Chapman v. Sparta

Plaintiff Chapman appeals the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of defendant Sparta. He argues that the court erred by characterizing his indemnity action as an attempt to obtain contribution between joint tortfeasors. We reverse and remand because material facts remain in dispute.

Chapman laid floor tiles provided by defendant in the entryway of a building Chapman constructed and now owns. In January 1992, Craig Smith slipped and fell on those tiles and was seriously injured. He sued Chapman, who settled the claim. Chapman then sued Sparta seeking indemnity, claiming that…