280 F.R.D. 296
W.D. Ky.2012Background
- Plaintiffs allege nuisance, trespass, negligence, and related claims arising from Tosh Farms-standard hog barns in Kentucky.
- Defendants include Ron Davis Hog Barn operators and multiple Tosh Farms entities with a Tosh Swine Services Agreement.
- Plaintiffs seek class certification for residents within 1.25 miles of the Ron Davis Hog Barn and other Tosh barns; class would include entities under Tosh Farms umbrella.
- Plaintiffs contended the hog barns cause recurring noxious odors and property value diminution, with some plaintiffs alleging additional injuries.
- The court vacated a prior partial grant of class certification, granted leave to amend (denied), and certified a class only for the Ron Davis Hog Barn area under Rule 23(b)(3).
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether leave to amend the class-certification motion should be granted | Plaintiffs seek to clarify, expand, and align certification claims | Tosh Defendants oppose unnecessary amendment | Denied |
| Whether the Ron Davis Hog Barn class meets Rule 23(a) prerequisites | Numerosity, commonality, typicality, and adequacy satisfied for Ron Davis area | Arguments raised against commonality and numerosity for broader Tosh barns | Met for Ron Davis Hog Barn"} ,{ |
Key Cases Cited
- In re Am. Med. Sys., Inc., 75 F.3d 1069 (6th Cir. 1996) (burden on class cert; rigorous 23(a) analysis)
- Sprague v. Gen. Motors Corp., 133 F.3d 388 (6th Cir. 1998) (commonality and predominance guidance in tolling class actions)
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 131 S. Ct. 2541 (2011) (commonality requires a common injury; damages considerations limit (b)(2) suitability))
- Gen. Tel. Co. v. Falcon, 457 U.S. 147 (1982) (rigorous Rule 23(a) analysis and certification framework)
- Sterling v. Velsicol Chem. Corp., 855 F.2d 1188 (6th Cir. 1988) (allow class action with class-wide liability; individual damages)
- Boggs v. Divested Atomic Corp., 141 F.R.D. 58 (S.D. Ohio 1991) (predominance and liability/causation in class action)
- Burkhead v. Louisville Gas & Electric Co., 250 F.R.D. 287 (W.D. Ky. 2008) (predominance; lack of class-wide causation evidence)
- Brockman v. Barton Brands, ( WL ) () (reference for class-action analysis (excluded due to WL)}] })