Opinion ID: 1841238
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Randall's Alleged Fraudulent Misrepresentations in Completing the Licensing-Evaluation Form

Text: The Hernandezes contend that Randall fraudulently completed the licensing-evaluation form and made fraudulent misrepresentations on the form about Poplin's compliance with the Department's minimum standards. In order to survive a summary judgment on a fraud claim, a plaintiff must present substantial evidence indicating that there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the defendant: (1) made a misrepresentation; (2) of a material existing fact; (3) upon which the plaintiff reasonably relied; (4) which proximately caused injury or damage to the plaintiff. Byrd v. Lamar, 846 So.2d 334 (Ala.2002). The Hernandezes specifically contend that deficiencies existed that were never listed nor corrected because Randall did not perform the duties that she indicated on the evaluation form [that] she had performed. As discussed above, this Court has concluded that the Hernandezes have failed to present substantial evidence creating a question of fact as to whether Randall acted beyond her authority or under a misinterpretation of the law in discharging her duties when she evaluated Poplin's home day care for the purpose of renewing Poplin's license. Further, the Hernandezes have failed to present any evidence indicating that any deficiencies existed in the day care that were not properly identified by Randall and required to be corrected. Accordingly, we conclude that Randall made no misrepresentations in completing the licensing-evaluation form that could have been relied on by the Hernandezes, and the fraud claim therefore fails as a matter of law.