Morrison-Knudsen Co. v. Hite Crane & Rigging, Inc.

Morrison-Knudsen Co., Inc. (M-K) appeals a judgment in favor of Hite Crane & Rigging, Inc. (Hite) on a debt owed by United Pre-Cast Concrete Co. (United) because of M-K's oral promise to Hite to pay that debt. Hite cross-appeals the trial court's adverse ruling against its chattel lien claim and request for attorney's fees and costs.

In February 1979, Deaconess Hospital hired M-K as general contractor for a construction project. United was awarded the fabrication contract for the architectural precast concrete panels. United was owned by another corporation which, by summer of 1980, was wholly…