Opinion ID: 1855278
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: whether the circuit court abused its discretion in granting the district's motion to dismiss.

Text: ¶ 20. In granting the motion to dismiss under M.R.C.P. 12(b)(6), the circuit court deemed the allegations of the complaint as true, but determined that the dismissal was appropriate because it appeared beyond doubt that Hays would not be able to prove any set of facts in support of her claim. Butler v. Board of Supervisors, 659 So.2d 578, 581 (Miss. 1995); Overstreet v. Merlos, 570 So.2d 1196, 1197 (Miss.1990). A motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6) essentially raises an issue of law. Tucker v. Hinds County, 558 So.2d 869, 872 (Miss.1990). Accordingly, in examining the propriety of the circuit court's dismissal of this action pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6), this Court engages in a de novo review of the record in determining whether the dismissal was correct as a matter of Mississippi law. ¶ 21. The facts of this case are not in dispute. Although Hays argues that her counsel contacted the superintendent of the District and then attempted to obtain the identity of the District's insurance carrier, there is nothing in the record before this Court that shows Hays timely filed suit. In any event, proper notice would have added only 95 days to the one year deadline. Hays was allegedly injured when she boarded a District school bus and fell when the bus accelerated before she could find a seat. It is undisputed that Hays was a minor at the time of the accident and at the time of the complaint. The circuit court properly considered the facts set forth in the light most favorable to Hays, but the facts, however unfortunate, did not warrant a trial on the merits.