Dauven v. U.S. Bancorp
This text of 390 F. Supp. 3d 1262 (Dauven v. U.S. Bancorp) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering District Court, D. Oregon primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.
Opinion
MICHAEL W. MOSMAN, Chief United States District Judge
On April 11, 2019, Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta issued his Findings and Recommendation (F&R) [16], recommending that I GRANT Defendant's Motion to Dismiss [8]. Neither party objected.
*1268DISCUSSION
The magistrate judge makes only recommendations to the court, to which any party may file written objections. The court is not bound by the recommendations of the magistrate judge, but retains responsibility for making the final determination. The court is generally required to make a de novo determination regarding those portions of the report or specified findings or recommendation as to which an objection is made.
CONCLUSION
Upon review, I agree with Judge Acosta's recommendation and I ADOPT the F&R [16] in full. Defendant's Motion to Dismiss [8] is GRANTED. Plaintiff's Complaint is dismissed with prejudice.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
JOHN V. ACOSTA, United States Magistrate Judge
Introduction
Plaintiffs Theodore Dauven and his daughter, Christiana Dauven (collectively, the "Dauvens"), seek money damages from defendant U.S. Bancorp ("Bancorp") for the conversion of the Dauvens' personal property left at a residence in Lake Oswego, Oregon (the "Property") following their eviction in May 2011. The Dauvens allege Bancorp wrongfully removed and disposed of personal items, including furniture, appliances, home goods, and motor vehicles, left at the Property after the Dauvens were evicted without first providing them written notice as required by Chapters 90 and 105 of the Oregon Revised Statutes ("ORS"). Before the court is Bancorp's Motion to Dismiss ("Motion") pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure ("Rule") 12(b)(6). (Def. U.S. Bancorp's Mot. to Dismiss, ECF No. 8 ("Motion").) Bancorp moves to dismiss the Complaint in its entirety, alleging it is barred by claim preclusion, issue preclusion, and the statute of limitations. For the reasons that follow, Bancorp's Motion should be GRANTED.
Preliminary Procedural Matter
Bancorp requests the court take judicial notice of several documents and previous lawsuits involving the Dauvens. Specifically, Bancorp seeks judicial notice of the following documents: (1) the docket report for Theodore (Ted) Dauven v. U.S. Bancorp , Case No. 3:13-cv-00844-AC ("Dauven II "), filed in United States District Court for the District of Oregon on May 20, 2013; (2) the Findings and Recommendation issued by this court in Dauven II on March 2, 2015; (3) the Order issued on May 12, 2015 by Judge Brown adopting the Findings and Recommendation in Dauven II ; (4) the judgment entered in *1269Dauven II ; and (5) the Findings and Recommendation issued by Judge Papak on June 7, 2010, in Barbara G. Dauven v. U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n , Case No. 3:09-cv-01471-PK ("Dauven I "), filed in United States District Court for the District of Oregon on December 16, 2009. (Def. U.S. Bancorp's Req. for Judicial Notice, ECF No. 9 ("Req. for Judicial Notice"), at 2-3.) Bancorp also requests the court take judicial notice of 12 lawsuits to which the Dauvens have been party-six related to the Dauvens' eviction from the Property and six initiated by the Dauvens against various parties regarding unrelated matters. (Id. at 3.) Neither party objects to the court taking judicial notice of the existence or content of the documents submitted or the previous lawsuits involving the Dauvens.
Bancorp is offering materials outside of the pleadings in support of a motion to dismiss. In general, material outside the pleadings may not be considered in ruling on a motion to dismiss unless the motion is treated as one for summary judgment and the parties are "given reasonable opportunity to present all materials made pertinent to such motion by Rule 56." Jacobson v. AEG Capital Corp. ,
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MICHAEL W. MOSMAN, Chief United States District Judge
On April 11, 2019, Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta issued his Findings and Recommendation (F&R) [16], recommending that I GRANT Defendant's Motion to Dismiss [8]. Neither party objected.
*1268DISCUSSION
The magistrate judge makes only recommendations to the court, to which any party may file written objections. The court is not bound by the recommendations of the magistrate judge, but retains responsibility for making the final determination. The court is generally required to make a de novo determination regarding those portions of the report or specified findings or recommendation as to which an objection is made.
CONCLUSION
Upon review, I agree with Judge Acosta's recommendation and I ADOPT the F&R [16] in full. Defendant's Motion to Dismiss [8] is GRANTED. Plaintiff's Complaint is dismissed with prejudice.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
JOHN V. ACOSTA, United States Magistrate Judge
Introduction
Plaintiffs Theodore Dauven and his daughter, Christiana Dauven (collectively, the "Dauvens"), seek money damages from defendant U.S. Bancorp ("Bancorp") for the conversion of the Dauvens' personal property left at a residence in Lake Oswego, Oregon (the "Property") following their eviction in May 2011. The Dauvens allege Bancorp wrongfully removed and disposed of personal items, including furniture, appliances, home goods, and motor vehicles, left at the Property after the Dauvens were evicted without first providing them written notice as required by Chapters 90 and 105 of the Oregon Revised Statutes ("ORS"). Before the court is Bancorp's Motion to Dismiss ("Motion") pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure ("Rule") 12(b)(6). (Def. U.S. Bancorp's Mot. to Dismiss, ECF No. 8 ("Motion").) Bancorp moves to dismiss the Complaint in its entirety, alleging it is barred by claim preclusion, issue preclusion, and the statute of limitations. For the reasons that follow, Bancorp's Motion should be GRANTED.
Preliminary Procedural Matter
Bancorp requests the court take judicial notice of several documents and previous lawsuits involving the Dauvens. Specifically, Bancorp seeks judicial notice of the following documents: (1) the docket report for Theodore (Ted) Dauven v. U.S. Bancorp , Case No. 3:13-cv-00844-AC ("Dauven II "), filed in United States District Court for the District of Oregon on May 20, 2013; (2) the Findings and Recommendation issued by this court in Dauven II on March 2, 2015; (3) the Order issued on May 12, 2015 by Judge Brown adopting the Findings and Recommendation in Dauven II ; (4) the judgment entered in *1269Dauven II ; and (5) the Findings and Recommendation issued by Judge Papak on June 7, 2010, in Barbara G. Dauven v. U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n , Case No. 3:09-cv-01471-PK ("Dauven I "), filed in United States District Court for the District of Oregon on December 16, 2009. (Def. U.S. Bancorp's Req. for Judicial Notice, ECF No. 9 ("Req. for Judicial Notice"), at 2-3.) Bancorp also requests the court take judicial notice of 12 lawsuits to which the Dauvens have been party-six related to the Dauvens' eviction from the Property and six initiated by the Dauvens against various parties regarding unrelated matters. (Id. at 3.) Neither party objects to the court taking judicial notice of the existence or content of the documents submitted or the previous lawsuits involving the Dauvens.
Bancorp is offering materials outside of the pleadings in support of a motion to dismiss. In general, material outside the pleadings may not be considered in ruling on a motion to dismiss unless the motion is treated as one for summary judgment and the parties are "given reasonable opportunity to present all materials made pertinent to such motion by Rule 56." Jacobson v. AEG Capital Corp. ,
A court may take judicial notice of complaints and briefs filed in another case to determine what issues were before the court and actually litigated. Reyn's Pasta Bella, LLC v. Visa USA, Inc. ,
Here, the federal court documents offered by Bancorp are undeniably matters of public record that may be appropriately considered by the court for the limited purpose of determining what issues were previously raised and litigated with regard to the Dauvens' eviction. Further, the documents offered are judicial records, Lee v. City of Los Angeles ,
Background
I. The Dauvens' Eviction
In August 2006, the Dauvens leased the Property, located at 13120 SW Thoma Road in Lake Oswego, Oregon, from its owner, Jerry Reeves ("Reeves"). (Notice of Removal of Civil Action, ECF No. 1 ("Notice of Removal"), Ex. 1, at 1-91 ("Compl."), ¶ 5.) In 2008, Reeves defaulted on a loan secured by the Property, resulting in its foreclosure on July 1, 2009. (Id. ¶¶ 6, 9.) On August 12, 2009, the Dauvens received a formal 90-day notice to vacate, informing them of the foreclosure and instructing them to vacate the Property within 90 days. (Id. ¶ 11.) Believing the eviction was wrongful, the Dauvens refused to leave the Property as instructed. (Id. ¶ 14.)
The Dauvens' unwillingness to leave the Property prompted U.S. Bank National Association ("U.S. Bank") to file a forcible entry and detainer ("FED") action in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Clackamas. U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n v. All Occupants of the Premises, Ted Dauven, Barbara Dauven , Case No. FE 092002 (Clackamas Cty. Cir. Ct.). On December 16, 2009, the Dauvens appeared before Circuit Court Judge Norby, arguing the foreclosure on the Property and resulting 90-day notice to vacate had been replete with "legal irregularities and violations." (Compl. ¶ 16.) Finding the Dauvens' arguments unpersuasive, Judge Norby entered judgment in favor of U.S. Bank on December 29, 2009, and ordered the Dauvens to relinquish possession of the Property. (Id. )
The Dauvens appealed the circuit court judgment and remained steadfast in their refusal to leave the Property. (Id. ¶ 17-19.) The Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon Supreme Court subsequently denied the Dauvens' appeals. (Id. ) Consequently, U.S. Bank brought a second FED action against the Dauvens in April 2011. U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n v. Ted Dauven and Barbara Dauven , Case No. FE 110602 (Clackamas Cty. Cir. Ct.). In opposition, the Dauvens again argued the foreclosure had been legally deficient. Further, the Dauvens challenged the first FED proceeding and the "errant dismissal" of their subsequent appeals. (Compl. ¶ 20.) The Dauvens' legal arguments were unavailing, and judgment was entered in favor of U. S. Bank on May 16, 2011. (Id. ) Further appeals and attempts to challenge the legitimacy of the foreclosure and eviction were all "rejected by the different Courts." (Id. ¶ 23.)
On May 20, 2011, the Dauvens vacated the Property and moved in with their neighbor, Joanne Balkovic ("Mrs. Balkovic"). (Id. ¶ 24.) The close proximity of Mrs. Balkovic's residence allowed the Dauvens to "monitor" personal possessions left *1271behind at the Property following their eviction. (Id. ) On June 22, 2011, the Dauvens were presented with a restraining order by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office on Mrs. Balkovic's behalf. (Id. ¶ 28.) The order alleged the Dauvens had financially and emotionally abused Mrs. Balkovic and required them to vacate Mrs. Balkovic's home. (Id. ) "Within a week after the Dauvens were removed from the Balkovic residence, all [of the personal possessions remaining at the Property were] removed and [disposed] of without" notice. (Id. ¶ 28.)
II. Dauven I
On December 16, 2009, the Dauvens initiated a lawsuit in federal court against U.S. Bank, Bancorp, and Wells Fargo National Association ("Wells Fargo") (collectively, the "Banks"), asserting several claims arising from the ongoing efforts to evict the Dauvens from the Property. (Dauven I , Compl., ECF No. 2.) The complaint sought relief for a variety of state law claims against each defendant separately, but alleged only one claim - trespass asserted against all defendants generally-that implicated Bancorp. (Req. for Judicial Notice, Ex. 5, at 2-4.) At the time of filing, the first FED action was pending in state court and the Dauvens continued to reside at the Property.
On January 20, 2010, the Dauvens filed an Amended Complaint to show cause regarding the court's subject matter jurisdiction. Dauven v. U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n , CaseNo. 3:09-CV-01471-PK ("Dauven I "),
On September 20, 2011, Judge Papak issued an Opinion and Order denying the motion to amend. (Dauven I , Op. and Order, ECF No. 67, at 7.) Though timely asserted, Judge Papak determined the proposed claims were futile because the legal theories upon which they relied-the sufficiency of the foreclosure and 90-day notice to vacate - were "previously ... litigated and rejected by the state court in two earlier FED actions." (Id. ) Accordingly, Judge Papak found the Dauvens were "precluded from pursuing claims based on those theories." (Id. ) In a footnote, however, Judge Papak noted the proposed conversion claim included "no allegations that defendants failed to follow the requirements of
*1272On February 13, 2012, Mr. Dauven sought leave to file a Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a new claim for gross negligence against the Banks. (Dauven I , Mot. and Mem. in Supp. of Mot. for Leave to File Suppl. and Am. Compl., ECF No. 75, Attach. 1, ¶¶103-111.) The proposed claim alleged the Dauvens were entitled to written notice prior to the removal and disposal of the belongings left at the Property following their eviction, and that such notice was not provided in violation of ORS 90.425 and 105.165. (Id. )
On September 7, 2012, Judge Papak issued a Findings and Recommendation addressing Mr. Dauven's motion to amend and the Banks' motion for summary judgment. Dauven I ,
On November 7, 2012, Judge Hernandez adopted the portion of Judge Papak's Findings and Recommendation regarding the denial of Mr. Dauven's motion to amend, and ultimately granted summary judgment in favor of the Banks on the remaining claims. Dauven v. U.S. Bancorp , Case No. 03:09-cv-01471-PK,
III. Dauven II
On May 20, 2013, the Dauvens filed a second lawsuit in federal court, asserting various claims under federal and state law stemming from their 2011 eviction from the Property and the attendant loss of certain personal possessions in that process. (Dauven II , Compl., ECF No. 2.) On July 3, 2013, the Dauvens filed an Amended Complaint that named 18 defendants, including Bancorp, and asserted claims for, among other things, conspiracy to convert property in violation of
*1273In the months that followed, all but one of the 18 defendants named in the Amended Complaint filed a motion to dismiss or a motion for summary judgment. (Req. for Judicial Notice, Ex. 1, at 7-14.) With regard to the conversion claim, the Banks argued it should be dismissed because it was barred by either issue or claim preclusion arising out of the FED actions previously litigated in state court and Dauven I. Dauven v. U.S. Bancorp , Case No. 3:13-cv-844-AC,
On September 2, 2014, the Dauvens filed a Second Amended Complaint ("SAC"), again asserting a claim for conversion against the Banks. (Dauven II , Second Am. Compl., ECF No. 179, ¶¶ 220-26.) The SAC alleged ORS 90.425 and ORS 105.165 required the Banks to adhere to specific procedures regarding the removal and disposal of the Dauvens' possessions remaining at the Property following their eviction - procedures with which the Banks did not comply. (Id. ¶¶ 223-24.) Specifically, the Dauvens claimed the Banks "and/or their agents ... exercised dominion and control over the possessions and failed to notify [the Dauvens] and allow them reasonable access to their possessions for removal." (Id. ¶ 225.) As a result, the SAC alleged, the Dauvens' "possessions of a lifetime were wrongfully converted" by the removal, destruction, sale, and donation of the belongs that remained at the Property after the 2011 eviction. (Id. ¶¶ 225-26.)
All but one of the properly served defendants filed motions to dismiss. (Req. for Judicial Notice, Ex. 1, at 18-20.) In a Findings and Recommendation issued on March 2, 2015, this court recommended dismissal of all federal claims asserted in the SAC, with leave to file a Third Amended Complaint to correct the deficiencies noted therein. (Req. for Judicial Notice, Ex. 2, at 3-22.) The court declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims, citing the procedural posture of the case, the convenience of a state forum for the parties involved, and the values of federalism and comity. (Id. at 22-24.) Accordingly, the court recommended dismissal of the state law claims asserted in the SAC, including the claim for conversion, without prejudice, and with leave to refile those claims in state court. (Id. at 24.)
On review, Judge Brown noted that "in the two years this matter has been pending, [the Dauvens] have filed three lengthy Complaints to attempt to cure the deficiencies noted by the Magistrate Judge and this Court. [The Dauvens], however, have still failed to adequately state any claim."
*1274Dauven v. U.S. Bancorp , Case No. 3:13-cv-844-AC,
IV. The Instant Case
On August 6, 2018, the Dauvens filed the instant case in the Circuit Court for the State of Oregon for the County of Multnomah. The Complaint asserts a single claim for conversion against Bancorp4 , alleging the "taking and ... retention of [the Dauvens'] property, constitutes conversion, because [Bancorp,] acting through its employees and agents[, has] intentionally [exercised] dominion and control" over the possessions left at the Property. (Compl., at 85 .) The conversion claim is primarily based on Bancorp's failure to provide written notice, as required by ORS 90.425 and ORS 105.165, prior to removing and disposing of the Dauvens' belongings left at the Property. (Id. )
On September 7, 2018, Bancorp properly removed the case to federal court on the basis of diversity jurisdiction. (Not. of Removal ¶¶ 4-11.) On September 14, 2018, Bancorp filed this Motion to Dismiss.
Legal Standard
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure ("Rule") 8 requires that complaints in federal court consist of "a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief[.]" Pleadings need not contain detailed factual allegations, but "labels and conclusions, and a formulaic recitation of the elements of a cause of action will not do[.]" Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly ,
Although a plaintiff need not allege detailed facts, a motion to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(6) will be granted if the pleading fails to provide "enough facts to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face." Twombly ,
Pro se pleadings must be "liberally construed." Allen v. Gold Country Casino ,
Discussion
The Dauvens have previously been party, both as plaintiffs and defendants, to six separate lawsuits stemming from the events surrounding the Dauvens' 2011 eviction from the Property. The seventh lawsuit spawned from those same events is currently before this court after judgments have been entered against the Dauvens in United States District Court, Clackamas County Circuit Court, and Multnomah County Circuit Court. Bancorp now moves to dismiss the Dauvens' Complaint in its entirety, arguing it is barred by claim preclusion, issue preclusion, and the statute of limitations. (Motion, at 6-10.) The Dauvens refute Bancorp's arguments and assert their claim is neither precluded nor time-barred. (Pl.'s Mot. Opposing Def.'s Mot. to Dismiss, ECF No. 11 ("Pl.'s Resp."), at 6-8.) The court addresses each argument in turn.
I. Res Judicata
The preclusive effect of a final judgment entered in a previous lawsuit is governed by the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion, "collectively referred to as 'res judicata. ' " Taylor v. Sturgell ,
Here, the parties invoke prior federal-court judgments, rendered in Dauven I and Dauven II , as well as state-court judgments, rendered in two FED actions, as bases for preclusion. Consequently, the court must determine the correct choice of law before turning to the question of whether, and to what extent, the previous lawsuits arising from the Dauvens' eviction preclude the Dauvens' current claim.
A. Choice of Law
"Determining which preclusion law governs depends on the nature of the *1276potentially precluding judgment." In re JPMorgan Chase Derivative Litigation ,
Here, the parties rely on the two judgments rendered in the state FED actions and two federal-court judgments - Dauven I , a diversity case, and Dauven II , a federal question case. (see Dauven I , Am. Compl., ECF No. 17, ¶¶ 19-23; Dauven II , First Am. Compl. ECF No. 18, ¶¶ 5-24.) Oregon preclusion law thus determines the preclusive effect of the state FED judgments and Dauven I. Because a judgment was issued on the basis of federal question jurisdiction in Dauven II , the federal preclusion rules determine the preclusive effect of that case. That Dauven II also involved state law claims is of no consequence as the state law claims were considered on the basis of supplemental jurisdiction only.
B. Claim Preclusion
Citing the numerous lawsuits preceding this action, Bancorp argues that both federal and state courts have entered final judgment in its favor with respect to all claims arising from the Dauvens' eviction and loss of personal property. (Motion, at 6.) Because a variety of claims asserted by the Dauvens against Bancorp have previously been adjudicated in multiple courts, Bancorp contends the instant case is barred by claim preclusion. (Id. ) Specifically, Bancorp asserts that all prior actions, including the state FED actions, have involved Bancorp and have involved the same factual transaction-the Dauvens' eviction and the subsequent loss of their belongings left at the Property. The Dauvens' reject Bancorp's contention that claim preclusion applies here. The Dauvens argue Judge Brown ultimately dismissed the conversion claim asserted in Dauven II , without prejudice, based on lack of subject matter jurisdiction, not claim preclusion. (Pl.'s Resp., at 6-7.) Because Oregon law governs the preclusive effect of the state FED actions and Dauven I , and federal res judicata rules govern the preclusive effect of Dauven II , the court analyzes the effects of the prior judgments separately to avoid confusion.
1. The Preclusive Effects of the State FED Actions and Dauven I
Oregon case law displays a strong allegiance to the doctrine of claim preclusion. Goss v. Wilkins ,
The Oregon rule regarding claim preclusion is well-established:
[A] plaintiff who has prosecuted one action against a defendant through to a final judgment ... is barred [i.e. precluded] ... from prosecuting another action against the same defendant where the claim in the second action is one which [1] is based on the same factual transaction that was at issue in the first, [2] seeks a remedy additional or alternative to the one sought earlier, and [3] is of such a nature as could have been joined in the first action.
Drews ,
Here, the state FED actions cannot serve as a basis for claim preclusion for two reasons. First, the Oregon rule regarding claim preclusion explicitly prohibits a plaintiff who has previously prosecuted an action against a defendant from bringing a second action against the same defendant for the same claim. The Dauvens were defendants, not plaintiffs, in both FED actions, and therefore neither case can serve to preclude the Dauvens from asserting the current claim against Bancorp. Second, both FED actions were litigated through to a final judgment prior to the removal and disposal of the Dauvens' belongings from the Property. Thus, even if the FED actions could serve as possible bases for claim preclusion in this case, the claim asserted here could not have been joined in those actions. Accordingly, the previous state FED actions do not preclude the Dauvens' current conversion claim.
But, the Dauvens brought suit as plaintiffs against defendant Bancorp in Dauven I , where a final judgment was issued in favor of Bancorp. Because the Dauvens again assert legal claims against defendant Bancorp, Dauven I may preclude the current suit if the claim preclusion elements are met. There is no disagreement between the parties that the conversion claim currently before the court stems from the same factual transaction - the Dauvens' eviction from the Property - at the heart of Dauven I. Both parties, however, neglected to address the additional claim preclusion elements in their briefs. Nevertheless, the court still must analyze whether the other elements are met with respect to Dauven I.
The second element is met if the plaintiff seeks alternative or additional remedies *1278to those sought in the previous suit. Drews ,
The third element - which highlights the strong preference exhibited in Oregon case law for the resolution of all possible claims in one proceeding - is met if the claim alleged could have been joined and fairly litigated in the prior action.
Approximately one month after the Dauvens' possessions were removed from the Property in June 2011, Mr. Dauven moved to file a Fourth Amended Complaint, seeking to assert a new claim for conversion that hinged on the alleged illegality of the foreclosure and insufficiency of the 90-day notice to vacate. (Dauven I , ECF No. 61.) Judge Papak denied the motion, determining amendment would be futile because the Dauvens were precluded from relying on the legal theories underlying the claim. (Dauven I , ECF No. 6-7.) He did not, however, find that an amendment to add a claim for conversion would cause undue delay or otherwise prejudice the Banks. (Id. at 7-8.) Rather, Judge Papak concluded that Mr. Dauven's close-in-time attempt to amend the complaint to add new claims following the eviction was "not indicative of unreasonable delay" that would cause prejudice to the defendants. (Id. at 8.) Thus, if Mr. Dauven had asserted an alternative legal basis for the proposed conversion claim that was not futile, Judge Papak's opinion implies he would have permitted Mr. Dauven to amend the complaint to include new claims related to the Dauvens' eviction and loss of personal property.
Almost eight months after the Dauvens' possessions were removed, Mr. Dauven again sought leave to amend, this time asserting a conversion claim predicated on the same notice requirements at issue here. Judge Papak denied the motion, reasoning, in part, that "[Mr. Dauven] was aware of the newly alleged facts within weeks after being evicted from the property in May 2011," but waited until after discovery had closed before asserting the proposed claims. Dauven ,
The claim preclusion elements are all met here. The Dauvens could have asserted the current conversion claim in Dauven I after their possessions were removed from the Property in June 2011. Thus, the Dauvens' claim is barred by claim preclusion and should be dismissed.
2. The Preclusive Effect of Dauven II
Under federal law, "[a] final judgment on the merits of an action precludes the parties or their privies from relitigating issues that were or could have been raised in that action." Federated Dep't Stores, Inc. v. Moitie ,
In Dauven II , the Dauvens asserted a claim for conversion against Bancorp that mirrors, to a great extent, the claim currently before the court. In response to Bancorp's contention that the current claim is barred by claim preclusion, the Dauvens cite Judge Brown's dismissal, without prejudice, of the conversion claim alleged in Dauven II on the basis of lack of subject matter jurisdiction. (Pl.'s Resp., at 6-7.) Liberally construed, the Dauvens' argument posits that a final judgment was never rendered "on the merits" in Dauven II , and therefore, claim preclusion does not apply. Bancorp counters the Dauvens misunderstand and fail to adequately address how their claim is not barred by claim preclusion in this case. (U.S. Bancorp's Reply in Supp. of its Mot. to Dismiss, ECF No. 13, at 2-3.)
With respect to Dauven II , the Dauvens' argument holds weight. "The phrase 'final judgment on the merits' is often used interchangeably with 'dismissal with prejudice.' " Stewart v. U.S. Bancorp ,
3. Summary
The Dauvens' current claim is not precluded by the previous state FED proceedings or Dauven II. However, the Dauvens could have, and should have, amended the complaint in Dauven I in the weeks following their eviction and loss of property in June 2011 to add all new claims borne from those events. Such amendments, had they stated a viable claim for relief, likely would have been timely and joined by the court. The Dauvens had an obligation under Oregon law to assert all claims, alternative legal theories, and possible grounds for relief arising from their eviction and loss of property in one action but they did not, and they cannot now attempt to bring suit on a theory they failed to timely assert in Dauven I. The Dauvens' status as self-represented litigants does not relax the obligation of this court to strictly apply the principles of res judicata so that they may bring a new lawsuit every time they come across a new legal theory upon which they might seek redress. Consequently, the claim currently before the court is barred by claim preclusion and Bancorp's Motion should be GRANTED.
*1280C. Issue Preclusion
As alleged, the Dauvens' conversion claim is centered on Bancorp's failure to provide written notice, pursuant to ORS 90.425 and 105.165, prior to removing and disposing of the Dauvens' belongings from the Property. (Compl., at 8.) Bancorp alleges the Dauven I court considered the issue of whether the Dauvens were entitled to statutory notice before their possessions were removed, and that the court conclusively determined the notice requirements did not apply because the Dauvens were not "tenants" as defined by those statutes. (Motion, at 7-8.) Consequently, Bancorp argues issue preclusion bars the Dauvens from basing their current claim on their right to statutory notice. (Id. ) In response, the Dauvens allege the conversion claim was never litigated prior to this lawsuit. (Pl.'s Resp., at 7.) Because Bancorp relies solely on Dauven I , Oregon preclusion law governs whether issue preclusion applies in this case.
"Under the doctrine of issue preclusion, a party is bound by the determination of a particular issue in an earlier proceeding." Minihan v. Stiglich ,
(1) The issue in the two proceedings is identical.
(2) The issue was actually litigated and was essential to a final decision on the merits in the prior proceeding.
(3) The party sought to be precluded has had a full and fair opportunity to be heard on that issue.
(4) The party sought to be precluded was a party was a party or was in privity with a party to the prior proceeding.
(5) The prior proceeding was the type of proceeding to which this court will give preclusive effect.
Nelson ,
Bancorp contends all five elements are met here. There is no disputing the issue at bar is identical to the statutory notice issue addressed by Judge Papak in Dauven I. Further, the parties sought to be precluded here were parties or privies to the prior proceeding. Though Ms. Dauven was no longer a named plaintiff when Mr. Dauven asserted the issue of statutory notice in the proposed Fifth Amended Complaint, she was a party in privity because her interests were represented by Mr. Dauven. See Secor Invs., LLC v. Anderegg ,
Whether the statutory notice issue was "actually litigated," however, is not as clear. "An issue is 'actually litigated' when 'the factual and legal issues that the plaintiff raises in the second case were actually adjudicated and essential to the determination of the first case." Ram Technical Servs., Inc. v. Koresko ,
The first, second, and fourth elements are met here, thus the burden shifts to the Dauvens to demonstrate the third and fifth issue preclusion elements are not met. The Dauvens offer little argument with respect to issue preclusion, simply asserting the eviction complaint was filed under ORS 105.165, which incorporates by reference the notice requirements of ORS 90.425. (Pl.'s Resp., at 7.) While that may be so, the Dauvens' argument fails to establish issue preclusion is inapplicable here. First, federal court proceedings are of a type that may be given preclusive effect. Second, the Dauvens had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the statutory notice issue in Dauven I. When they moved to file the Fifth Amended Complaint, the Dauvens were able to argue the grounds on which they sought to add the proposed claim, and subsequently filed a reply brief to address the Banks' opposition to their motion. (Dauven I , Pl.'s Reply to Def.'s Resp. in Opp'n to Pl.'s Mot. for Leave to File Suppl. and Am. Compl./Pet., ECF No. 89.) Further, the Dauvens had opportunity to object to the Findings and Recommendation issued by Judge Papak denying leave to amend, and expressly declined to do so. (Dauven I , Pl.'s Resp. to Def.'s Objections to Findings and Recommendations, ECF No. 111, at 1) ("Plaintiff has stated that he has no objections to Judge Papak's Findings and Recommendations ....") Additionally, the Dauvens did not appeal Judge Hernandez's decision adopting Judge Papak's Findings and Recommendation with respect to the motion to amend, and dismissing the claims that remained. Because the Dauvens had opportunity *1282to fully brief the issue, object to Judge Papak's Findings and Recommendation, and appeal Judge Hernandez's adoption of Judge Papak's conclusions regarding the motion to amend, the Dauvens had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the statutory notice issue.
The requisite elements for the application of issue preclusion are met in this case. Accordingly, the Dauvens are precluded from relying on their alleged entitlement to statutory notice under ORS 90.425 and 105.165 to establish their conversion claim because it was previously determined that they are not "tenants" as defined by those statutes and thus are not entitled to the statutory notice prescribed by those statutes. Because their conversion claim and remedies sought rest squarely on Bancorp's alleged failure to adhere to the notice requirements of ORS 90.425 and 105.165, issue preclusion bars the instant claim and Bancorp's Motion should be GRANTED.
II. Statute of Limitations
Bancorp contends that even if the instant case is not barred by the doctrines of claim and issue preclusion, it is time-barred by the statute of limitations. Specifically, Bancorp argues the applicable statute of limitations for the claim at bar is governed by ORS 12.125. (Motion, at 9-10.) Under that provision, "[a]n action arising under a rental agreement or ORS chapter 90 shall be commenced within one year." OR. REV. STAT. § 12.125. Because the Dauvens' belongings were removed from the Properly in June 2011, and the Dauvens filed this suit in August 2018, Bancorp alleges this lawsuit is untimely and should be dismissed. (Motion, 9-10.) The Dauvens refute Bancorp's assertions, arguing the current lawsuit was filed under ORS chapter 105 rather than the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ("ORLTA") codified by chapter 90. (Pl.'s Resp., at 7.) Because ORS 105.165 incorporates a specific section of chapter 90 - ORS 90.425 - the Dauvens claim "there is no doubt that [chapter 105] is not allowing ORS § 12.125 to be a controlling factor under 105.165." (Id. at 8.) The Dauvens do not identify the appropriate statute of limitations that would otherwise apply to the claim at bar.
The Oregon Supreme Court addressed the scope of ORS 12.125 in Waldner v. Stephens ,
Here, the Dauvens' claim is couched as a claim for conversion, but rests squarely on *1283the statutory notice requirement elaborated by ORS 90.425. That the Dauvens' claim was filed under ORS 105.165 and not ORS 90.425 is of no consequence, for the part of that provision upon which the Dauvens rely is applicable only if "ORS chapter 90 applies to a dwelling unit, following restitution of the premises ... by the sheriff" pursuant to service and enforcement of a writ of execution and eviction trespass notice, and requires the removal, storage, and disposal of personal property left on the premises in accordance with ORS 90.425. OR. REV. STAT. 105.165(1). Though the Complaint refers generically to ORS 105.165 and does not identify subsection one as the authority on which the conversion claim relies, the Dauvens seek double damages which are available only "[i]f the plaintiff fails to permit the defendant to recover possession of the defendant's personal property under subsection (1) of this section." OR. REV. STAT. 105.165(4). Consequently, the Dauvens' complaint relies on subsection one of ORS 105.165, which in turn rests on the requirements of ORS 90.425. Because the Dauvens' conversion claim ultimately relies on the notice requirement imposed by a provision of the ORLTA, the one-year limitations period set forth by ORS 12.125 applies to bar the instant case. Thus, Bancorp's Motion should be GRANTED.
Because the Dauvens' claim is barred by claim preclusion, issue preclusion, and the statute of limitations, Bancorp's Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 8) should be GRANTED.
Scheduling Order
The Findings and Recommendation will be referred to a district judge. Objections, if any, are due April 29, 2019. If no objections are filed, then the Findings and Recommendation will go under advisement on that date.
If objections are filed, then a response is due within 14 days after being served with a copy of the objections. When the response is due or filed, whichever date is earlier, the Findings and Recommendation will go under advisement.
DATED this 11th day of April, 2019.
Related
Cite This Page — Counsel Stack
390 F. Supp. 3d 1262, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/dauven-v-us-bancorp-ord-2019.