Big Creek Construction, LTD. v. Jerry Steele Fagan, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of Jimmie Edward Fagan, Nikkie Marchant and Lisa Daves
Court
Court of Appeals of Texas
Decided
June 18, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Importance
44%
Practice Areas
Case Summary
Court of Appeals Tenth Appellate District of Texas 10-24-00248-CV Big Creek Construction, LTD., Appellant v. Jerry Steele Fagan, Individually and on behalf of the Estate of Jimmie Edward Fagan, Nikkie Marchant, and Lisa Daves, Appellees On appeal from the 82nd District Court of Robertson County, Texas Judge Rex Davis, presiding Trial Court Cause No. 21-01-21174-CV CHIEF JUSTICE JOHNSON delivered the opinion of the Court. MEMORANDUM OPINION Appellant, Big Creek Construction, LTD., appealed from the trial court’s interlocutory "Order Denying in Part and Granting in Part Defendant Big Creek Construction, Ltd.'s Amended Motion for No Evidence and Traditional Summary Judgment." On January 3, 2025, the Court was advised that the parties had reached a settlement and requested an abatement in order to execute the terms of the settlement. This proceeding was stayed upon the request of the parties on January 7, 2025. On May 16, 2025, by letter from the Clerk of this Court, the appellant was advised that it “must provide the Court with either a motion to dismiss or a status report within 14 days of the date of this letter or the appeal may be dismissed for want of prosecution.” Further, the appellant was notified that the failure to respond to the Clerk’s letter would constitute an independent ground for the dismissal of the appeal. No motion to dismiss or other response has been received by this Court. See TEX. R. APP. P. 42.3(b), (c). Accordingly, we dismiss this interlocutory appeal for want of prosecution. See TEX. R. APP. P. 42.3(b), (c). MATT JOHNSON Chief Justice OPINION DELIVERED and FILED: June 18, 2025 Before Chief Justice Johnson, Justice Smith, and Justice Harris Appeal dismissed CV06 Big Creek Construction, LTD. v. Fagan Page 2
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Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 18, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
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Case Summary
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Case Overview
Case Name: Big Creek Construction, LTD. v. Jerry Steele Fagan, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of Jimmie Edward Fagan, Nikkie Marchant and Lisa Daves
Court: Court of Appeals of Texas
Date: June 18, 2025
Citation: 10-24-00248-CV
Trial Court: 82nd District Court of Robertson County, Texas
Judge: Rex Davis
This case involves an appeal by Big Creek Construction, LTD. regarding an interlocutory order from the trial court. The order partially granted and partially denied Big Creek's motion for summary judgment. The case was ultimately dismissed by the appellate court due to the appellant's failure to respond to the court's directive following a settlement between the parties.
Key Legal Issues
- Interlocutory Appeal: The nature of the appeal was interlocutory, meaning it was not a final judgment but rather a decision on a specific issue within the case.
- Summary Judgment: The trial court's decision on the motion for summary judgment was a pivotal point, as it determined the extent to which the case could proceed.
- Settlement and Abatement: The parties reached a settlement, leading to a request for an abatement of the proceedings.
Court's Decision
The Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal for want of prosecution. The dismissal was based on the appellant's failure to comply with the court's directive to either file a motion to dismiss or provide a status report within the specified timeframe.
Legal Reasoning
The court emphasized the importance of procedural compliance in appellate practice. According to Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 42.3(b) and 42.3(c), failure to respond to the court's request can lead to dismissal of the appeal. The court noted that no motion to dismiss or other response was received from Big Creek Construction, which constituted grounds for dismissal.
Key Holdings
- The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's inaction following the settlement.
- The court reinforced the necessity for parties to adhere to procedural rules in appellate proceedings.
- The interlocutory nature of the appeal did not exempt it from dismissal for want of prosecution.
Precedents and Citations
- Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 42.3(b): Governs dismissals for want of prosecution.
- Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 42.3(c): Addresses the consequences of failing to respond to court directives.
Practical Implications
This case serves as a critical reminder for legal practitioners regarding the importance of timely communication with the court, especially in the context of appeals. Key takeaways include:
- Timeliness: Parties must respond promptly to court communications to avoid adverse outcomes.
- Understanding Interlocutory Appeals: Legal professionals should be aware of the implications of pursuing interlocutory appeals and the procedural requirements involved.
- Settlement Procedures: Following a settlement, parties should ensure that all necessary steps are taken to formally conclude the litigation process.
In summary, the dismissal of Big Creek Construction's appeal underscores the necessity of adhering to procedural rules and the potential consequences of neglecting to do so in the appellate process.
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Case Details
Legal case information
Status
Decided
Date Decided
June 18, 2025
Jurisdiction
SA
Court Type
federal
Legal Significance
Case importance metrics
Metadata
Additional information
Quick Actions
Case management tools