Opinion ID: 2359920
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Summary judgment against O'Neil

Text: O'Neil argues facts similar to those presented in Fondren. O'Neil claims that SNMARK had actual knowledge of potential lien claims, and specifically, potential lien claims by O'Neil, because SNMARK was aware that the property required substantial remodeling when it negotiated the lease with Wickes. Further, O'Neil points out that SNMARK specifically knew that O'Neil would be adding value to the property because SNMARK's predecessor-in-interest approved the use of O'Neil as the general contractor in the lease with Wickes. O'Neil also claims that SNMARK had actual knowledge of O'Neil's presence on the work site because SNMARK regularly inspected the project site. O'Neil cites a number of occasions on which SNMARK's representative met with O'Neil and instructed O'Neil on how to complete certain aspects of the remodeling project. O'Neil claims that because of these interactions, SNMARK had actual knowledge of O'Neil's potential work on the property and, therefore, O'Neil's potential lien claims. O'Neil has presented factual arguments that SNMARK had actual knowledge of its potential lien claims that may excuse O'Neil's duty to provide a pre-lien notice. Because it rejected the application of substantial compliance and actual knowledge, the district court made no finding as to whether SNMARK had actual knowledge of O'Neil's potential lien claims. Therefore, a genuine issue of material fact remains. Thus, we conclude that the district court erred in granting summary judgment against O'Neil. [11]