Opinion ID: 2494802
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: The degree of actual prejudice to the defendant

Text: ¶ 23. JPS argues the case should be dismissed, because memories have faded and witnesses may not be available. However, there is no specific proof that memories have faded. JPS also contends that a few faculty members of the elementary school have retired or left the school district, but fails to show how these facts prejudice JPS. Next, JPS contends that Dr. Hiatt Wood, a potential expert for Head, has died. However, Hiatt only recently passed away, and JPS had ample time to depose him, but never attempted to do so. Although JPS relies on the possibility of faded memories to show actual prejudice, the record is devoid of any finding that JPS has contacted a witness and actually found a faded memory. Although prejudice can be presumed for unreasonable delay, the preference for a decision on the merits must be weighed against any presumed prejudice to the defendant and the court may decide to excuse plaintiff's lack of diligence in the absence of any actual prejudice to the defendant. Cox, 976 So.2d at 879 (citing Rogers, 669 F.2d at 322 n. 7) (quoting 9 C. Wright & A. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure: Civil § 2370, at 216-17 (1971)).