Sorrells Construction Co. v. Chandler Armentrout & Roebuck, P.C.

Pope, Chief Judge.

This appeal involves the res judicata and collateral estoppel effects of a voluntary dismissal with prejudice, specifically in the context of co-defendants who are principal and agent. Relying on the doctrine of res judicata, the trial court held that plaintiffs voluntary dismissal of its claim against the principal barred pursuit of its claim against the agent. We disagree and reverse.

The parties’ dispute arose out of construction work at the Athens Transit System Headquarters.1 The City of Athens (“the City”) hired defendant Chandler Armentrout & Roebuck, P.C. (“CAR”) to…