Opinion
C.A. No.: S13C-07-022 RFS
11-07-2014
RE: A.P. Croll & Son, Inc., a Delaware Corporation v. Clark's General Contractors, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
Dean A. Campbell, Esquire Law Office of Dean A. Campbell, LLC P.O. Box 568 20175 Office Circle Georgetown, DE 19947 Jeffrey J. Clark, Esquire Schmittinger & Rodriguez, P.A. P.O. Box 497 414 South State Street Dover, DE 19903-0497
RICHARD F. STOKES JUDGE Dean A. Campbell, Esquire
Law Office of Dean A. Campbell, LLC
P.O. Box 568
20175 Office Circle
Georgetown, DE 19947
Jeffrey J. Clark, Esquire
Schmittinger & Rodriguez, P.A.
P.O. Box 497
414 South State Street
Dover, DE 19903-0497
Dear Counsel:
The Motion for Summary Judgment filed by Plaintiff is denied. Material facts are disputed, and judgment cannot be entered as a matter of law.
The verified answer provides support for material issues in dispute that preclude summary judgment. There are details set forth in the verified answer and the accompanying affidavit and documents that show potential timely responses to demand(s), possible back charges, and plausible deductible payments to reduce Plaintiff's claim. Perhaps, the information in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the verified answer should have been displayed differently to demonstrate a set off response. However, sufficient notice was evident for modern pleading purposes. Plaintiff knew these matters were in play and maintained the action. There is no waiver, and Defendant may present evidence about the alleged deductions pled in paragraphs 7 and 8.
The trial issues concern the scope of work, the course of performance between the parties, the demand for releases of liens before payment, the timeliness of objections to demand(s) and the applicability of the Construction Prompt Payment Act (Act) under 6 Del.C. § 3506. Questions may arise concerning reciprocal obligations of good faith and fair dealing. Should the Act apply, the question of good faith is factually driven concerning alleged overdue payments. DDP Roofing Services v. Indian River School District, 2010 WL 4657161 (Del.Super. Ct 2010); on reargument 2011 WL 61646; Rodman Const. Co., Inc., v. BPG Prudential Partners V, LLC, 2013 WL 656176 (Del.Super., 2013).
Plaintiff contends that Defendant's default in answering requests of admissions within the normal thirty day period requires the granting of summary judgment. This is not correct. The Court's Order of July 18, 2014 permitted the later filing of responses. There was good cause to give relief given the health problems of the defense counsel and other reasons that required Mr. Clark to assume the defense. Default admissions are never appropriate for summary judgment on ultimate issues. R.C. Fabricators, Inc. v. West Dover Professional Park, LLC 2009 WL 5177150 (Del.Super., 2009). Nor has Defendant suffered any prejudice.
At trial, the parties should be prepared to argue whether the Act includes demolition projects. This is an unresolved legal question. Trial will start at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. By close of business Monday, November 17, the parties shall submit a letter memorandum of no more than two pages on the application of the Act. If more than one day is required for trial please notify Alan Barraclough, our civil case manager, immediately.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Richard F. Stokes
Richard F. Stokes cc: Prothonotary
Alan Barraclough, Civil Dept.