On 11/26/2018 WESTERN HOME INSURANCE filed a Personal Injury - Other Personal Injury lawsuit against FRG TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC . This case was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Courts, Spring Street Courthouse located in Los Angeles, California. The Judge overseeing this case is JON R. TAKASUGI. The case status is Pending - Other Pending.
*******4231
11/26/2018
Pending - Other Pending
Los Angeles County Superior Courts
Spring Street Courthouse
Los Angeles, California
JON R. TAKASUGI
WESTERN HOME INSURANCE
RAYA JEFFREY
Spring Valley, CA 91977
FRG TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT COMPANY INC.
ROSENBERG GARY ALLEN
10/21/2020: Certificate of Mailing for - Certificate of Mailing for (Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery")) of 10/21/2020
10/21/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery"))
10/1/2020: Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order - Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order
8/21/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Court Order Re: Non-Jury Trial)
8/21/2020: Certificate of Mailing for - Certificate of Mailing for (Court Order Re: Non-Jury Trial) of 08/21/2020
7/31/2020: Notice of Ruling - Notice of Ruling
7/14/2020: Declaration (name extension) - Declaration re motion to compel answers
7/15/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery"))
2/4/2020: Motion to Compel Discovery (not Further Discovery) - 1 moving party, 1 motion - Motion to Compel Discovery (not Further Discovery) - 1 moving party, 1 motion
3/23/2020: Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order - Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order
3/23/2020: Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order - Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order
7/11/2019: Proof of Personal Service - Proof of Personal Service
2/11/2019: Answer - Answer
11/26/2018: Notice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case - Notice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case
11/26/2018: Summons - Summons on Complaint
11/26/2018: Civil Case Cover Sheet - Civil Case Cover Sheet
11/26/2018: First Amended Standing Order - First Amended Standing Order
11/26/2018: Complaint - Complaint
Hearing11/29/2021 at 10:30 AM in Department 25 at 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Order to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service
Hearing07/19/2021 at 09:30 AM in Department 25 at 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Order to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service
DocketMinute Order (Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery"))
DocketCertificate of Mailing for (Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery")) of 10/21/2020; Filed by: Clerk
DocketHearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery") scheduled for 10/21/2020 at 10:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 Not Held - Taken Off Calendar by Court on 10/21/2020
DocketNotice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order; Filed by: Clerk
DocketThere being no judge available this date, Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery") scheduled for 10/07/2020 at 10:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 Not Held - Advanced and Continued - by Court was rescheduled to 10/21/2020 10:30 AM
DocketOrder to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service and Entry of Default and Default Judgment/Dismissal scheduled for 07/19/2021 at 09:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25
DocketOn the Court's own motion, Non-Jury Trial scheduled for 08/31/2020 at 08:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 Not Held - Advanced and Vacated on 08/21/2020
DocketMinute Order (Court Order Re: Non-Jury Trial)
DocketUpdated -- Request to Waive Court Fees: Result Date changed from 03/20/2019 to 02/11/2019; As To Parties: removed
DocketCase reassigned to Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Department 94 - Hon. James E. Blancarte; Reason: Inventory Transfer
DocketComplaint; Filed by: Western Home Insurance (Plaintiff); As to: FRG Transport Management Company, Inc. (Defendant); Jeffrey Raya (Defendant)
DocketCivil Case Cover Sheet; Filed by: Western Home Insurance (Plaintiff)
DocketSummons on Complaint; Issued and Filed by: Clerk
DocketNotice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case; Filed by: Clerk
DocketFirst Amended Standing Order; Filed by: Clerk
DocketCase assigned to Hon. Jon R. Takasugi in Department 94 Stanley Mosk Courthouse
DocketNon-Jury Trial scheduled for 05/26/2020 at 08:30 AM in Stanley Mosk Courthouse at Department 94
DocketOrder to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service scheduled for 11/29/2021 at 08:30 AM in Stanley Mosk Courthouse at Department 94
Case Number: 18STLC14231 Hearing Date: October 21, 2020 Dept: 25
HEARING DATE: Wed., October 21, 2020 JUDGE /DEPT: Blancarte/25
CASE NAME: Western Home Insurance v. Raya, et al. COMP. FILED: 11-26-18
CASE NUMBER: 18STLC14231 DISC. C/O: NONE
NOTICE: OK DISC. MOT. C/O: NONE
TRIAL DATE: NOT SET
PROCEEDINGS: MOTION COMPELLING RESPONSES TO INTERROGATORIES AND FOR AWARD OF MONETARY SANCTIONS
MOVING PARTY: Plaintiff Western Home Insurance
RESP. PARTY: None
MOTION TO COMPEL RESPONSES TO INTERROGATORIES; REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
(CCP § 2030.290)
TENTATIVE RULING:
Plaintiff Western Home Insurance’s Motion Compelling Responses to Interrogatories is GRANTED. Defendant Raya is ordered to provide verified responses without objections to Form Interrogatories, Set One, within thirty (30) days of notice of this order. Plaintiff’s request for sanctions is also GRANTED in the amount of $450.00 to be paid within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
SERVICE:
[X] Proof of Service Timely Filed (CRC, rule 3.1300) OK
[X] Correct Address (CCP §§ 1013, 1013a) OK
[X] 16/21 Court Days Lapsed (CCP §§ 12c, 1005(b)) OK
OPPOSITION: None filed as of October 19, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
REPLY: None filed as of October 19, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
ANALYSIS:
Background
On November 26, 2018, Plaintiff Western Home Insurance (“Plaintiff”) filed a complaint in subrogation for damages against Defendants FRG Transport Management Company, Inc. (“FRG”) and Jeffrey Raya (“Raya”). On February 11, 2019, Defendant Raya filed an Answer, in pro per.
On February 4, 2020, Plaintiff filed the instant Motion Compelling Responses to Interrogatories and for Award of Monetary Sanctions (the “Motion”).
At the initial hearing on July 15, 2020, the Court noted that Plaintiff’s counsel’s declaration was not executed and thus could not be considered as evidence. (7/15/20 Minute Order.)
To date, no opposition has been filed.
Legal Standard & Discussion
Form Interrogatories
A party must respond to interrogatories within 30 days after service. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.260, subd. (a).) If a party to whom interrogatories are directed does not provide timely responses, the requesting party may move for an order compelling responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (b).) The party also waives the right to make any objections, including one based on privilege or work-product protection. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (a).) There is no time limit for a motion to compel responses to interrogatories other than the cut-off on hearing discovery motions 15 days before trial. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2024.020, subd. (a); Code Civ. Proc., 2030.290.) No meet and confer efforts are required before filing a motion to compel responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290; Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting, Inc. v. Pacific Healthcare Consultants (2007) 148 Cal.App.4th 390, 411.)
Here, Plaintiff’s counsel served Form Interrogatories, Set One, on Defendant Raya on July 13, 2019 via regular mail. (7/14/20 Rosenberg Decl., ¶ 4, Exh. A.) Although not procedurally required, on August 5, 2019, Plaintiff’s counsel sent Defendant Raya a letter regarding the lack of discovery responses. (Id. at ¶ 6, Exh. B.) To date, Plaintiff has not received any responses to the Form Interrogatories. (Id at ¶ 7.) Thus, Plaintiff is entitled to an order compelling Defendant Raya to provide verified responses without objections. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290.)
Sanctions
Code of Civil Procedure section 2023.030, subdivision (a) provides, in pertinent part, that the court may impose a monetary sanction on a party engaging in the misuse of the discovery process to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by anyone as a result of that conduct. A misuse of the discovery process includes failing to respond or submit to an authorized method of discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2023.010, subd. (d).)
The Court finds Defendant Raya’s failure to respond to Plaintiff’s discovery request a misuse of the discovery process.
Plaintiff’s counsel requests a total of $2,500.00 in sanctions. (7/14/20 Rosenberg Decl., ¶ 9.) First, it appears Plaintiff’s counsel miscalculated the total amount of sanctions requested, which based on 5 hours of attorney time billed at a rate of $450.00, totals $2,250.00. (See Id.) Regardless, the amount sought is excessive given the simplicity of this Motion and the lack of opposition and reply. The Court finds sanctions of $450.00, based on one hour of attorney time, to be reasonable. Defendant Raya is ordered to pay sanctions within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
Conclusion & Order
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff Western Home Insurance’s Motion Compelling Responses to Interrogatories is GRANTED. Defendant Raya is ordered to provide verified responses without objections to Form Interrogatories, Set One, within thirty (30) days of notice of this order. Plaintiff’s request for sanctions is also GRANTED in the amount of $450.00 to be paid within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
Moving party is ordered to give notice.
Case Number: 18STLC14231 Hearing Date: July 15, 2020 Dept: 25
MOTION TO COMPEL RESPONSES TO INTERROGATORIES; REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
(CCP § 2030.290)
TENTATIVE RULING:
Plaintiff Western Home Insurance’s Motion Compelling Responses to Interrogatories is GRANTED ON THE CONDITION that Plaintiff’s counsel files an executed copy of the declaration submitted in support of this Motion before the hearing. If granted, Defendant Raya is ordered to provide verified responses without objections to Form Interrogatories, Set One, within thirty (30) days of notice of this order as well as pay sanctions in the amount of $450.00 within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
Otherwise, the Motion is CONTINUED TO OCTOBER 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in Department 25 at the SPRING STREET COURTHOUSE. If continued, at least 16 court days before the next scheduled hearing, Plaintiff must file and serve supplemental papers addressing the deficiencies identified herein. Failure to do so may result in the Motion being placed off calendar or denied.
SERVICE:
[X] Proof of Service Timely Filed (CRC, rule 3.1300) OK
[X] Correct Address (CCP §§ 1013, 1013a) OK
[X] 16/21 Court Days Lapsed (CCP §§ 12c, 1005(b)) OK
OPPOSITION: None filed as of July 13, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
REPLY: None filed as of July 13, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
ANALYSIS:
Background
On November 26, 2018, Plaintiff Western Home Insurance (“Plaintiff”) filed a complaint in subrogation for damages against Defendants FRG Transport Management Company, Inc. (“FRG”) and Jeffrey Raya (“Raya”). On February 11, 2019, Defendant Raya filed an Answer, in pro per.
On February 4, 2020, Plaintiff filed the instant Motion Compelling Responses to Interrogatories and for Award of Monetary Sanctions (the “Motion”). To date, no opposition has been filed.
Legal Standard & Discussion
A party must respond to interrogatories within 30 days after service. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.260, subd. (a).) If a party to whom interrogatories are directed does not provide timely responses, the requesting party may move for an order compelling responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (b).) The party also waives the right to make any objections, including one based on privilege or work-product protection. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (a).) There is no time limit for a motion to compel responses to interrogatories other than the cut-off on hearing discovery motions 15 days before trial. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2024.020, subd. (a); Code Civ. Proc., 2030.290.) No meet and confer efforts are required before filing a motion to compel responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290; Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting, Inc. v. Pacific Healthcare Consultants (2007) 148 Cal.App.4th 390, 411.)
Plaintiff’s counsel submits a declaration in support of the Motion stating the following:
Plaintiff’s counsel served Form Interrogatories, Set One, on Defendant Raya on July 13, 2019 via regular mail. (Mot., Rosenberg Decl., ¶ 4, Exh. A.) Although not procedurally required, on August 5, 2019, Plaintiff’s counsel sent Defendant Raya a letter regarding the lack of discovery responses. (Id. at ¶ 6, Exh. B.) To date, Plaintiff has not received any responses to the Form Interrogatories. (Id at ¶ 7.)
However, the Court notes that Plaintiff’s counsel’s declaration is not executed, and thus cannot be considered as evidence. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2015.5.) In the interest of judicial economy, however, the Court will consider granting Plaintiff’s request for compelling responses if Plaintiff’s counsel files an executed copy of the declaration before the hearing.
Plaintiff also requests that sanctions be imposed on Defendant for his failure to provide responses. Code of Civil Procedure section 2023.030, subdivision (a) provides, in pertinent part, that the court may impose a monetary sanction on a party engaging in the misuse of the discovery process to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by anyone as a result of that conduct. A misuse of the discovery process includes failing to respond or to submit to an authorized method of discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2023.010, subd. (d).)
The Court finds Defendant Raya’s failure to respond to Plaintiff’s discovery request a misuse of the discovery process.
Plaintiff’s counsel requests a total of $2,500.00 in sanctions. (Mot., Rosenberg Decl., ¶ 9.) First, it appears Plaintiff’s counsel miscalculated the total amount of sanctions requested, which based on 5 hours of attorney time billed at a rate of $450.00, totals $2,250.00. (Id.) Regardless, the amount sought is excessive given the simplicity of this Motion and the lack of opposition and reply. The Court finds sanctions of $450.00 based on one hour of attorney time to be appropriate and will be awarded provided that Plaintiff’s counsel files an executed copy of his declaration before the hearing.
Conclusion & Order
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiff Western Home Insurance’s Motion Compelling Responses to Interrogatories is GRANTED ON THE CONDITION that Plaintiff’s counsel files an executed copy of the declaration submitted in support of this Motion before the hearing. If granted, Defendant Raya is ordered to provide verified responses without objections to Form Interrogatories, Set One, within thirty (30) days of notice of this order as well as pay sanctions in the amount of $450.00 within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
Otherwise, the Motion is CONTINUED TO OCTOBER 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in Department 25 at the SPRING STREET COURTHOUSE. If continued, at least 16 court days before the next scheduled hearing, Plaintiff must file and serve supplemental papers addressing the deficiencies identified herein. Failure to do so may result in the Motion being placed off calendar or denied.
Moving party is ordered to give notice.
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