Modern Piping, Inc. v. Blackhawk Automatic Sprinklers, Inc.

SNELL, Justice.

This case involves a claim of indemnity by plaintiff subcontractor against defendant subcontractor who installed a sprinkler system. Damage occurred after the work was completed when sprinkler pipés burst. A jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant subcontractor. The trial court denied plaintiffs motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. Although the trial court erred by submitting the case for jury determination, we affirm on a separate issue of law.

I. Background Facts and Proceedings

In 1986, the Veterans Administration awarded a contract to M.A. Mortenson, a…