Pleadings Flashcards
there are three types of permissible pleadings under the North Carolina Rules:
- complaint
- answer
- reply
The basic question for pleadings regards NOTICE:
Was notice proper to the parties?
-entire question
The specific types of pleadings permitted by the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure are:
(6)
- π’s complaint
- ∆’s answer
- ∆’s complaint on the counter claim
- ∆’s complaint on the cross claim
- ∆’s complaint on a third party claim
- Answer to each of ∆’s complaint
The primary purpose of pleadings is to
to give fair notice to the parties of the claims and defenses in the action.
Can πplead alternative inconsistent theories of a case?
Yes, can be in a complaint and argued at trial.
Each complaint (or other claim for relief, e.g., a counterclaim) must contain:
- short an plain statement of the claim showing that the party is entitled to the claim
- demand for relief (e.g. money asking for + damages)
DO NOT NEED JURISDICTION STATEMENT
In a demand for relief for damages, how do you draft the pleading?
Not with specificity. If in superior court, say in excess of 10k
Cannot give a specific sanction demand
Is the plaintiff limited by demand for relief in complaint?
No, jury can always award damages not specifically sought
In negligence actions, what must the pleadings have?
Must address the specific acts of negligence
A complaint should not be dismissed for failure to state a claim unless
it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claim which would entitle him to relief.”
The burden of pleading an issue rests on
Whoever will have the burden at trial
What must the caption of the complaint have?
- division of the court (district, superior)
- party names
- type of pleading (answer, complaint, reply)
What must be the form of the allegations of the complaint
- numbered paragraphs
2. If separate actions are claimed: they should be set out separately
What happens if you do not follow rules of pleading?
In most places, can amend the pleadings
-in some cases can be sanctioned
What does a complaint do?
puts the ∆ on notice
What do you do when you do not have all the facts you need to state in the complaint?
Must state the allegations upon “information and belief”
A pleading cannot be based on information and belief if:
the party has the actual knowledge or constructive knowledge (public access knowledge)
What is the signature and verification requirement for pleadings?
An attorney or party has to sign a complaint
- stating that it is a well grounded complaint
- if not can be sanctioned under rule 11
A verified pleading is:
The attorney + party (under oath) sign the complaint
-the party’s oath
Although the general rule is that the pleadings need only give fair notice of the claim, more detailed allegations are required concerning:
Matters to be plead with specificity?
(4)
- fraud, duress, mistake, or condition of the mind
- breach of contract (have to prove condition precedent)
- Requesting Special damages that are in addition to damages flowing from the act
- Punitive Damages
A demand for punitive damages must be plead
with specificity to why punitive damages should be given
-Aggregative factors: fraud, malice, wanton conduct
A complaint for medical malpractice filed on must contain:
-Exception
A certification for an expert in the filed of the merits of the claim (breach of standard of care)
-Reasonable expected to qualify as an expert at trial
Exception when the πcannot tell who to sue (res ipsa loquitor)
What extension for a medical malpractice complaint can be given?
120 days to seek medical malpractice certification when running up on the statute of limitations
When does the lawsuit commence?
The filing of the complaint
What is the window to have a summons issued for service?
5 Days (has to reach service processor within 5 days)
Who must serve a summons and complaint on parties?
∆ in N.C.?
∆ out of N.C.?
In NC
- sheriff;
- if sheriff returns unexecuted, then can hire independent
Outside N.C.
1. process server (any person over 21 years of age licensed by the state to serve process)
How can you serve a ∆?
- personal delivery
- by leaving copies at his dwelling place with a person of suitable age and discretion (lives in home + over 18)
- Service to agents authorized by individual
- Mail copy of service and complaint (return receipt requested)
- Corp: office, director, managing agent, registered agent
What happens if you cannot get service on a person?
Can serve by publication once per week for 3 weeks where the party is located
-if you do not know where they are, have to publish in newspaper in county where suit is brought
How many days do you have to serve a ∆?
60 days
-90 day extension allowed