Bugatti Fausett v. Osteotech, Inc.
1:13-cv-02170
D. Colo.Sep 10, 2014Background
- Plaintiffs Karin Fausett and Eddie Fausett sue Osteotech, Inc. in the District of Colorado (Civil Action No. 1:13-cv-02170-REB-KLM).
- Defendant Osteotech, Inc. moves for judgment on the pleadings under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(c) on Nov. 22, 2013.
- Plaintiffs respond and Osteotech replies; the motion is fully briefed.
- Court applies 12(c) standard identical to 12(b)(6) standard for failure to state a claim.
- Court explains Twombly/Iqbal plausibility pleading standard and liberal interpretation of complaints.
- Court denies the motion on Sept. 10, 2014, finding the complaint plausibly states claims.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether complaint states plausible claims under Twombly/Iqbal | Faucetts contend claims are plausibly pleaded | Osteotech argues claims lack facial plausibility | Pleading found plausible; denial of motion affirmed |
| Whether 12(c) standard mirrors 12(b)(6) standard | Same standard applicable to motion to dismiss | 12(c) uses identical plausibility standard | Yes; standard aligned and applied |
| Whether complaint contains sufficient factual allegations | Allegations are sufficient to show plausible relief | Allegations insufficient or too generalized | Complaint adequately states plausible claims; motion denied |
Key Cases Cited
- Twombly, 550 U.S. 544 (U.S. 2007) (plausibility standard for pleading required in complaint)
- Robbins v. Oklahoma, 519 F.3d 1242 (10th Cir. 2008) (requires fair notice and grounds for the claim under Twombly)
- Dias v. City and County of Denver, 567 F.3d 1169 (10th Cir. 2009) (pleading must show plausible grounds for relief)
- McDonald v. Kinder-Morgan, Inc., 287 F.3d 992 (10th Cir. 2002) (well-pleaded allegations must be true for Rule 12(b)(6) review)
- Ridge at Red Hawk, L.L.C. v. Schneider, 493 F.3d 1174 (10th Cir. 2007) (pleading must be plausibly supported; not just possible)