Brough Trucking LLC v. Truck Doctor Inc
5:24-cv-00412
W.D. Okla.Jun 30, 2025Background
- Plaintiff, Brough Trucking LLC, obtained a default judgment against Defendant Truck Doctor, Inc. in the Western District of Oklahoma.
- Plaintiff initially sought attorney's fees, but the Court denied the request without prejudice due to a lack of supporting affidavit as required by local rules.
- Plaintiff later supplemented the fee request with the necessary affidavit and billing records.
- Plaintiff requested $17,310.00 in attorney's fees, detailing rates for senior and associate attorneys, and legal assistants.
- The Court reviewed the reasonableness of the hours worked and the hourly rates, making deductions for insufficiently detailed or excessive billing entries.
- Plaintiff also requested costs, but did not provide adequate documentation for all costs sought, only the filing fee was substantiated.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entitlement to Attorney's Fees | Entitled under Oklahoma law as prevailing party | No opposition (default) | Fees recoverable but must be reasonable |
| Reasonableness of Fee Request | Fees are reasonable, supported by affidavit and billing | No opposition (default) | Partial reduction for vague/excessive entries |
| Recoverability of Litigation Costs | Sought reimbursement for various litigation costs | No opposition (default) | Only filing fee recoverable without receipts |
| Procedural Compliance for Fee Motion | Supplemented with required affidavit per local rules | No opposition (default) | Compliance now adequate for fee determination |
Key Cases Cited
- State ex rel. Burk v. City of Oklahoma City, 598 P.2d 659 (Okla. 1979) (lodestar method and Burk factors determine reasonable attorney’s fees under Oklahoma law)
- Darrow v. Spencer, 581 P.2d 1309 (Okla. 1978) (court assesses necessary and reasonable value of attorney services)