I-
COURT OF APPEALS
DIVJS1 ^ 11
2013 APR -2 AM 8: 47
STATE OF WASIaINGTD1
BY ._
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF NGTON
DIVISION II
ED BRICKER, No. 42139 9 II
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Appellant, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
V.
STATE OF WASHINGTON, DEPT. OF
HEALTH,
BRIDGEWATER, J. . Ed Bricker appeals the trial court's order granting summary
T. —
P
judgment to the Department of Health (DOH),
dismissing his tort claim and asserting that the
DOH wrongly denied him a clandestine drug lab decontamination (CDL) certification. Bricker
argues that summary judgment was erroneous because the trial court failed: ( 1)to enter
supporting findings of fact and conclusions of law; 2) limit the settlement agreement to past
( to
conduct; 3) consider contextual evidence; and (4) hold that the settlement agreement was
( to to
unconscionable. We affirm because the parties"prior settlement agreement precludes Bricker's
professional contact with the DOH, which contact would be significant if DOH were to issue his
desired certification.
1
Judge C. C. Bridgewater is serving as a judge pro tempore of the Court of Appeals, Division II,
pursuant to CAR 21( ).
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No. 42139 9 II
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FACTS
From 1991 to 2005, Bricker worked for the DOH as a radiation health physicist at the
Hanford Nuclear Reservation. In 2002, Bricker filed a discrimination and whistle -blower
protection lawsuit against the DOH.
The parties, both of whom had legal representation, settled the lawsuit in April 2005 by
written agreement. The settlement agreement stated its purpose as "resolving the full range of
misunderstandings, disputes, and potential claims . and to end any disputes or interaction
between the employee and the department." Clerk's Papers ( CP) at 28. As part of the
agreement, the DOH paid Bricker $ 0 50, 00 in attorney fees. The
240, 00, which included $ 0
agreement also required Bricker's resignation and provided that Bricker "will not have any
further professional or official contact with [DOH]." at 31. In the event of a dispute, the
CP
agreement provided that the sole remedy "is to seek specific performance in Thurston County
Superior Court,"
with the predominantly prevailing party entitled to reasonable attorney fees.
CP at 32. Based on the signed agreement, a federal district court entered judgment against the
State for the purpose of payment and dismissed the matter with prejudice:
In 2006, Bricker registered as a counselor with the DOH. At about the same time,
Bricker and two of his brothers, William and Ken Bricker, sought CDL certification from the
DOH,which certification authorizes professional clean up of properties damaged by the presence
2
DOH states that this circumstance was an accident and further states that it no longer issues
registered counselor certifications; therefore, Bricker no longer holds this or any other DOH
certifications.
3 We refer to William and Ken Bricker by their first names for clarity; we intend no disrespect.
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No. 42139 9 II
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of illegal drug labs (i..,
e methamphetamine labs).Based on the settlement agreement, the DOH
denied Bricker's certification. But because Bricker's brothers were not parties to the settlement
agreement, the DOH granted their certifications.
Bricker did not seek specific performance in Thurston County Superior Court. Instead,
three years after the DOH's denial of his certification, Bricker and his brothers brought a tort
action against the DOH, seeking an order granting the CDL certification to Bricker and also
seeking damages. Bricker's complaint alleged intentional interference with a business
expectancy, retaliation or discrimination for whistle -blowing, and extreme and outrageous
conduct causing Bricker to experience emotional distress.
The trial court granted the DOH's motion to dismiss William's and Ken's claims,
agreeing that they failed to state a claim for which relief can be granted. Later, the trial court
the DOH's summary judgment motion and dismissed Bricker's tort claim. Bricker
granted
appeals.
ANALYSIS
Bricker argues that summary judgment was -erroneous because the trial court -failed: ( )
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to enter supporting findings of fact and conclusions of law; 2) consider contextual evidence
( to
that Bricker never contemplated that the agreement would preclude him from obtaining a CDL
certificate; ( )to hold that the agreement was unconscionable; and (4)to consider DOH's
3
misconduct. The DOH responds that the settlement agreement is dispositive. We agree with the
DOH.
4
Neither William nor Ken is a party to this appeal.
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No. 42139 9 II
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I. SUMMARY JUDGMENT
A. Standard of Review
We review a grant of summary judgment de novo and perform the same inquiry as the
trial court. Sheikh v. Choe, 156 Wn. d 441, 447, 128 P. d 574 (2006).We view the evidence
2 3
and all reasonable inferences therefrom in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party.
Michak v. Transnation Title Ins. Co.,148 Wn. d 788, 794 95, 64 P. d
2 - 3 22 (2003). Summary
judgment is appropriate when there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving
party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. CR 56( );
c Michak, 148 Wn. d at 794 95. "
2 - A
material fact is one that affects the outcome of the litigation."Owen v. Burlington N. & Santa Fe
R. . Co.,
R 153 Wn. d 780, 789, 108 P. d 1220 (2005).
2 3
B. No Findings of Fact
As an initial matter, we reject Bricker's argument that summary judgment was erroneous
because the trial court failed to enter supporting findings of fact and conclusions of law. The
function of a summary judgment proceeding is to determine whether a genuine issue of fact
exists, not to determine issues of fact. Davenport v. Wash. Educ. Ass'n, Wn. App. 704, 715
147
n.2, 197 P. d 686 (2008).As a result, our Supreme Court has "`
2 3 held on numerous occasions
that findings of fact and conclusions of law are superfluous in both summary judgment and
judgment on the pleadings proceedings. "' Davenport, 147 Wn. App. at 715 n.2 (quoting Wash.
2
Optometric Ass'n v. Pierce County, 73 Wn. d 445, 448, 438 P. d 861 (1968)).
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No.42139 9 II
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C. The Ordinary Meaninjz of Actual Words
Bricker next argues that summary judgment was erroneous because the trial court failed:
1) consider contextual evidence that Bricker never contemplated that the agreement would
to
preclude him from obtaining a CDL certificate and (2)to limit the settlement agreement to
Bricker's former employment. The DOH correctly responds that the settlement agreement's
ordinary meaning prohibits Bricker from seeking a CDL certificate.
Washington strongly favors and encourages settlement agreements. Chadwick v. Nw.
Airlines, Inc., Wn. App: 297, 300, 654 P. d 1215 (1982).Once parties have agreed to settle a
33 2
tort claim, the foundation for judgment is their written contract, not the underlying tortious
conduct allegations. Jackson v. Fenix Underground, Inc., Wn. App. 141, 146, 173 P. d 977
142 3
2007). Regarding a settlement agreement, a strong presumption attaches that the parties have
considered and settled every existing difference. Paopao v. State, Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs.,
145 Wn. App. 40, 46, 185 P. d 640 (2008).
3 Overcoming this strong presumption requires
testimony so clear and convincing that the court can free the transaction from all doubt as to
the intent of the parties."'
Paopao, 145 Wn.App.at 46 (quoting Burrows v. Williams, 52 Wash.
-
278, 287, 100 P. 340 (1909)). give the words used in a contract their ordinary, usual, and
We
popular meaning unless the entirety of the agreement clearly demonstrates a contrary intent.
Hearst Commc'ns,Inc. v Seattle Times Co.,154 Wn 2d 493, 504, 115 P. d 262 (2005).If we
3
can determine the intent from the actual contract words, the parties' subjective intent is generally
irrelevant. Hearst, 154 Wn 2d at 504
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No. 42139 9 II
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In the settlement agreement's first paragraph, it states its purpose as "resolving the full
range of misunderstandings, disputes, and potential claims . . . and to end any disputes or
interaction between the employee and the department."CP at 28. Under the heading " ischarge
D
of Obligation" is a subheading titled, " esignation, Agreement not to Seek Further State
R
Employment or Interact with the Department."CP at 31. Under that subheading, the agreement
states that Bricker "
will not have any further professional or official contact with the DOH]."
CP at 31.
Here, the ordinary meaning of " o professional or official contact with [the DOH]"
n is
clear and controlling language. Further, the entirety of the agreement supports, rather than
contradicts, the ordinary meaning of the words used. Because we can determine the intent from
the ordinary and usual meaning of the actual words of the contract, Bricker's subjective intent,
including his argument that he never contemplated this result, is irrelevant. Hearst, 154 Wn 2d
at 504. Similarly, the ordinary meaning of the language does not limit the settlement agreement
to Bricker's former employment at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Instead,the plain language
states that Bricker is "
not to seekfurther state employment" and Bricker "will not have any
-
further professional or official contact with [DOH]." at 31 (emphasis added). Therefore, we
CP
reject Bricker's argument that the agreement did not restrain him from seeking .future
employment with the DOH unrelated to radiation health.
The specific DOH contact at issue here involves the CDL certification, which the DOH
the certification's duration. See RCW 64. 4. 060.
050, .
4 For
highly regulates throughout
C'7
No. 42139 9 II
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example, in addition to the initial certification process, the DOH is responsible for suspension
and revocation of CDL certification. RCW 64. 4. As
060.
4 part of those responsibilities, the
DOH monitors CDL -certificated personnel for specific levels of experience required for the
particular job sites. RCW 64. 4. Ch. 246 205
070;
4 - WAC. Additionally, the DOH requires
specific retraining and continuing education. RCW 64. 4.Ch. 246 205 WAC. Given the
070;
4 -
dangerous compounds involved, the DOH highly regulates every aspect of decontamination.
Because CDL certification requires professional and official contact with the DOH at every step,
a CDL certificate holder cannot avoid significant professional and official contact with the DOH.
As expressly stated, the settlement agreement precludes Bricker from interaction and
professional contact with the DOH. Because the interaction required for CDL certification is
significant, the DOH properly denied it. Therefore, the trial court correctly determined that
Bricker's tort action, based on the denied certificate, involved no genuine issues of material fact.
Michak, 148 Wn. d at 794 95.
2 - We conclude that the trial court properly granted summary
judgment in the DOH's favor.
D. Consideration Given
Bricker argues that summary judgment was erroneous because the trial court failed to
hold that the agreement was unconscionable. Bricker's argument relies on case law discussing
employment agreements. See Labriola v.*
Pollard Grp.,
Inc., Wn. d 828, 833, 100 P. d 791
152 2 3
2004);
Wood v. May, 73 Wn. d 307, 309 10, 438 P. d 587 (1968).In Labriola, our Supreme
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No. 42139 9 II
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Court determined that a noncompete covenant in an employment contract was invalid because
the employee did not receive consideration in exchange for his noncompete agreement.
Labriola, 152 Wn. d at 838.
2
In contrast to Labriola, the DOH paid $ 000 to Bricker and another $ 000 for his
190, 50,
attorney fees. The parties had a bona fide dispute in the midst of litigation, the parties agreed to
settle that dispute, and substantial money changed hands as part of transacting the settlement
agreement. See Paopao, 145 Wn. App. at 46 (discussing accord and satisfaction under a
settlement agreement forming an enforceable contract and discharging the underlying claims).
In a settlement agreement, "[ ach party's promise in the new agreement is supported by an
e]
entirely new consideration the return
— promise of the other. . . And so the accord is
enforceable as a contractual agreement in its own right."Oregon Mut. Ins. Co. v. Barton, 109
Wn. App. 405, 413 14,36 P. d 1065 (2001)internal citations omitted). Generally, a settlement
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is a voluntary compromise wherein both parties accept something less than what they believe
they are entitled to because the compromise is more advantageous than the risks and benefits
involved in pursuing the claim. Chadwick, 33 Wn. App. at 301. Here, Bricker voluntarily
entered the agreement while represented by counsel; in exchange for his agreement, he received
both payment and promise from the State. Therefore, we reject Bricker's argument that his
settlement agreement is unconscionable.
E. Alleged Misconduct
Finally, Bricker alleges that the DOH mishandled his job reference, in violation of the
No. 42139 9 II
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agreement. Bricker argues in passing that "the present lawsuit is over alleged subsequent
misconduct by [the DOH,] providing bad job references." Br. of Appellant at 9. But Bricker
in
has not assigned error to this issue or presented meaningful facts or analysis. We generally will
not consider argument not supported by citation to authority, references to the record, or
meaningful analysis. RAP 10. (
6); Canyon Conservancy v. Bosley, 118 Wn. d 801,
3 Cowiche 2
809, 828 P. d 549 (1992).Further, we generally will not consider argument without assignment
2
of error. RAP 10.
a)(
4).
3(
Additionally, the settlement agreement provides that the sole remedy for disputes "is to
seek specific performance in Thurston County Superior Court."CP at 32. Bricker did not seek
such remedy regarding these allegations and we do not consider them here.
II. ATTORNEY FEES
The DOH asks for attorney fees under RAP 18.1 and the language in the settlement
agreement. As noted above, the agreement intends that the parties resolve disputes by seeking
specific performance in Thurston County Superior Court and further provides that "[t]
he
predominantly prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees as determined by the
court."CP at 31
Although Bricker elected to challenge the DOH's denial of his CDL certification in a tort
claim, the agreement's attorney fee provision will nevertheless apply if the settlement agreement
served as the basis for Bricker's claim. Hill v. Cox, 110 Wn. App. 394, 411, 41 P. d 495 (2002).
3
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No. 42139-
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A party bases his claim on a contractual agreement if the claim arose out of the contract and if
the contract is central to the dispute. Seattle First Nat'l Bank v. Wash. Ins. Guar. Ass'n,116
Wn. d 398, 413, 804 P. d 1263 (1991).Here, the DOH denied Bricker's certification because of
2 2
the settlement agreement; therefore, the agreement is the source of Bricker's claim and is central
to his dispute. We conclude that because Bricker's tort claim was an action on the settlement
agreement, the DOH is entitled to reasonable attorney fees as provided by the agreement.
Affirmed.
A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW
040,
2.6.it is so ordered.
0
BRIDGEWA ER,J. .
T.
P
We concur:
ph
JdHANSON,A. .
J.
C
WIGGM9, J.
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