Opinion ID: 2277130
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Intent and Causation

Text: The person claiming tortious interference has the burden of proving that the other party actively and affirmatively took steps to induce the breach and that the expectancy would have come to fruition but for the actor's improper conduct. [30] Bell must show both intent and causation. [31] Famous Barr had the requisite intent if it knew interference was certain or substantially certain to occur as a result of its actions, even if its express purpose was not to interfere. [32] The evidence Bell presented shows a genuine dispute whether Famous Barr had this intent or knowledge. Bell showed he disputed the bill for the fan, and that Famous Barr recognized and conceded this dispute. He repeatedly notified Famous Barr that, in light of the billing error, derogatory reports were wrongful. Famous Barr threatened to file and actually filed the reports anyway. Bell also presented evidence that derogatory information filed by Famous Barr remained on his credit report even after Bell paid for the fan. Finally, its dunning letters show Famous Barr knew these derogatory reports were detrimental to Bell's credit rating. Famous Barr claims its intent was negated by its attempts to correct the derogatory reports, by its automated reporting system, by its claim not to know how credit providers use credit reports, or by the cooperation of its employees. This evidence, however, merely shows a dispute of fact. A reasonable jury could find Famous Barr intended to interfere with Bell's credit expectancy, even if only by knowing the report was substantially certain to interfere. The evidence Bell presented also shows a genuine dispute whether Famous Barr's derogatory report caused EAB to deny credit to Bell. Bell presented evidence EAB denied credit to Bell because of derogatory information on Bell's TRW-credit report. The only such derogatory information on that report was supplied by Famous Barr. Bell also presented evidence Famous Barr continued, for a time, to report derogatory information even after promising to desist. Famous Barr does present evidence showing how it unsuccessfully tried to remove all derogatory information from Bell's credit reports. It is also undisputed Famous Barr never contacted EAB directly. This evidence, however, merely shows causation is disputed. In a light most favorable to Bell, a reasonable jury could find that but for Famous Barr's improper conduct, EAB would not have denied credit to Bell.