Burrowes v. Tenet Healthsystem GB, Inc.
319 Ga. App. 389
Ga. Ct. App.
2012

Background

  • Burrowes and Burrowes, P.C. dispute a lease with AMC; eviction dispute escalates to Prior Action (2010) in Fulton County Superior Court.
  • In the Prior Action, Burrowes, P.C. alleged Stark Law/ CIA violations; AMC counterclaimed for eviction and past due rent.
  • During discovery, Burrowes, P.C. voluntarily dismissed its claims in the Prior Action; AMC moved for partial summary judgment on eviction.
  • The trial court granted AMC partial summary judgment and issued a writ of possession after a September 2011 hearing; judgment for eviction and rent due.
  • Burrowes and Burrowes, P.C. then filed this action (2011CV205657) seeking relief; the trial court denied a stay of the writ.
  • The trial court dismissed this action as barred by res judicata and lack of standing, which the appellate court affirm.]
  • Note: The order discusses that the renewal action is barred where a prior action has adjudicated or could have adjudicated the same claims.

Issues

Issue Plaintiff's Argument Defendant's Argument Held
Whether res judicata bars the current action Burrowes argues renewal barred by res judicata Tenet argues claims could have been raised in Prior Action Yes, res judicata bars the current action

Key Cases Cited

  • Trust Co. Bank of Northwest Ga. v. Shaw, 182 Ga. App. 165, 166 (2) (355 SE2d 99) (1987) (Ga. App. 1987) (three prerequisites for res judicata; elements satisfied)
  • Waldroup v. Green County Hosp. Auth., 265 Ga. 864, 865-866 (1) (463 SE2d 5) (1995) (Ga. 1995) (identities of action and parties and adjudication on the merits)
  • Perrett v. Sumner, 286 Ga. App. 379, 380-381 (2) (649 SE2d 545) (2007) (Ga. App. 2007) (dual prerequisites for res judicata reaffirmed)
  • Robinson v. Stokes, 229 Ga. App. 25, 26 (1) (493 SE2d 5) (1997) (Ga. App. 1997) (renewal action is subject to defenses including res judicata)
  • Johnson v. Bd. of Commrs., Bibb County, 302 Ga. App. 266, 267 (690 SE2d 912) (2010) (Ga. App. 2010) (de novo standard for dismissal review; affirm if any ground supports)
  • Nairon v. Land, 242 Ga. App. 259 (529 SE2d 390) (2000) (Ga. App. 2000) (when trial court’s grounds not stated, affirm if any ground valid)
  • Hall v. Hall, 240 Ga. 28 (239 SE2d 356) (1977) (Ga. 1977) (final and binding; non-appealability of order)
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