Opinion ID: 3203360
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Factual Disputes in the Record

Text: Veverka contends that there are several factual disputes in the record that preclude summary judgment. As a preliminary matter, however, she objects to the statement of undisputed facts that Royal Caribbean filed in support of its motion on the ground that the statement did not comply with the District Court’s Local Rule 56.1. 2 It does not appear that Veverka’s waiver argument would succeed in any event. She first argues that Royal Caribbean’s limitations defense was waived under Federal Rule 12(h), which provides that a party waives a Rule 12 defense by “omitting it from a motion in the circumstances described in Rule 12(g)(2).” Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(h). Rule 12(g)(2) states, “a party that makes a motion [to dismiss] under this rule must not make another motion under this rule raising a defense or objection that was available to the party but omitted from its earlier motion.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(g)(2). By its own terms, Rule 12’s waiver provision applies only to defenses raised under Rule 12. In contrast, Royal Caribbean raised its limitations defense in a Rule 56 motion for summary judgment. Therefore, Veverka’s argument is misplaced. Alternatively, Veverka argues that Royal Caribbean waived its defense by failing to plead it as an affirmative defense in its answer. Federal Rule 8(c) provides, “[i]n responding to a pleading, a party must affirmatively state any avoidance or affirmative defense, including . . . statute of limitations.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(c). A review of Royal Caribbean’s answer reveals that its sixth affirmative defense “claim[ed] all rights, immunities, exonerations and limitations of liability provided in the terms and conditions of the cruise ticket.” App. 60. Accordingly, Royal Caribbean did plead the limitations clause as an affirmative defense even if not with particularity. 7 Local Rule 56.1 provides: On motions for summary judgment, the movant shall furnish a statement which sets forth material facts as to which there does not exist a genuine issue, in separately numbered paragraphs citing to the affidavits and other documents submitted in support of the motion. A motion for summary judgment unaccompanied by a statement of material facts not in dispute shall be dismissed.