Court Opinion

ID: 9675123
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 04:42:40.419017+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:31.626730
License: Public Domain

On Motion for Rehearing
On motion for rehearing appellee complains that we disposed of the case on a theory not relied upon by appellant. He says we held Mr. Harrington, appellant’s representative, was not negligent in not having an answer filed because appellee’s former counsel had granted an extension of time in which to answer, the time being extended until such time as there had been a final termination of settlement negotiations. But, appellee says, appellant was not contending this but was contending he, through his representative, Mr. Harrington, thought the case had been dismissed. His argument on the matter of dismissal is that the evidence shows Mr. Harrington had no right to believe and did not believe the case had been dismissed because the writing of the letter granting an extension of time to answer shows the case was still pending else there would be no need for an answer.
We have reviewed the pleading of appellant and think it is subject to the *507■construction that appellant did not file an answer because Mr. Harrington, his representative, thought the case had been dismissed because of the letter and order relating to dismissal; or that the claim had been abandoned; or that no answer need be filed until pending settlement negotiations had finally terminated since appellee’s counsel had given a letter of extension. We have no way of knowing what was argued in the trial court, but the pleading supports the theory on which we disposed of the case. Too, the evidence introduced by appellee through appellant’s admissions tends to establish a reliance by Mr. Harrington on the extension of time given by appellee’s counsel. On appeal the Point of Error is that the Trial Court erred in rendering a summary judgment because fact issues were raised. It is true that appellant’s brief, while discussing all of the evidence, contended that a fact issue was raised concerning whether Mr. Harrington thought and had a right to think the case had been dismissed. However, the real issue in a summary judgment proceeding even on appeal is whether under the pleadings, depositions, affidavits or admissions, that are in evidence, fact issues are raised. We think that under the Point of Error that there was evidence raising fact issues, assigned by appellant, it is our duty to examine the pleadings, depositions, affidavits and admissions and determine if a fact issue was raised.
In the state of the record as presented to us, we had doubt that it showed a reliance by Mr. Harrington on dismissal of the case because the other evidence affirmatively showed through the above quoted admissions that he was relying, on the extension of time given in which to file an answer. There was no affidavit filed by Mr. Harrington. We cannot consider the sworn pleading of appellant’s counsel as establishing the facts sworn to because it shows on its face counsel was not in a position to testify to such facts as a witness as required by Rule 166-A, Texas Rules of Civil Pro: cedure. We, of course, do not know what facts will- be developed on trial on the merits. We do hold, however, as stated in our opinion on original submission, that fact issues were raised.
Appellee’s motion for rehearing is overruled.