Opinion ID: 1123588
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: summary judgment as to the corporation

Text: The trial court also granted summary judgment to the corporation, Dockum Pontiac, Inc. The Court of Appeals affirmed, noting that the documentation presented by Seitsinger in his response opposing summary judgment contained inadmissible hearsay. Seitsinger urges that under the language of Davis v. Leitner, 782 P.2d 924 (Okla. 1989), his response was sufficient to avoid summary judgment. Initially we note that the documentation provided by Seitsinger was not contested by Dockum Pontiac before the trial court ruled on the summary judgment motion. The record shows that the defendant did not question the validity of the attached exhibits until the plaintiffs motion to reconsider came before the trial court. When a party fails to timely object to the supporting documentation, the objection is waived and the evidence may be considered by the trial court. Olympic Ins. Co. v. H.D. Harrison, Inc., 418 F.2d 669 (5th Cir.1969); Cinocca v. Baxter Lab. Inc., 400 F. Supp. 527 (E.D.Okla. 1975). [4] Rule 13, Rules for District Courts, 12 O.S. 1991, Ch. 2, App., reads in pertinent part: b. If the adverse party or parties wish to oppose the granting of the motion, they shall serve on the moving party and file with the court clerk within fifteen days after service of the motion a concise written statement of the material facts as to which he or they contend a genuine issue exists and the reasons for denying the motion. The adverse party shall attach to the statement affidavits and other materials containing facts that would be admissible in evidence, but the adverse party cannot rely on the allegations or denials in his pleading... . c. The affidavits that are filed by either party shall be made on personal knowledge, shall show that the affiant is competent to testify as to the matters stated therein, and shall set forth matters that are admissible in evidence. (emphasis added). In Davis v. Leitner, supra , we examined Rule 13 to ascertain what material could be considered by the trial court on a motion for summary judgment. There, the defendant moved for summary judgment. The plaintiff filed a response which contained a letter from a potential witness which placed a material fact into dispute. The trial court refused to consider the letter because, in the form presented on summary judgment, it would have been inadmissible at trial. We reversed, holding that the letter must be considered. We stated that the other materials permitted by Rule 13 are not required to meet the standard of competent, admissible evidence. Id. at 926. Rather it is enough that these `other materials' reasonably show the judge who is considering the motion that the party opposing the motion will be able at the time of trial to present competent admissible evidence to support the allegations. Id. Supporting documentation is sufficient if it shows a reasonable probability that there will be evidence presented at trial which warrant a jury's consideration. Id. at 927. [5] Rule 13 specifically permits consideration of affidavits, pleadings, depositions, admissions and other evidentiary materials. See Brown v. Oklahoma State Bank & Trust, 860 P.2d 230, 233 (Okla. 1993). The record reflects, and there is no allegation otherwise, that Seitsinger attached to his response opposing summary judgment the computer generated GM DCS printout, his affidavit explaining what the DCS statement showed, where he obtained it and how it was obtained. [6] He also attached his sales contract, showing that the car was represented to him as new. Dockum Pontiac complains that this is insufficient, even though it was Dockum Pontiac who delayed discovery by refusing to turn over requested information. (It continued to delay even after the trial court granted motions to compel against General Motors and Dockum Pontiac.) Seitsinger's evidentiary materials appear to meet the Davis standard of showing that if the case goes to trial plaintiff will be able to produce admissible evidence to show a material fact in dispute. As to Seitsinger's affidavit, he can testify at trial as to under what circumstances he obtained the DCS statement. The DCS statement itself might be admissible if the proper foundation is laid. Additionally, he appears to have access to the testimony of a dealer who has stated the warranty period on the car had almost run. Summary judgment in favor of the dealership was error.