Opinion ID: 1267418
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: 1994Fourth Action Bevins v. Evans

Text: As a result, in 1994 the Bevins filed yet another action against Evans, the fourth action, seeking damages for inter alia, slander of title and tortious interference with the lease incorporated by reference in the May 19, 1993 order enforcing settlement. In response, Evans made a motion to dismiss the complaint and a motion for summary judgment in the court below. Evans argued that the May 19, 1993 order of the circuit court was void because it enforced a settlement agreement between the parties when the parties had not agreed to the terms of settlement. Thus, Evans concluded that because the Bevins' fourth action is based upon the May 19, 1993 settlement agreement, it must be dismissed. [3] The circuit court denied both of Evans' motions in orders entered on June 12, 1995 and July 6, 1995, stating that the May 19, 1993 order was a valid, enforceable, final appealable order that neither side appealed. Therefore, Evans filed the petition for a writ of prohibition which is now before this Court seeking to prohibit the circuit court from proceeding with the trial of the Bevins' fourth action. As noted above, Frank M. Peck, Jr., pro se filed a petition for a writ of prohibition which is now before us. According to the Bevins, Peck is an employee of Evans' company and is a defendant in the pending civil action brought by the Bevins. The cause of action against Peck is based upon, in part, the insulting words statute, W. Va.Code, 55-7-2 [1923], and according to the Bevins, does not concern the May 19, 1993 order. Peck was not a party to the litigation which resulted in the May 19, 1993 order. Nevertheless, Peck appears to argue that the Bevins should be prohibited from asserting the cause of action against him because the May 19, 1993 order is void.