Beckwith V Interstate Management Company LLC

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Beckwith v. Interstate Management Company, LLC, 82 F.Supp.3d 255 (2015)
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82 F.Supp.3d 255
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United States District Court,
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District of Columbia.
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Connor Beckwith, Plaintiff,
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v.
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Interstate Management Company, LLC
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, Defendant.
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Civil Action No.: 14\u8211\'3f00214 (RC)
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|
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Signed March 4, 2015
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Synopsis
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Background:
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Hotel guest who was sexually assaulted by third party brought diversity action
alleging that hotel management company was negligent in maintaining
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security
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measures
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and in responding to assault. Company moved for summary judgment.
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Holdings:
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The District Court,
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Rudolph Contreras
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, J., held that:
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as matter of first impression in Circuit, company owed guest greater duty of
protection by virtue of innkeeper-guest relationship;
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fact that guest was assaulted in and near lower level lobby restroom, as opposed
to guest room, did not weaken company\rquote s duty to protect guest;
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guest failed to establish that assault was foreseeable; and
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proffered expert testimony failed to clearly articulate and reference standard of
care by which company\rquote s actions could be
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measured
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.
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Motion granted.
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Protection against acts of third persons
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Negligence
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Protection against acts of third persons generally
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Negligence
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Under District of Columbia law, where a plaintiff alleges that a defendant
negligently failed to prevent a third party\rquote s injurious criminal act, he
must prove that the criminal act was so foreseeable that it became the
defendant\rquote s duty to guard against it by adhering to a recognized standard of
care, that the defendant breached that standard of care, and that the failure to
exercise due care proximately caused the injury.
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1 Cases that cite this headnote
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[2]
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Negligence
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}
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}
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{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
In the District of Columbia, a \u8220\'3fsliding scale\u8221\'3f analysis
determines the existence of a duty to protect a plaintiff from intervening third-
party criminal acts: the two ends of the scale are (1) the criminal act\rquote s
foreseeability and (2) the degree to which the defendant owes a greater duty of
protection by nature of his relationship to the plaintiff.
\par
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Cases that cite this headnote
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Negligence
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}
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{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
In the absence of a protective relationship, a plaintiff must make a heightened
showing of a criminal act\rquote s foreseeability to establish a duty to protect
from intervening third-party criminal acts under District of Columbia law;
conversely, a relationship entailing a greater duty of protection lightens
plaintiff\rquote s burden to show foreseeability.
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[4]
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Innkeepers
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{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
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}
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{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
"http://www.westlaw.com/Browse/Home/KeyNumber/213k10.23(2)/View.html?
Protection against assault and other crimes
\par
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}
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}
}
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{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Hotel management company owed hotel guest, who was sexually assaulted by third
party in and near lower level lobby restroom, greater duty of protection by virtue
of their innkeeper-guest relationship, and thus, in light of that duty to protect,
guest was not required to make heightened showing of foreseeability under sliding
scale test, in negligence action under District of Columbia law.
\par
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[5]
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{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
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Innkeepers
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\par
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}
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}
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{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Under District of Columbia law, fact that hotel guest was criminally assaulted by
third party in and near lower level lobby restroom, as opposed to guest room, did
not weaken hotel management company\rquote s duty to protect guest from third-party
criminal acts.
\par
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[6]
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\par
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}
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}
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Even a plaintiff-guest must establish the foreseeability of injurious third-party
criminal act that a defendant-innkeeper allegedly negligently failed to prevent in
order to subject the defendant-innkeeper to liability under District of Columbia
law.
\par
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}
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[7]
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}
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}
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Hotel guest who was sexually assaulted by third party in and near lower level lobby
restroom failed to establish that assault was foreseeable, and thus hotel
management company was not subject to liability for negligence under District of
Columbia law; even assuming that surrounding area\rquote s crime rate cited by
guest was extraordinarily high, and that assault by intruder was foreseeable, there
was no evidence suggesting that third party was actually an intruder, and there was
no specific history or pattern of sexual assaults in hotel.
\par
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}
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[8]
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{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
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Negligence
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\par
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}
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{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
"http://www.westlaw.com/Browse/Home/KeyNumber/272III/View.html?
Standard of Care
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}
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}
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{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Lack of evidence sufficient to establish a standard of care is fatal to a
negligence claim under District of Columbia law.
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[9]
\par
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{\li30 \f2 \b0 \ql \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Evidence
}
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{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
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}
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}
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{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
"http://www.westlaw.com/Browse/Home/KeyNumber/157k555.7/View.html?
Due care and proper conduct
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}
}
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}
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{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Where a defendant is alleged in negligence action under District of Columbia law to
have failed to protect a plaintiff from harm by a third party, an expert must
clearly articulate and reference a standard of care by which the defendant\rquote s
actions can be
}
measured
}
}
}
.
\par
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[10]
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Evidence
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\par
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\par
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}
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{\li30 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri30 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
In context of negligence claim under District of Columbia law, an expert may not
rely upon a general duty of care to establish an objective standard requiring
specific conduct.
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[11]
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Speculation, guess, or conjecture
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A plaintiff in negligence action under District of Columbia law may not rely on an
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\par
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Expert\rquote s opinion as to what he or she would do under similar circumstances
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of Columbia law.
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Under District of Columbia law, proffered expert testimony of hotel
}
security
}
}
}
director that company that managed hotel at which guest was sexually assaulted in
and near lower level lobby restroom should have had more on-duty
}
security
}
}
}
officers, more patrols, and more monitoring of cameras, and that major hotel
chains operating in metropolitan area had fairly uniform procedural policies
requiring that design of each hotel\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
infrastructure be informed by assessment of its unique attributes and
vulnerabilities, failed to clearly articulate and reference standard of care by
which company\rquote s actions could be
}
measured
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in negligence action; generalized references to industry standards could not
suffice to establish standard of care, and expert\rquote s experience with hotels
in metropolitan area could not form basis of \u8220\'3fnationally
recognized\u8221\'3f standard of care.
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Custom or practice in general
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Aspirational industry standards cannot suffice to establish standard of care in
negligence action under District of Columbia law.
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[15]
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Negligence
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Foreseeability
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Proximate causation, as element of negligence claim under District of Columbia law,
hinges on foreseeability.
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[16]
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Negligence
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Necessity of causation
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Besides foreseeability, proximate causation, as element of negligence claim under
District of Columbia law, also requires causation-in-fact.
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{\*\bkmkstart co_attorneysAndLawFirms_1}{\*\bkmkend co_attorneysAndLawFirms_1}
Attorneys and Law Firms
\par
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{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
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{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_pp_sp_7903_257_1}{\*\bkmkend co_pp_sp_7903_257_1}
*257
}
}
}
Sheldon N. Jacobs
}}}
, Law Offices of Sheldon N. Jacobs, Owings Mills, MD, for Plaintiff.
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Joseph Walter Santini
}}}
\sb200
, Friedlander Misler, PLLC, Washington, DC, for Defendant.
\par
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Re Document No.: 27
\par
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}
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MEMORANDUM OPINION
\par
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{\li0 \f2 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
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GRANTING DEFENDANT\rquote S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
RUDOLPH CONTRERAS
}}}
\sa200
\sb200
, United States District Judge
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
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I. INTRODUCTION
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Connor Beckwith (\u8220\'3fBeckwith\u8221\'3f) was assaulted in a hotel where he
was a guest. In this diversity action, he alleges that the hotel management company
was negligent in maintaining
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
and in responding to the assault. The defendant has moved for summary judgment. To
prevail at trial, Beckwith would need to prove, among other things, that the
criminal assault was \u8220\'3fso foreseeable that it became [the defendant\rquote
s] duty to guard against it by adhering to a recognized standard of care.\u8221\'3f
}
findType=Y&serNum=1993229539&pubNum=0000162&originatingDoc=I88de2710c29a11e4abc6824
ff97c1493&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_162_427&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt
1.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Search)#co_pp_sp_162_427" }
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Clement v. Peoples Drug Store, Inc.,
}
}
634 A.2d 425, 427 (D.C.1993)
}}}
. Because Beckwith has not proffered sufficient evidence of either the
assault\rquote s foreseeability or the standard of care, the Court grants the
motion for summary judgment.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
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{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
In June 2009, Beckwith and his family were guests of the Hamilton Crowne Plaza
Hotel in Washington, D.C.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Compl. \u182\'3f 7, ECF No. 1; Def.\rquote s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. 3, ECF No.
27\u8211\'3f1. The hotel was managed by Interstate Management Company, LLC
(\u8220\'3fInterstate\u8221\'3f). Kia Decl. \u182\'3f 2, Def.\rquote s Ex. A, ECF
No. 27\u8211\'3f2.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
On June 28, 2009, Beckwith went to the lower level of the hotel lobby to use the
restroom. Upon reaching the lower level, he encountered Anthony Lopez
(\u8220\'3fLopez\u8221\'3f), who approached and began a conversation with Beckwith,
walking alongside him toward the men\rquote s restroom.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Connor Beckwith Dep. at 10:12\u8211\'3f15, 11:4\u8211\'3f16, 12:11\u8211\'3f13,
13:9\u8211\'3f20, Def.\rquote s Ex. B, ECF No. 27\u8211\'3f3. Just outside the
restroom door, Lopez touched Beckwith on the crotch.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 13:21\u8211\'3f14:3. Beckwith said nothing, entered the restroom, and went into
a stall.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 14:12\u8211\'3f22, 15:15\u8211\'3f17. Lopez followed him into the stall and
again touched him on the crotch.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 15:10\u8211\'3f16:11. Beckwith then told Lopez to leave, and Lopez complied.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 16:11\u8211\'3f13. After using the restroom and returning upstairs, Beckwith
reported the incident to his parents, and his father immediately alerted the
hotel\rquote s front desk.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
id.
}
}
at 16:14\u8211\'3f15; Brian Beckwith Dep. at 16:5\u8211\'3f9, 17:21\u8211\'3f18:2,
Def.\rquote s Ex. C, ECF No. 27\u8211\'3f4. The hotel\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
director, having reviewed
}
security
}
}
}
camera footage, found Lopez dining in the hotel\rquote s restaurant.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Kia Decl. \u182\'3f\u182\'3f 13\u8211\'3f15, Def.\rquote s Ex. A. After Beckwith
identified Lopez to the police, Lopez was arrested.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Connor Beckwith Dep. at 20:1\u8211\'3f4, 23:8\u8211\'3f12, Def.\rquote s Ex. B.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
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{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
At the time of the assault, the hotel had numerous
}
security
}
}
}
cameras in place, including one in the lower level of the lobby. Kia Decl.
\u182\'3f 8, Def.\rquote s Ex. A. The camera in the lower level captured the
hallway near the men\rquote s restroom, but the restroom door was slightly off
camera.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Id.
}
}
\u182\'3f 9. On the day of the assault, the hotel\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
director was the only member of the
}
security
}
}
}
staff on duty.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Id.
}
}
\u182\'3f\u182\'3f 10\u8211\'3f11; Street Dep. at 64:14\u8211\'3f19, Def.\rquote s
Ex. D, ECF No. 27\u8211\'3f5. From 2007 to 2009, there were 542 violent crimes and
4,171 property crimes within a half-mile radius of the hotel. Street Decl.
\u182\'3f 5, Pl.\rquote s Ex. A, ECF No. 28\u8211\'3f1.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*258
}
}
Beckwith subsequently filed a one-count complaint in this Court, alleging that
Interstate\rquote s negligence in maintaining
}
security
}
}
}
at the hotel and in responding to the assault caused him physical and emotional
injuries.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See generally
}
}
Compl.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_footnoteReference_B00012035558620_ID0}{\*\bkmkend
co_footnoteReference_B00012035558620_ID0}
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_footnote_B00012035558620_1" }{\fldrslt
1
}}}
}
Interstate moved for summary judgment on the basis that Beckwith\rquote s evidence
is insufficient to establish the duty, breach of a standard of care, or proximate
causation required to sustain a negligence claim.
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See generally
}
}
Def.\rquote s Mot. Summ. J., ECF No. 27.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
III. LEGAL STANDARD
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
A court may grant summary judgment when \u8220\'3fthe movant shows that there is no
genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a
matter of law.\u8221\'3f
}
findType=L&pubNum=1000600&cite=USFRCPR56&originatingDoc=I88de2710c29a11e4abc6824ff9
7c1493&refType=LQ&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=Docu
Fed.R. Civ. P. 56(a)
}}}
. A party moving for summary judgment bears the \u8220\'3finitial
responsibility\u8221\'3f of demonstrating \u8220\'3fthe absence of a genuine issue
of material fact.\u8221\'3f
}
ff97c1493&refType=RP&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=D
ocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Search)" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Celotex Corp. v. Catrett,
}
}
477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986)
}}}
. In response, the non-moving party must \u8220\'3fgo beyond the
pleadings\u8221\'3f and \u8220\'3fdesignate specific facts showing that there is a
genuine issue for trial.\u8221\'3f
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 324, 106 S.Ct. 2548
}}}
(citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
IV. ANALYSIS
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[1]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_anchor_B12035558620_1}{\*\bkmkend co_anchor_B12035558620_1}
}
The parties do not dispute that the tort law of the District of Columbia governs
this diversity action. Under D.C. law, where the plaintiff alleges that the
defendant negligently failed to prevent a third party\rquote s injurious criminal
act, he must prove that the criminal act was \u8220\'3fso foreseeable that it
became [the defendant\rquote s] duty to guard against it by adhering to a
recognized standard of care, that [the defendant] breached that standard of care,
and that the failure to exercise due care proximately caused\u8221\'3f the injury.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Clement,
}
}
634 A.2d at 427
}}}
;
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
see also
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Bd. of Trs. of Univ. of Dist. of Columbia v. DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d 868, 870 (D.C.2009)
}}}
(framing elements more generally as \u8220\'3fduty, breach of that duty, and
injury proximately caused by the breach\u8221\'3f).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
A. Foreseeability
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Interstate is entitled to summary judgment because the undisputed facts do not
establish the foreseeability of the assault suffered by Beckwith, as required for
showing that Interstate had a duty to conform to a standard of care.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Clement,
}
}
634 A.2d at 427
}}}
.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[2]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[3]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
In the District of Columbia, a \u8220\'3fsliding scale\u8221\'3f analysis
determines the existence of a duty to protect a plaintiff from intervening third-
party criminal acts: The two ends of the scale are (i) the criminal act\rquote s
foreseeability and (ii) the degree to which the defendant owes a \u8220\'3fgreater
duty of protection\u8221\'3f by nature of his relationship to the plaintiff.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d at 872
}}}
(citing
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Workman v. United Methodist Committee on Relief of Gen. Bd. of Global Ministries of
the United Methodist Church,
}
}
320 F.3d 259, 264 (D.C.Cir.2003)
}}}
). In the absence of a protective relationship, the plaintiff must make a
\u8220\'3fheightened showing\u8221\'3f of the criminal act\rquote s foreseeability
to establish a duty.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}}}
Conversely, a relationship \u8220\'3fentailing a greater duty of
protection\u8221\'3f lightens the plaintiff\rquote s burden to show foreseeability.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
2
}}}
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
The parties do not dispute the \u8220\'3fsliding scale\u8221\'3f formulation.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Pl.\rquote s Mem. Resp.
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*259
}
}
5, ECF No. 28 (citing
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo
}
}}}
\lquote s \u8220\'3fsliding scale\u8221\'3f test); Def.\rquote s Mem. Supp. Mot.
Summ. J. 8\u8211\'3f9 (discussing
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo
}
}}}
at length). They part ways, however, over whether a special protective
relationship is lacking in this case. Although the fact that Beckwith was a guest
at the hotel is undisputed,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
see
}
}
Def.\rquote s Mem. Supp. Mot. Summ. J. 3, neither the D.C. Court of Appeals nor
any federal court in this Circuit has squarely addressed liability for third-party
criminal acts in the context of an innkeeper-guest relationship. If the innkeeper-
guest relationship were one \u8220\'3fentailing a greater duty of
protection,\u8221\'3f then Beckwith would not need to make a \u8220\'3fheightened
showing\u8221\'3f of the assault\rquote s foreseeability.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d at 872
}}}
.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[4]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[5]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
This Court concludes that Interstate did owe Beckwith a \u8220\'3fgreater duty of
protection\u8221\'3f by virtue of their innkeeper-guest relationship,
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d at 872
}}}
, taking guidance from the D.C. Circuit\rquote s reasoning in
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Kline v. 1500 Massachusetts Ave. Apartment Corp.,
}
}
439 F.2d 477 (D.C.Cir.1970)
}}}
. In that case, Kline was assaulted by an intruder in a common hallway of her
apartment, where a similar attack had occurred two months earlier following a
decline in
}
security
}
}
}
conditions over several years.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 478\u8211\'3f80
}}}
. In concluding that Kline\rquote s landlord had a duty to protect her from
foreseeable criminal acts, the court drew parallels between the landlord-tenant
relationship in a modern urban apartment building and the innkeeper-guest
relationship at common law.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 482\u8211\'3f85
}}}
. The court concluded that for both relationships,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
3
}}}
}
the \u8220\'3ftheory of liability is essentially the same\u8221\'3f:
\par
}
}
{\li200 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li200 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li1000 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri800 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li1000 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri800 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[S]ince the ability of one of the parties to provide for his own protection has
been limited in some way by his submission to the control of the other, a duty
should be imposed upon the one possessing control (and thus the power to act) to
take reasonable precautions to protect the other one from assaults by third parties
which, at least, could reasonably have been anticipated.
\par
}
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 483
}}}
. Applying this reasoning, this Court finds that because a hotel guest\rquote s
ability to protect himself from a criminal assault in the hotel \u8220\'3fhas been
limited in some way by his submission to the control of\u8221\'3f the hotel
management company,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
id.
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
,
}
}}}
the innkeeper-guest relationship \u8220\'3fentail[s] a greater duty of
protection,\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d at 872
}}}
. In light of this duty to protect, Beckwith need not make a \u8220\'3fheightened
showing\u8221\'3f of foreseeability under the \u8220\'3fsliding scale\u8221\'3f
test.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
4
}}}
\sb200
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[6]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*260
}
}
Although Beckwith\rquote s burden to establish foreseeability is lightened, he
still must make
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
some showing
}
}
that the assault was foreseeable.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d at 872
}}}
(articulating sliding scale test). As
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Kline
}
}}}
teaches, even the plaintiff-guest must establish the foreseeability of the
injurious criminal act that the defendant-innkeeper allegedly negligently failed to
prevent.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Kline,
}
}
439 F.2d at 482
}}}
(\u8220\'3f[T]he innkeeper is generally bound to exercise reasonable care to
protect the guest from abuse or molestation by third parties ...
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
if the attack could, or in the exercise of reasonable care, should have been
anticipated
}
}
.\u8221\'3f (emphasis added)). The D.C. Court of Appeals, likewise, has repeatedly
required a showing of foreseeability, notwithstanding a stronger protective
relationship between plaintiff and defendant.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See, e.g.,
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
WMATA v.
}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
O\rquote Neill,
}
}
633 A.2d 834, 840 (D.C.1993)
}}}
(\u8220\'3fBut where a special relationship exists, such as between a common
carrier and its passengers, the carrier undeniably has a duty to protect its
passengers from
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
foreseeable
}
}
harm arising from criminal conduct of others.\u8221\'3f (emphasis added));
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Graham v. M & J Corp.,
}
}
424 A.2d 103, 105 (D.C.1980)
}}}
( \u8220\'3f
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Foreseeability
}
}
is the key element establishing the landlord\rquote s duty [to maintain the safety
of common areas under his control].\u8221\'3f (emphasis added));
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Spar v. Obwoya,
}
}
369 A.2d 173, 177 (D.C.1977)
}}}
(upholding trial court determination that landlords had duty to maintain safety of
common area, given that they were \u8220\'3fon
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
notice of the likelihood
}
}
of unauthorized entry into the building by persons with criminal intent\u8221\'3f
(emphasis added)).
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
5
}}}
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[7]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
Here, Beckwith has not proffered adequate evidence of the assault\rquote s
foreseeability. Beckwith relies exclusively on these crime statistics: From 2007 to
2009, 542 violent crimes and 4,171 property crimes occurred within a half-mile
radius of the hotel. Street Decl. \u182\'3f 5, Pl.\rquote s Ex. A; Pl.\rquote s
Mem. Resp. 6.
}
On the basis of these figures, Beckwith asks the Court to conclude that
\u8220\'3fit was foreseeable that an intruder would come on the premises.\u8221\'3f
Pl.\rquote s Mem. Resp. 6\u8211\'3f7.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
6
}}}
}
But if these crime statistics alone were enough to establish the assault\rquote s
foreseeability, any assault in any
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*261
}
}
area with a non-negligible crime rate\u8212\'3fpresumably many densely populated
metropolitan areas\u8212\'3fwould likewise be foreseeable. This is not the law.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Kline,
}
}
439 F.2d at 483
}}}
(distinguishing between \u8220\'3fpossible\u8221\'3f crimes, which are ubiquitous
and innumerable, and those crimes that are \u8220\'3fforeseeable\u8221\'3f under
the law\u8212\'3fthose that are both \u8220\'3fprobable and predictable\u8221\'3f).
Even assuming that the crime rate cited by Beckwith was extraordinarily high (there
is no evidence to this effect), and that an assault by an intruder was foreseeable,
the Court finds no evidence suggesting that Lopez was actually an intruder. To the
contrary, the fact that the
}
security
}
}
}
director found Lopez dining in the hotel\rquote s restaurant following the assault
suggests that he was an invitee of the hotel.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Kia Decl. \u182\'3f\u182\'3f 13\u8211\'3f15, Def.\rquote s Ex. A;
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
cf.
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Shadday v. Omni Hotels Mgmt. Corp.,
}
}
477 F.3d 511, 516 (7th Cir.2007)
}}}
(\u8220\'3fAt most, ... crime conditions in the [hotel\rquote s] neighborhood are
relevant to the risk of a criminal intrusion into the hotel, not to the risk posed
by one hotel guest to another.\u8221\'3f).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Beckwith correctly \u8220\'3fconcedes that there is no specific history or pattern
of sexual assaults in the hotel.\u8221\'3f Pl.\rquote s Mem. Resp. 6. Only one
other assault occurred in the hotel between 2007 and 2009\u8212\'3fa December 2008
incident in which a male guest grabbed and slapped a female member of the
hotel\rquote s housekeeping staff while she was cleaning his room. Incident Report,
Def.\rquote s Ex. E, ECF No. 27\u8211\'3f6. All other crimes within the hotel were
non-violent room thefts.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Street Dep. at 55:12\u8211\'3f59:21, Def.\rquote s Ex. D. In
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Obwoya,
}
}}}
the D.C. Court of Appeals determined that a
}
robbery
}
}
}
and shooting in an apartment\rquote s common hallway was rendered foreseeable
by \u8220\'3fsufficiently related\u8221\'3f evidence of one prior assault in the
same hallway, burglaries of apartment units by force from the hallway, and the
presence of \u8220\'3funauthorized persons\u8221\'3f in the apartment.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Obwoya,
}
}
369 A.2d at 177
}}}
. The landlord had been placed \u8220\'3fon notice\u8221\'3f; the prior incidents
and vulnerabilities made \u8220\'3fthe possibility of harm [to the tenant] ...
clear to the ordinary prudent eye.\u8221\'3f
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}}}
;
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
see also
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Graham,
}
}
424 A.2d at 106
}}}
(holding that \u8220\'3fminor acts of trespass and vandalism,\u8221\'3f
\u8220\'3fneighborhood ... high in criminal activity,\u8221\'3f frequent past
complaints about a faulty outer door lock, and a previous attempted
}
robbery
}
}
}
created a \u8220\'3ftriable issue of fact as to whether the danger of a criminal
assault by means of arson\u8221\'3f was foreseeable). By contrast, Beckwith has
presented no \u8220\'3fsufficiently related\u8221\'3f evidence that put Interstate
on notice of the risk of sexual assault in the lower level of the lobby.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Obwoya,
}
}
369 A.2d at 177
}}}
.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
7
}}}
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
The Court certainly does not hold that the attack on Beckwith was necessarily
unforeseeable merely by virtue of its location or the fact that another guest was
the perpetrator. Nor must Beckwith show that Interstate had prior \u8220\'3fnotice
of the particular method\u8221\'3f of his assault.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}}}
Rather, the Court concludes only that Beckwith had the burden to proffer evidence
of the assault\rquote s foreseeability, and the surrounding area\rquote s crime
rate and unrelated past incidents in the hotel simply do not suffice.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Cf.
}
}
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*262
}
}
}
ff97c1493&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_506_51&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1
.0&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Search)#co_pp_sp_506_51" }{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Woods\u8211\'3fLeber v. Hyatt
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Hotels of Puerto Rico, Inc.,
}
}
124 F.3d 47, 51 (1st Cir.1997)
}}}
(\u8220\'3fWe do not mean to imply that, merely because a rabid mongoose had never
before invaded the premises and bitten a guest, the attack could not have been
foreseen
}
.... But here, the plaintiff offered no evidence to support a finding of
foreseeability....\u8221\'3f).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
In the end, Beckwith wants this Court to impute the assault\rquote s foreseeability
to Interstate without determining whether the evidence actually establishes
foreseeability under the \u8220\'3fsliding scale\u8221\'3f test.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Pl.\rquote s Mem. Resp. 6 (\u8220\'3fInterstate should be charged with a
heightened level of foreseeability....\u8221\'3f) This the Court cannot do.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Workman,
}
}
320 F.3d at 265
}}}
(\u8220\'3fSitting in diversity, ... our task is to apply the law of the District
of Columbia as its own courts would apply it....\u8221\'3f). Because
Beckwith\rquote s evidence does not establish the assault\rquote s foreseeability,
he cannot show that Interstate owed him a duty to prevent the assault by adhering
to a standard of care.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Clement,
}
}
634 A.2d at 427
}}}
. Thus, his negligence claim cannot survive summary judgment.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
B. Standard of Care
\par
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
In the alternative, even if the assault were foreseeable, summary judgment would be
appropriate because Beckwith\rquote s evidence does not establish the requisite
standard of care.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Clement,
}
}
634 A.2d at 429\u8211\'3f30
}}}
(citing insufficient standard-of-care evidence, rather than lack of
foreseeability, as basis for affirming grant of summary judgment to defendant)
(Schwelb, J., concurring).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[8]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[9]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[10]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[11]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[12]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
Lack of evidence sufficient to establish a standard of care is \u8220\'3ffatal to a
negligence claim\u8221\'3f under D.C. law.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Briggs v. WMATA,
}
}
481 F.3d 839, 841 (D.C.Cir.2007)
}}}
(citation omitted). Where \u8220\'3fthe defendant is alleged to have failed to
protect the plaintiff from harm, the expert must \u8216\'3fclearly articulate and
reference a standard of care by which the defendant\rquote s actions can be
}
measured
}
}
}
.\u8217\'3f \u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Varner v. District of Columbia,
}
}
891 A.2d 260, 269 (D.C.2006)
}}}
(citation and emphasis omitted). Moreover, \u8220\'3f[a]n expert may not rely upon
a general duty of care to establish an objective standard requiring specific
conduct.\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 273
}}}
(faulting plaintiff\rquote s expert, who cited university\rquote s general duty to
protect its students, for failure to \u8220\'3fidentify any specific standard of
care\u8221\'3f requiring university to share certain information with police during
a homicide investigation, which information might have prevented the second
homicide underlying plaintiff\rquote s action). Nor may the plaintiff rely on
\u8220\'3f[a]n expert\rquote s own conclusory opinion ... without any showing that
the proffered standard has been promulgated or is generally known....\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Briggs,
}
}
481 F.3d at 847
}}}
(internal citations, alterations, and quotation marks omitted). Similarly, the
expert\rquote s opinion \u8220\'3fas to what he or she would do under similar
circumstances\u8221\'3f cannot suffice to establish a standard of care.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 846
}}}
(quoting
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Clark v. District of Columbia,
}
}
708 A.2d 632, 635 (D.C.1997)
}}}
).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[13]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
To establish the applicable standard of care, Beckwith proffers the expert
testimony of Andre Street, a Baltimore hotel\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
director.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Street Decl. \u182\'3f 1, Pl.\rquote s Ex. A. In his deposition, Street explained
that there are no mandatory national standards concerning hotel
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Street Dep. 41:3\u8211\'3f18, Def.\rquote s Ex. D. Nor, according to Street, does
any government entity regulate a hotel\rquote s placement of
}
security
}
}
}
cameras or the number or location of its
}
security
}
}
}
guards.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
Id.
}
}
at 42:3\u8211\'3f5. But turning to his \u8220\'3fhonest opinion[s]\u8221\'3f of
the hotel in this case, Street claimed that \u8220\'3fone [
}
security
}
}
}
officer on duty] is definitely
}
inadequate
}
}
}
\u8221\'3f for securing the hotel,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
id.
}
}
at 64:14\u8211\'3f19, that a
}
security
}
}
}
guard should have patrolled the lower level lobby restroom area \u8220\'3fat least
a couple times an hour,\u8221\'3f and that someone should have been
}
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*263
}
}
monitoring the
}
security
}
}
}
cameras constantly,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
id.
}
}
at 66:1\u8211\'3f6.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
8
}}}
}
His declaration also clarified his deposition statements: Although there are no
\u8220\'3fstatutes,\u8221\'3f \u8220\'3fordinances,\u8221\'3f \u8220\'3fwritten
laws,\u8221\'3f or \u8220\'3fregulations\u8221\'3f bearing on hotel
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
, there were hospitality industry \u8220\'3fbest practices\u8221\'3f and
\u8220\'3fmany articles by
}
security
}
}
}
experts\u8221\'3f that articulate \u8220\'3fcertain minimum standards that a
prudent head of
}
security
}
}
}
should follow.\u8221\'3f Street Decl. \u182\'3f\u182\'3f 3, 4, Pl.\rquote s Ex. A.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[14]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
None of Street\rquote s statements \u8220\'3fclearly articulate and reference a
standard of care by which [Interstate\rquote s] actions can be
}
measured
}
}
}
.\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Varner,
}
}
891 A.2d at 269
}}}
(citation and emphasis omitted). His vague, passing references to \u8220\'3fbest
practices,\u8221\'3f \u8220\'3farticles by
}
security
}
}
}
experts,\u8221\'3f and \u8220\'3fcertain minimum standards,\u8221\'3f shed no
light on the substantive
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
content
}
}
of any standard of care. Street Decl. \u182\'3f\u182\'3f 3, 4, Pl.\rquote s Ex. A.
Without more, these \u8220\'3fgeneralized references\u8221\'3f to industry
standards cannot suffice.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Briggs,
}
}
481 F.3d at 846
}}}
.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
9
}}}
}
Moreover, Street concedes that there are no uniform national standards governing
hotel
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Street Dep. 41:3\u8211\'3f18, Def.\rquote s Ex. D. Likewise, he does not point to
any \u8220\'3fobjective standard requiring specific conduct\u8221\'3f pertaining to
the placement or monitoring of
}
security
}
}
}
cameras or the deployment of
}
security
}
}
}
staff.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Varner,
}
}
891 A.2d at 273
}}}
;
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
see also
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Briggs,
}
}
481 F.3d at 847\u8211\'3f48
}}}
(rejecting, in a wrongful
}
death
}
}
}
suit alleging the negligent failure to adequately illuminate and ensure visibility
of area around a subway station, the adequacy of a general
}
security
}
}
}
design concept promoting increased visibility as standard-of-care evidence, and
concluding that the plaintiff\rquote s expert cited \u8220\'3fno national
}
security
}
}
}
standard for lighting\u8221\'3f or \u8220\'3fthe appropriate timing for the
removal of construction fencing\u8221\'3f).
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
10
}}}
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Beckwith relies, however, on Street\rquote s claim that the major hotel chains
operating in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas have fairly uniform
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
procedural
}
}
policies requiring that the design of each hotel\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
infrastructure be informed by an assessment of its unique attributes and
vulnerabilities.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Street Dep. at 42:12\u8211\'3f43:21, 50:16\u8211\'3f21, Def.\rquote s Ex. D;
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
see also
}
}
Pl.\rquote s Mem. Resp. 8 (contending that Street testified to the practice of
placing
}
security
}
}
}
cameras \u8220\'3fafter an assessment of the property to determine where
vulnerabilities exist\u8221\'3f). The complaint appears to make out a claim that
Interstate did not adhere to these procedures, alleging that it \u8220\'3f[f]ailed
to provide
}
security
}
}
}
in accordance with custom and practice in the industry including the inability to
understand and anticipate the level of crime within a several mile radius of the
hotel and the number of registered sex offenders living in the vicinity in June
2009.\u8221\'3f Compl. \u182\'3f 22(e).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
To the extent that Beckwith invokes this \u8220\'3fprocedural\u8221\'3f standard of
care, his claim would still not survive summary judgment. First, Street\rquote s
experience with hotels in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas cannot be the
basis of a \u8220\'3fnationally recognized\u8221\'3f
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
*264
}
}
standard of care.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Briggs,
}
}
481 F.3d at 846
}}}
(quoting
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Clark,
}
}
708 A.2d at 635
}}}
). Second, Street\rquote s testimony was limited to the practices of
\u8220\'3fmajor chain[s],\u8221\'3f and there is no evidence that those entities
alone can define the national standard of care for the hospitality industry as a
whole. Street Dep. at 42: 9\u8211\'3f11, 45:13\u8211\'3f46:4, Def.\rquote s Ex. D;
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
cf.
}
}
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Moltner v. Starbucks Coffee Co.,
}
}
No. 08 CIV. 9257 (LAP), 2009 WL 3573190, at *9 (S.D.N.Y. Oct. 23, 2009)
}}}
,
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
aff\rquote d,
}
}
}
399 Fed.Appx. 630 (2d Cir.2010)
}}}
(finding insufficient evidence on metropolitan New York coffee or tea shops\rquote
standard of care in serving hot beverages, where expert was familiar \u8220\'3fonly
with major fast-food chains\u8221\'3f).
}
Lastly, even assuming (without deciding) that Beckwith\rquote s evidence shows
that a national standard of care required Interstate to follow certain procedures
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
when it designed the hotel\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
,
}
}
the Court finds no evidence supporting Beckwith\rquote s allegations that
Interstate failed to adhere to those procedures, and to survive summary judgment,
he must \u8220\'3fgo beyond the pleadings.\u8221\'3f
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Celotex,
}
}
477 U.S. at 324, 106 S.Ct. 2548
}}}
(citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
[15]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
}
[16]
}}}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i0
}
In the end, Street offers only his own \u8220\'3fopinion\u8221\'3f that
Interstate\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
were
}
inadequate
}
}
}
in various ways\u8212\'3fthat it should have had more on-duty
}
security
}
}
}
officers, more patrols, and more monitoring of cameras.
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Street Dep. at 64:14\u8211\'3f19, 66:1\u8211\'3f6, Def.\rquote s Ex. D; Street
Decl. \u182\'3f 6, Pl.\rquote s Ex. A. But standing alone, \u8220\'3f[a]n
expert\rquote s own conclusory opinion,\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Briggs,
}
}
481 F.3d at 847
}}}
(citation and internal quotation marks omitted), \u8220\'3fas to what he or she
would do under similar circumstances,\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
id.
}
}
at 846
}}}
(citation omitted), cannot save Beckwith from summary judgment. Because
}
inadequate
}
}
}
standard-of-care evidence is \u8220\'3ffatal\u8221\'3f to Beckwith\rquote s
negligence claim, the Court would grant summary judgment to Interstate even under
the
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i1
arguendo
}
}
assumption that the assault was foreseeable.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf5 \i1
Briggs,
}
}
481 F.3d at 841
}}}
(citation omitted).
}
{\f2 \b0 \fs16 \cf1 \i0
11
}}}
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
\par
{\li0 \f2 \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \qc \i0
{\f2 \b0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
V. CONCLUSION
\par
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
For the foregoing reasons, Interstate\rquote s motion for summary judgment (ECF No.
27) is
}
{\f2 \b1 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
GRANTED
}
}
. An Order consistent with this Memorandum Opinion is separately and
contemporaneously issued.
\par
}
}
}
\u160\'3f
\par
}
}
}
}
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b1 \ri0 \fs20 \cf18 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_allCitations_1}{\*\bkmkend co_allCitations_1}
All Citations
\par
}
}
82 F.Supp.3d 255
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f2 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
}
}
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \par}\sect\sbknone\pgncont\cols1{\ids0 \i0 {
\clpadl200 \clpadfl3 \clbrdrt \clbrdrl \trql \clwWidth10080 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs20 \cf1 \i0
Footnotes
\par
}
}
}\f5 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \sa0 \ql \sb0 \fs20 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \row }
\clbrdrl \trql \clvertalt \clwWidth600 \cellx600
\clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth9480 \cellx10080
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\*\bkmkstart co_footnote_B00012035558620_1}{\*\bkmkend
co_footnote_B00012035558620_1}
{\field {\*\fldinst HYPERLINK "#co_footnoteReference_B00012035558620_ID0" }
{\fldrslt
1
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Although the original complaint named several entities as defendants, the Court
subsequently granted a consent motion to substitute Interstate for the original
defendants.
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Consent Order, ECF No. 6 (Mar. 28, 2014).
\par
}
}
}
}
}\f5 \li0 \strike0 \ul0 \b0 \qj \sa0 \sb0 \fs18 \ri0 \cf1 \i0 \intbl \cell \row }
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
co_footnote_B00022035558620_1}
{\fldrslt
2
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
After endorsing the \u8220\'3fsliding scale\u8221\'3f formulation of the D.C.
Circuit, however, the
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo
}
court explained that \u8220\'3feven if the [defendant-plaintiff] relationship here
did entail a greater duty of protection, we find that to hold [defendant]
liable ... would still require a heightened showing of foreseeability greater than
the DiSalvos\rquote showing here.\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d at 872
. This Court need not consider the impact of this dictum: As explained below, even
under an ordinary foreseeability standard, Beckwith cannot prevail.
\par
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
co_footnote_B00032035558620_1}
{\fldrslt
3
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
While focusing on the innkeeper-guest relationship, the
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Kline
}
court suggested that its analysis would apply in other analogous relationships:
\u8220\'3femployer-employee, school district-pupil, hospital-patient, and carrier-
passenger.\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Kline,
}
}
439 F.2d at 482\u8211\'3f83
;
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
see also
}
}
}
ff97c1493&refType=TS&originationContext=document&vr=3.0&rs=cblt1.0&transitionType=D
Restatement (Second) of Torts \u167\'3f 314A(2) (1965)
(\u8220\'3fAn innkeeper is under a similar duty to his guests [as the common
carrier\rquote s duty to its passengers].\u8221\'3f).
\par
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
co_footnote_B00042035558620_1}
{\fldrslt
4
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Although not itself a decision of the D.C. Court of Appeals,
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Kline
}
is especially persuasive because it binds the D.C. Court of Appeals.
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
M.A.P. v. Ryan,
}
}
285 A.2d 310, 312 (D.C.1971)
(\u8220\'3fAs a matter of internal policy, we have adopted the rule that no
division of this court will overrule a prior decision of this court or refuse to
follow a decision of the United States Court of Appeals rendered prior to February
1, 1971, and that such result can only be accomplished by this court en
banc.\u8221\'3f);
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
accord
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Spar v. Obwoya,
}
}
369 A.2d 173, 179 n. 5 (D.C.1977)
(\u8220\'3f[
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Kline
}
] was rendered in 1970 and hence binding on this court....\u8221\'3f).
\par
}
}
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li180 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Additionally, the fact that Beckwith\rquote s injury occurred in and near the lower
level lobby restroom, as opposed to his guest room, does not weaken
Interstate\rquote s protective duty.
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
Cf.
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Banks v. Hyatt Corp.,
}
}
722 F.2d 214, 219 (5th Cir.1984)
(explaining, in a case where defendant argued that a building owner had no duty to
prevent a criminal assault occurring on \u8220\'3fa public sidewalk outside the
building,\u8221\'3f that
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Kline
}
found liability for assault in a common hallway, and that there were accordingly
no \u8220\'3fphysical limitations on a landlord\rquote s duty of care to his
tenants,\u8221\'3f but rather \u8220\'3fan affirmative duty to take precautionary
}
measures
}
}
}
in areas within the landlord\rquote s control\u8221\'3f). Even assuming
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
arguendo
}
}
that Interstate had a weaker duty to protect Beckwith given the location of this
particular assault, the Court\rquote s analysis would be unchanged. Under
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo
}
\lquote s sliding scale test, a weaker protective duty would require a
correspondingly heightened showing of foreseeability.
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
DiSalvo,
}
}
974 A.2d at 872
. Here, the Court holds that even under an ordinary foreseeability standard,
Beckwith\rquote s evidence is insufficient.
\par
}
}
}
}
}
}\f5 \ul0 \qj \b0 \chcbpat2 \ri0 \i0 \li180 \strike0 \sa0 \sb0 \fs18 \cf1 \intbl
\cell \row }
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
co_footnote_B00052035558620_1}
{\fldrslt
5
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Applying D.C. law in a diversity action involving a guest-on-guest attack in a
luxury hotel, a panel of the Seventh Circuit criticized as \u8220\'3flegal mumbo-
jumbo\u8221\'3f the rule that a \u8220\'3fheightened foreseeability\u8221\'3f
requirement attaches in cases involving an intervening criminal act, instead opting
for the \u8220\'3fpractical question\u8221\'3f of \u8220\'3fwhether the defendant
knows or should know that the risk is great enough, in relation to the cost of
averting it, to warrant the defendant\rquote s incurring the cost.\u8221\'3f
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Shadday v. Omni Hotels Mgmt. Corp.,
}
}
477 F.3d 511, 513 (7th Cir.2007)
(Posner, J.). By its distinctive approach, the
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Shadday
}
panel reached the same outcome as this Court, reasoning that \u8220\'3f[u]nder any
standard\u8221\'3f of foreseeability,
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
id.
}
}
at 514
\u8212\'3fheightened or not\u8212\'3fthe plaintiff \u8220\'3ffailed to present
enough evidence\u8221\'3f that the defendant was negligent,
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
id.
}
}
at 518
.
\par
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
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{\fldrslt
6
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
The complaint alleges that these reported crimes include offenses of a sexual
nature.
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
Compl. \u182\'3f 22(b). Nothing in the record substantiates this allegation.
\par
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
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{\fldrslt
7
\par
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}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Beckwith\rquote s expert testimony about
}
inadequate
}
}
}
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
primarily bears on the standard of care, as discussed below. Here, the Court notes
that this testimony cannot establish foreseeability: Even if the hotel\rquote s
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
were
}
inadequate
}
}
}
, there is no evidence that the hotel had notice of any \u8220\'3ffailed
}
security
}
}
}
}
measures
}
}
}
\u8221\'3f that were immediately \u8220\'3fthreatening\u8221\'3f the safety of its
guests.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Bruno v. W. Union Fin. Servs., Inc.,
}
}
973 A.2d 713, 721 (D.C.2009)
(distinguishing \u8220\'3ffar more threatening\u8221\'3f signs of a
\u8220\'3fbroken gate and broken doors\u8221\'3f at a school where a student was
abducted and raped, from mere \u8220\'3fspeculat[ion] [about] whether
}
security
}
}
}
cameras would have provided the deterrent effect necessary to prevent\u8221\'3f a
gas station assault).
\par
}
}
}
}
\cell \row }
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
co_footnote_B00082035558620_1}
{\fldrslt
8
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Similarly, in his declaration, Street claimed that \u8220\'3fin [his]
opinion,\u8221\'3f Interstate should have deployed \u8220\'3fmore frequent
}
security
}
}
}
patrols and should have had someone monitoring the close[d] circuit television
system at all times.\u8221\'3f Street Decl. \u182\'3f 6, Pl.\rquote s Ex. A.
\par
}
}
}
}
\cell \row }
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \b0 \ql \ri0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
{\f5 \b0 \fs24 \cf1 \i0
co_footnote_B00092035558620_1}
{\fldrslt
9
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Even if Street had elaborated, \u8220\'3fbest practices\u8221\'3f in particular
could not constitute the standard of care, given that under D.C. law,
\u8220\'3f[a]spirational\u8221\'3f industry standards cannot suffice.
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Briggs,
}
}
481 F.3d at 848
(quoting
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Varner,
}
}
891 A.2d at 272
).
\par
}
}
}
}
\intbl
{\li0 \ri0
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{\fldrslt
10
\par
}
}
{\li0 \ri0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Beckwith further contends that the law does not require standards of care to be
\u8220\'3fwritten.\u8221\'3f Pl.\rquote s Mem. Resp. 9\u8211\'3f10. But the Court
does not hold that the standard of care must be written, given that Street\rquote s
testimony does not establish
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
any
}
}
applicable standard of care\u8212\'3fwritten or not.
\par
}
}
}
}
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\clbrdrb \clbrdrr \trql \clwWidth9480 \cellx10080
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{\fldrslt
11
\par
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{\li0 \ri0
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{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
{\li0 \f5 \qj \b0 \ri0 \fs18 \cf1 \i0
Because the Court finds deficient Beckwith\rquote s evidence of foreseeability and
standard of care, it need not decide whether his evidence can establish proximate
causation.
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Clement,
}
}
634 A.2d at 427
. The Court observes, however, that proximate causation also hinges on
foreseeability.
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
See
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Workman,
}
}
320 F.3d at 265
. Besides foreseeability, proximate causation also requires causation-in-fact,
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
see
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Smith v. District of Columbia,
}
}
413 F.3d 86, 102\u8211\'3f103 (D.C.Cir.2005)
, and here, there is no evidence, beyond Street\rquote s speculation, that the
assault would have been averted but for Interstate\rquote s alleged negligence,
}
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf1 \i1
cf.
}
}
}
{\fldrslt
{\f5 \b0 \fs18 \cf5 \i1
Shadday,
}
}
477 F.3d at 516
(\u8220\'3fHad there been a
}
security
}
}
}
camera [inside the elevator], the rape would have been completed long before a
guard, alerted by what the camera showed, would have arrived on the
scene....\u8221\'3f); Street Dep. at 72:5\u8211\'3f8, Def.\rquote s Ex. D
(\u8220\'3fI feel strongly had the patrol been there and been adequate enough, it
would have strongly probably would have [sic] persuaded Mr. Lopez from committing
the act that he did.\u8221\'3f).
\par
}
}
}
}
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End of Document
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\u169\'3f 2017 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
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}\sect }

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