Case ID: ohio-law-abs_2/html/0471-03.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "ROBERTS, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

No. 456
    SMALLWOOD v. SMALLWOOD STONE CO.
    Ohio Appeals, 7th Dist., Jefferson County
    Decided - 1924
    114. ATTORNEY AND CLIENT — An attorney acting in an emergency and in good faith may make a settlement binding his client without his client’s advice and consent.
   ROBERTS, J.

Epitomized Opinion

Published Only in Ohio Law Abstract

In a previous action in which the parties to this action were defendant, a settlement was effected between the attorneys for the defendant and the plaintiff in the sum of $10,1000. Smallwood having paid that judgment now brings this action to recover $5,000, which he claims was paid for the benefit of the Stone Company. At the time the settlement was effected no persons in authority in the Stone Company were present and communication could not be made with them. The defense to this action is that the attorney did not have the authority to make the settlement without the client’s consent. In the Court of Common Pleas a verdict for the defendant was directed. Upon error, the Court of Appeals reversed' the decision, holding:

(Attorneys not given.)

1. A client is bound by a settlement made by his attorney in his absence, when the attorney is acting in an emergency and believes that he is representing the best interest of his client.