Contract Interpretation

Breach of Contract, Construction Law, Contract Interpretation

Blackmon Mooring v. St. Edward’s University — Third Court Reverses Summary Judgment, Holds Parol Evidence Cannot Transform Cost Estimate into Price Cap

automatic / June 7, 2026

The Third Court of Appeals reversed summary judgment for St. Edward's University, holding that the parol evidence rule prohibited using pre-contract negotiations to transform a cost-plus contract's 'estimated budgetary price' into a guaranteed maximum price.

Contract Interpretation, Oil & Gas

Brown v. Endeavor Energy Resources — Eleventh Court Reverses Summary Judgment in Permian Basin ORRI Ownership Dispute

automatic / June 7, 2026

The Eleventh Court of Appeals reversed summary judgment in a Permian Basin ORRI dispute, holding that an assignment referencing an unrecorded letter agreement could not establish clear title without producing that agreement.

Texas 13th Court of Appeals, Appellate Procedure, Civil Procedure, Contract Interpretation, Insurance Coverage

In Re Germania Farm Mutual — Texas Appeals Court Compels Insurance Appraisal Despite Insurer’s Full Claim Denial

automatic / June 7, 2026

The Thirteenth Court of Appeals conditionally granted mandamus compelling appraisal in a homeowner's insurance dispute, holding that Germania's outright claim denial did not preclude appraisal and that the policyholder failed to establish waiver or prejudice from any delay in demanding the process.