Opinion ID: 843020
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: today's decision should apply prospectively

Text: Given that Hobbs and Brown have become ingrained in our governmental tort liability scheme, the majority's decision to overrule these cases should be applied prospectively. While the general rule is that judicial decisions are given complete retroactive effect, decisions that overrule clear and uncontradicted caselaw have been given prospective application. Michigan Ed. Employees Mut. Ins. Co. v. Morris, 460 Mich. 180, 189, 596 N.W.2d 142 (1999). A more flexible approach is warranted where injustice might result from full retroactivity. Gladych v. New Family Homes, Inc., 468 Mich. 594, 606, 664 N.W.2d 705 (2003). To determine whether to depart from the general rule of retroactivity, this Court has recognized a threshold question of whether the decision clearly established a new principle of law, in addition to considering several other factors. Pohutski v. City of Allen Park, 465 Mich. 675, 696, 641 N.W.2d 219 (2002). These factors include: (1) the purpose to be served by the new rule, (2) the extent of reliance on the old rule, and (3) the effect of retroactivity on the administration of justice. Id. Since Hobbs was decided, the law in Michigan has been that claimants may maintain claims against governmental agencies, despite failure to give notice within 120 days, if the agency cannot show that it was prejudiced by the lack of notice. Today's decision represents a departure from an established rule of law. We have not foreshadowed any change of this particular ruleon the contrary, it was specifically reaffirmed by Brown ten years ago. Further, parties who have relied on Hobbs in pursuing claims against governmental agencies will now find their claims dismissed. Attorneys who have taken clients and developed cases with Hobbs in mind will have lost the time and effort expended, as well as the confidence of their clients. Under these circumstances, prospective application of today's decision is appropriate.