Opinion ID: 1975266
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Default and Default Judgment

Text: We review the court's denial of a motion to set aside a default and default judgment only for an abuse of discretion, Cutillo v. Gerstel, 477 A.2d 750, 752 (Me. 1984), and accord great deference to the determinations of the trial court. McNutt v. Johansen, 477 A.2d 738, 740 (Me.1984). An entry of default may be set aside for good cause shown, M.R.Civ.P. 55(c), and a default judgment may be set aside for mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect, M.R.Civ.P. 60(b)(1), or any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment. M.R.Civ.P. 60(b)(6). We have previously stated that an attorney's actions of commission as well as omission are to be regarded as the acts of the party represented and that any neglect of the attorney is equivalent to that of the party. Cutillo, 477 A.2d at 752; Berman v. Griggs, 145 Me. 258, 262-63, 75 A.2d 365, 367 (1950); Leviston v. Standard Hist. Soc., 133 Me. 77, 79, 173 A. 810, 812 (1934); Beale v. Swasey, 106 Me. 35, 37, 75 A. 134, 135 (1909). If the neglect and resulting default are without excuse or justification, it is not error to refuse to vacate the judgment. See Leviston, 133 Me. at 80, 173 A. at 812. Melanson does not offer an excuse or justification for his attorney's behavior; rather, he contends that because he is blameless he should be excused from the default and not be penalized for his attorney's neglect. While the culpability, or lack thereof, of the client may be a factor to be considered by the court in its decision whether to set aside a default and a default judgment, it is not error, on this basis alone, to refuse to do so. See Laurel Bank & Trust Co. v. Burns, 398 A.2d 41, 45 (Me.1979). Melanson's protest that he was unaware of the actual status of the lawsuit is unavailing absent a showing of justification for his failure to follow the progress of the litigation more closely. Pederson v. Cole, 501 A.2d 23, 25 (Me.1985) (party seeking to set aside a default must make some showing of justification for failing to avoid the neglect); Laurel, 398 A.2d at 44. On this record, we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in denying Melanson's motion.