Commitments and Contingencies |
12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2015 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies |
Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is from time-to-time subject to various claims, other possible legal actions for product liability and other damages, and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of the Company's business. No significant claims expenses were incurred during 2015. The Metals Segment recorded claim expense from continuing operations of $115,000 and $298,000 for 2014 and 2013, respectively, for specific customers' product claims. These claim expenses exclude normal, recurring warranty charges. Any legal costs associated with commitments or contingencies are expensed as incurred.
In January 2014, a Metals Segment customer filed suit against Palmer and Synalloy and another unrelated defendant in Texas state court alleging breach of warranty, among other claims. The plaintiff’s claim for damages does not state a dollar amount. This matter arises out of products manufactured and sold by Palmer prior to the Company’s acquisition of Palmer. As such, the former shareholders of Palmer are contractually bound in the Stock Purchase Agreement to indemnify the Company for any and all costs, including attorneys’ fees, which may arise out of this matter. The case is currently pending in Texas state court.
In September 2014, a Metals Segment customer filed suit against Synalloy Fabrication, LLC (discontinued operation) and its surety in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division) alleging breach of contract, among other claims. The plaintiff's claim for damages is approximately $3,300,000 plus attorney's fees. This matter arose from a disagreement over the scope of a pipe fabrication project and whether an enforceable contract exists between the parties. On March 11, 2016, the United States District Court of Maryland (Baltimore Division) granted summary judgment regarding liability in favor of the plaintiff by ruling that an enforceable contract existed between the parties and the Company breached the agreement. As a result of this ruling, the remaining issue in the case is the amount of the plaintiff's damages. Consequently, the Company increased the estimated costs accrued associated with this claim for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase is included in the facility closing reserve discussed in Note 6 and in discontinued operations on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Other than the environmental contingencies discussed in Note 7 and the matters discussed in this Note 13, management is not currently aware of any other asserted or unasserted matters which could have a significant effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
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