Third-Party Construction Subcontractor Claims Satisfy 'Qualified Transaction' Jurisdictional Test

In Cadence McShane Construction Co. v. Ryan BB Blockhouse Creek, Division 3 denied a plea to the jurisdiction challenging the Business Court's authority over third-party claims against 18 subcontractors in a $60 million apartment construction dispute. Judge Sweeten held that the subcontractor claims arose out of the same qualified transaction as the prime contract dispute and satisfied jurisdictional requirements, rejecting arguments that each defendant's claims must independently meet the amount-in-controversy threshold.