392 S.W.3d 321
Tex. App.2012Background
- Schneider sues GBRA and Kenda for negligence after a vehicle collision when Kenda, acting within GBRA's scope, failed to yield.
- Kenda is dismissed from the suit by Schneider pursuant to an agreed order with GBRA.
- GBRA frogs to jurisdiction arguing lack of proper statutorily required notice and thus no waiver of immunity.
- Plaintiff contends GBRA had actual notice of injuries and potential fault through letters and internal documents.
- Trial court denied GBRA's plea to the jurisdiction; GBRA appeals, arguing lack of actual notice.
- Court holds there is a factual issue on whether GBRA had actual notice and remands for further proceedings.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actual notice exists under §101.101(a)-(c)? | Schneider argues GBRA had actual notice via letters and documents. | GBRA contends no actual notice; only investigation records exist. | Fact issue on actual notice; remand. |
| Do GBRA's Formative documents impute notice to GBRA via agency? | Documents show knowledge of facts, parties, and potential injuries. | Documents alone do not prove actual notice; agency relationship unclear. | Material fact issue exists about agency notice to GBRA. |
| Is a formal written notice required to sustain notice? (not reached) | Formal notice was provided via letters indicating responsibility and fault. | Actual notice may be established by other notices; formal notice not strictly necessary here. | Not decided; Court focuses on actual notice. |
Key Cases Cited
- Cathey v. Booth, 900 S.W.2d 339 (Tex. 1995) (actual notice requires knowledge of injury, fault, and identities)
- University of Tex. Health Sci. Ctr. at San Antonio v. Stevens, 330 S.W.3d 335 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2010) (agency notice and imputing actual notice to a governmental entity)
- City of Wichita Falls v. Jenkins, 307 S.W.3d 854 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2010) (detailed police report may support actual notice)
- Dinh v. Harris Cnty. Hosp. Dist., 896 S.W.2d 248 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1995) (hospital records alone do not impute actual notice)
- Univ. of Tex. Sw. Med. Ctr. at Dallas v. Estate of Arancibia, 324 S.W.3d 544 (Tex. 2010) (actual notice requires more than mere records; must know injury and fault)