Eggleston v. Humble Pipe Line Company
Jack Eggleston, successor to Vapor Honing Company, Inc., sued Humble Pipe Line Company for breach of contract, quantum meruit, and exemplary damages, alleging interference and harassment by Humble's inspector, F. S. Parsons. Vapor Honing contended that Parsons' actions made it impossible to complete a contract for sandblasting and coating storage tanks, forcing them to terminate the work. The central issue was Vapor Honing's letter surrendering the contract, which Humble Pipe Line used as a defense of rescission and estoppel, while Eggleston claimed it was signed under duress. A jury found interference, ratification by Humble, a right to compensation for work taken over, and duress in signing the letter; however, the trial court disregarded findings on detriment and duress, rendering a take-nothing judgment. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, finding no error in disregarding the jury's findings on detriment (as detriment was established by increased costs) and duress (as the alleged threats did not constitute legal duress).