Case ID: nc_34/html/0267-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Nash, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

THOMAS S. DEAVER vs. JAMES CARTER’S ADM’R.
    On the compromise of a suit, the defendant agreed to pay the fee of the plaintiff’s attorney — neglected to do so, and the plaintiff' was obliged to pay it himself. Held, that the statute of limitations did not begin to run against the plaintiff’s claim, until he paid the money, and that it was not necessary to give notice of the payment to the other party to entitle the plaintiff to bring his suit.
    Appeal from the Superior Court of Law of Yancy County, Spring Term 1851, his Honor Judge Settle, presiding.
    This was assumpsit. The facts of the case are stated in the opinion of the Court.
    
      J. W. Woodfin, for the plaintiff.
    
      N. W. Woodfin and Gaither, for the defendant.
   Nash, J.

A suit existed between these parties. It was compromised; and one of the conditions was, that Carter should pay the fee of the plaintiff’s attorney, and for which he held the plaintiff’s note. This money Carter neglected to pay, and the plaintiff was obliged to discharge the note. The action is in assumpsit to recover the money so paid. The defendant relied on the Statute of limitations and the want of notice — more than three years having elapsed since the promise was made upon the compromise of the. suit, but less than three years since the payment made bv the plaintiff.

The decision of his Honor, who ruled against the defendants on both points, is correct. The Statute did not begin to run until the plaintiff discharged the note given to his attorney. Before that time, he had, and could have, no cause of action against the defendant. No, notice of the payment was necessary. The parties, after the compromise, stood towards each other in the relation of principal and surety. The whole of this case is covered by that of Ponder against these.same defendants, decided at this Term. In addition to the authorities there cited, may be added, 1 St. N. Pri. 316.

Per Curiam. Judgment affirmed.