amos testified that BLI is a holding company which does not do business in
Washington and is not registered with the Washington Secretary of State.2 Amos stated
that BLSI operates retail stores in multiple states, including Washington, but that the
2Amos testified, in pertinent part:
[BLI] is a holding company only. Itdoes not operate any retail stores or businesses. It
does not employ any employees; rather it maintains only a Board of Directors which
function only in the State of Ohio. Big Lots, Inc. does not do business within the State of
Washington.
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1 -l)/10
Burien Big Lots store is operated by PNS Stores. Amos testified that "PNS, a non party
to this action, at all times relevant to this matter, was the entity that leased, maintained,
operated and controlled the retail store in Burien, Washington referenced in Plaintiff's
complaint."3
Amos testified about the instructions given to CSC:
[T]he instructions to CSC regarding service on Big Lots Stores, Inc., and
PNS Stores, Inc., in effect in 2010 were to accept service on behalf of Big
Lots Stores, Inc., to accept service on behalf of PNS Stores, Inc., and to
reject service on parties that are not properly named.
Amos also confirmed that BLSI did not receive notice of the lawsuit Grantor filed against
BLI.
At the conclusion of the second hearing, the court granted the motion to vacate
the ex parte order of default and the default judgments, and ordered the case set for
trial. The court also ordered BLSI to pay $10,000 "for attorney fees incurred in relation
to the default judgment," and revised the caption to name BLSI and PNS as defendants.
The court entered findings of fact and conclusions of law. The courtfound both
parties had made mistakes and that BLSI, not BLI, had responded to Grantor's initial
communications about her claims. The court also found that BLSI "did not learn about
the commencement of this action from its registered agent and did not appear." The
findings state, in pertinent part:
1. Mistakes were made by all parties from the commencement
of the claim through the entry of the order of default and default judgment.
3. When plaintiffs contacted Big Lots, Inc., Big Lots Stores, Inc.
responded and thereafter communicated with plaintiffs abouttheir claims.
4. On March 1, 2010, plaintiffs personally served the registered
agent in Washington for Big Lots Stores, Inc. and PNS Stores, Inc. with
(Emphasis in original.)
10
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1 -l)/11
the summons and complaint in this action, the caption of which identified
only Big Lots, Inc. as the defendant.
6. Because of Big Lots Stores, Inc.'s instruction [to CSC], it did
not learn about the commencement of this action from its registered agent
and did not appear. . ..
8. Big Lots Stores, Inc. was diligent in moving to vacate the
orders of default and default judgment promptly after learning about the
entry of default judgment.
The court concluded that Grantor's service upon the registered agent for BLSI
was effective "notwithstanding the misnomer in the caption," but that "[njeither Big Lots,
Inc. nor Big Lots Stores, Inc. had actual notice of the commencement of this suit"
because CSC was not the registered agent for BLI, and BLSI had instructed its
registered agent to only notify it of service if the lawsuit named BLSI as a party. The
court also concluded BLI and BSLI established excusable neglect under CR 60(b).
ANALYSIS
Grantor contends the court erred in granting the motion to vacate the order of
default and the default judgments against BLSI for $250,000.
We review a trial court's decision vacating a default judgment for an abuse of
discretion. Little v. King, 160 Wn.2d 696, 702, 161 P.3d 345 (2007). "An abuse of
discretion exists only when no reasonable person would take the position adopted by
the trial court." Little. 160 Wn.2d at 710 (citing Cox v. Spanqler, 141 Wn.2d 431, 439, 5
P.3d 1265 (2000)). "Abuse of discretion is less likely to be found ifthe default judgment
is set aside." Griggs v. Averbeck Realty. Inc.. 92 Wn.2d 576, 582, 599 P.2d 1289
(1979). We review a trial court's factual findings for substantial evidence. Sunnvside
Valley Irrigation Dist. v. Dickie, 149 Wn.2d 873, 879, 73 P.3d 369 (2003). Substantial
evidence is the quantum of evidence sufficient to persuade a rational fair-minded
11
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-l)/12
person the premise is true. Sunnvside, 149 Wn.2d at 879. Unchallenged findings are
verities on appeal. Cowiche Canyon Conservancy v. Boslev, 118 Wn.2d 801, 808, 828
P.2d 549 (1992).
Default judgments are disfavored in Washington. Griggs, 92 Wn.2d at 581.
Courts prefer to determine cases on their merit rather than by default. Griggs, 92
Wn.2d at 581. "A proceeding to vacate a default judgment is equitable in character and
relief is to be afforded in accordance with equitable principles." Griggs, 92 Wn.2d at
581. In reviewing a motion to vacate a default judgment, the court's principle inquiry
should be whether the default judgment is just and equitable. Little, 160 Wn.2d at 710-
11. "This is not a mechanical test; whether or not a default judgment should be set
aside is a matter of equity." Little, 160 Wn.2d at 704. The trial court may exercise its
discretion "liberally, as well as equitably, to the end that substantial rights be preserved
and justice between the parties be fairly and judiciously done." White v. Holm, 73
Wn.2d 348, 351, 438 P.2d 581 (1968).
We engage in a fact-specific inquiry to determine whether or not justice is being
done. Griggs, 92 Wn.2d at 582. Because we do not favor default judgments, we are
less likely to find that the trial court based its decision on untenable grounds when the
court vacated the default judgment than when it did not. Griggs, 92 Wn.2d at 582.
A motion to vacate a default judgment is governed by CR 55 and CR 60. Morin
v. Burris, 160 Wn.2d 745, 754, 161 P.3d 956 (2007). CR 55(c)(1) provides that a court
may set aside an order of default for good cause and upon terms the court deems just.
If a default judgment has been entered, the court may set it aside under CR 60(b). CR
60(b) sets out the specific grounds that warrant setting aside a default judgment,
12
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-l)/13
including "[mistakes, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect or irregularity in
obtaining a judgment or order." CR 60(b)(1). The moving party bears the burden of
proof. Little, 160 Wn.2d at 704-05.
To vacate a default judgment, a moving party must demonstrate that (1) there is
substantial evidence to support a prima facie defense; (2) the failure to timely appear
and answer was occasioned by mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect;
(3) the moving party acted with due diligence after notice of entry of the default
judgment; and (4) the opposing party will not suffer a substantial hardship if the trial
court vacates the default judgment. White, 73 Wn.2d at 352. The first two factors
above are "primary," and the latter two are "secondary." Little, 160 Wn.2d at 704. We
view the evidence in the light most favorable to the moving party when deciding whether
there is substantial evidence of a prima facie defense. Pfaff v. State Farm Mut. Auto.
Ins. Co., 103 Wn. App. 829, 835, 14 P.3d 837 (2000).
Grantor argues that the court's finding that notwithstanding the misnomers in the
caption, service on CSC as the registered agent for BLSI was effective, contradicts the
conclusion that BLSI did not have notice of the lawsuit. Grantor contends the trial court
erred in concluding that neither BLI nor BLSI had "actual notice" of the lawsuit, citing the
statute that states the corporation's registered agent is the corporation's agent for
service of process. RCW 23B.05.040(1). But the record clearly establishes that BLI
and BLSI did not have actual notice of the lawsuit. Grantor ignores the unchallenged
finding that BLSI expressly instructed the registered agent CSC to not accept service or
notify BLSI of a lawsuit that did not name BLSI as a party.
13
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-1)714
Grantor also relies heavily on Entranco Engineers v. Envirodvne. Inc.. 34 Wn.
App. 503, 662 P.2d 73 (1983), to argue service was effective. In Entranco, the
summons and complaint named a parent corporation but served the subsidiary at its
headquarters. Entranco, 34 Wn. App. at 504. The complaint described only the
activities of the subsidiary and not those of the parent corporation. Entranco, 34 Wn.
App. at 504. The plaintiff obtained a default judgment against the parent corporation.
Entranco, 34 Wn. App. at 505. The trial court granted the parent company's motion to
vacate the default judgment for lack of personal jurisdiction, and denied the motion to
amend to substitute the subsidiary for the parent corporation. Entranco, 34 Wn. App. at
505.
On appeal, we affirmed the decision to vacate the default judgment against the
parent company for lack of jurisdiction. Entranco, 34 Wn. App. at 506. But we
concluded the court erred in denying the motion to amend the default judgment to name
the subsidiary because the allegations in the complaint were specific enough to give the
subsidiary notice that the parent company "could not reasonably have been understood
to be the intended defendant because [the parent company] never transacted business
in Washington." Entranco, 34 Wn. App. at 506.
Here, the undisputed findings establish that neither BLI nor BLSI received notice
of the lawsuit. And unlike in Entranco, the allegations in the complaint make no
reference to BLSI or PNS. While the complaint identifies the Burien store, the only
entity named in the complaint is BLI. There is no dispute that BLI does not do business
in Washington and CSC was not the registered agent for BLI.
14
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-1)715
Grantor also contends BLSI did not present evidence of a defense or excusable
neglect. In determining whether the defendant presented substantial evidence of a
prima facie defense, the court "view[s] the facts proffered in the light most favorable to
the defendant, assuming the truth of that evidence favorable to the defendant and
disregarding inconsistent or unfavorable evidence." TMT Bear Creek Shopping Ctr.,
Inc. v. PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.. 140 Wn. App. 191,203, 165 P.3d 1271 (2007).
Where the moving party demonstrates a strong or "virtually conclusive" defense,
the court spends "scant time" looking into the reasons for default, as long as the moving
party timely applies to vacate and did not willfully fail to appear. White, 73 Wn.2d at
352. If the moving party can only "demonstrate a defense that would, prima facie at
least, carry a decisive issue to the finder of the facts in a trial on the merits," the court
scrutinizes the remaining three factors with greater care. White, 73 Wn.2d at 352-53.
Substantial evidence does not support the finding that BLSI presented no
evidence of a prima facie defense. But the error had no effect on the court's ultimate
conclusion that vacating the default judgment was warranted. Ritterv. Bd. of
Registration for Prof'l Eng'rs & Land Surveyors, 161 Wn. App. 758, 762 n.1, 255 P.3d
799 (2011) ("An erroneous finding of fact that does not materially affect conclusions of
law is not prejudicial.")
Viewed in the light most favorable to BLSI, the record establishes BLSI had a
strong defense. A landowner owes a duty of care in a premises liability case. Iwai v.
State, 129 Wn.2d 84, 90-91, 915 P.2d 1089 (1996). BLSI presented evidence that it
was not liable to Grantor.
15
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-1)716
The undisputed evidence established that BLSI did not own or operate the Burien
Big Lots store. BLSI attorney Amos testified that "PNS - not BLSI - conducted
business and sold goods and services at the Burien, Washington store" and that "BLSI
has not conducted business, or sold goods or services at the Burien, Washington
location."4 Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to BLSI, the record shows
evidence of a strong defense.5
Grantor claims the court erred by concluding that "Big Lots, Inc.'s and/or Big Lots
Stores, Inc.'s failure to appear was excusable neglect." The court concluded that "Big
Lots, Inc.'s and/or Big Lots Stores, Inc.'s failure to appear was excusable neglect under
CR 60(b) because ofthe misnomer in the caption and because of Big Lots Stores, Inc.'s
instruction to its registered agent." Grantor contends the "misnomer" in the caption and
the instructions to the registered agent do not establish excusable neglect. Grantor
asserts the failure of BLSI to appear was willful. The cases Grantor relies on, Little and
TMT, do not support her argument and are distinguishable.
In Little, the superior court directed the defendant to file an answer, ruling that
failure to file an answer would result in entry of an order of default judgment. Little, 160
Wn.2d 706. On appeal, the court held that the defendant "made the deliberate
choice ... not to prevent default judgment by filing an answer. The decision not to
4BLSI also argued that the boxes posed an open and obvious risk. "'A possessor of land is not
liable to his invitees for physical harm caused to them by any activity orcondition on the land whose
danger is known or obvious to them, unless the possessor should anticipate the harm despite such
knowledge or obviousness.'" Ford v. Red Lion Inns, 67 Wn. App. 766, 770-71, 840 P.2d 198 (1992)
(emphasis omitted) (quoting Restatement (Second) of Torts § 343A(1) (1965)). The defense attorney
presented photocopied photographs of the location of the boxes and argued the photographs would show
that the high stack of large boxes presented an obvious danger.
5Grantor also relies heavily on the court's statements at the September 16 hearing that BLSI
presented no evidence of a defense. Because the court did not incorporate its oral ruling into the findings
or conclusions, the court's oral ruling "'has no final or binding effect.'" Grieco v. Wilson, 144 Wn. App.
865, 872, 184 P.3d 668 (2008) (quoting Ferree v. Doric Co., 62 Wn.2d 561, 567, 383 P.2d 900 (1963)).
16
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-1)717
participate does not meet the standard required" for excusable neglect. Little. 160
Wn.2d 706.
In TMT, the trial court denied the defendant's motion to vacate the default
judgment because the defendant did not establish either a strong defense or excusable
neglect. TMT, 140 Wn. App. at 199. The defendant PETCO failed to appear or
respond to either the initial summons and complaint or the amended complaint. TMT,
140 Wn. App. at 197. According to PETCO, it received the summons and complaint,
but its legal assistant did not enter that information into the tracking system and did not
notify the general counsel of the lawsuit before leaving for vacation. TMT, 140 Wn.
App. at 198. However, a PETCO employee testified that PETCO received the
summons and complaint and delivered the documents to the attorney. TMT, 140 Wn.
App. at 197 n.2. Further, before entry of the default judgment, TMT called PETCO to
notify it "that the company was in danger of default." TMT, 140 Wn. App. at 197 n.2.
On appeal, we concluded the court did not abuse its discretion in concluding that
PETCO did not establish excusable neglect. TMT, 140 Wn. App. at 212-13.
Here, unlike in TMT and Little, the complaint named BLI and not BLSI, there is no
dispute that BLSI did not receive notice of the lawsuit, and the evidence does not show
that the instruction to CSC was inappropriate.6
6The other cases Grantor cites are also distinguishable. In In re the Estate of Stevens, 94 Wn.
App. 20, 32, 35, 971 P.2d 58 (1999), and Commercial Courier Service. Inc. v. Miller, 13Wn. App. 98,
105-06, 533 P.2d 852 (1975), there was no question that the defendants had notice butsimply ignored
service of process and chose not to appear. See ajso Johnson v. Cash Store, 116 Wn. App. 833, 848-49,
68 P.3d 1099 (2003) (where defendantestablished only a prima facie defense and did not explain
properly-served store manager's failure to forward complaint, court did not abuse discretion by denying
motion to vacate default judgment); Beckman v. Dep't of Social &Health Servs., 102 Wn. App. 687, 696,
11 P.3d 313 (2000) (addressing a latefiling of a notice of appeal, not a motion to vacate a default
judgment).
17
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-1)718
Grantor also challenges the finding that "[mistakes were made by all parties from
the commencement of the claim through the entry of the order of default and default
judgment." Substantial evidence supports the finding. While the assistant manager at
the Burien Big Lots store gave Grantor a business card with the name and address of
BLI, the record shows that before filing the ex parte motion for an order of default
against BLI, Grantor's attorney knew that BLSI was the correct defendant. And by June
2011, Grantor knew that PNS Stores was the correct defendant.
It is undisputed that the two secondary factors favor vacating the default. The
court's unchallenged finding of fact states that "Big Lots Stores, Inc. was diligent in
moving to vacate the orders of default and default judgment promptly after learning
about the entry of default judgment." There is no substantial hardship to Grantor. The
prospect of trial does not constitute substantial hardship, and the court awarded Grantor
the attorney fees incurred in responding to the motion to vacate the default judgments.
Pfaff, 103 Wn. App. at 836; Bergerv. Dishman Dodge. Inc., 50 Wn. App. 309, 313, 748
P.2d 241 (1987) (where the court orders the defendant to pay the plaintiff's attorneys
fees incurred in obtaining the default judgment, there is no hardship).
We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion by granting the motion to
vacate the order of default and the default judgments.
Cross Appeal
BLSI appeals amendment of the case caption to name BLSI and PNS Stores and
the award of attorney fees.
BLSI argues the court erred by amending the caption because PNS Stores was
not properly served and because BLSI did not own or operate the Burien store. The
18
No. 67916-3-1 (Consol. with No. 67917-1-1)719
attorney for PNS Stores and BLSI repeatedly asserted that PNS Stores was the
operator of the Burien store and stipulated to amend the caption to name PNS Stores.
While BSLI may not be properly named as a defendant, BSLI did not object below. We
do not consider arguments made for the first time on appeal. RAP 2.5(a); Lunsford v.
Saberhagen Holdings, Inc., 139Wn. App. 334, 338, 160 P.3d 1089 (2007).7
BLSI also waived the right to challenge the award of attorney fees. BLSI
concedes that it did not object below. Further, while the court expressly told the parties
that "if somebody wants to present additional paperwork, if I have grossly exceeded a
figure that you think is reasonable[,] you can provide the paperwork to me," BLSI did not
do so.
Because the court did not abuse its discretion by granting the motion to vacate
the order of default and default judgments, we affirm.
\r(l V^^U
WE CONCUR:
7BLSI is not precluded from filing a motion to amend the caption.
19
Marcy Grantor, App/cross-res. v. Big Lots Stores, Inc., And Pns Stores, Inc., Res/cross-app.
Combined Opinion