Briney v. Bauer

Appellants Patrick and Colleen Briney appeal the Washington County Circuit Court's granting of a motion for default judgment on the counterclaim of appellee Michael Bauer. Specifically, the Brineys contend the court abused its discretion in finding they inexcusably failed to file a timely answer to the counterclaim, and in striking their answer to the counterclaim. We affirm.

We provide the following summary of the proceedings for purposes of our analysis. The Brineys filed a complaint and a first amended complaint against Bauer, alleging breach of contract, fraud, and constructive fraud.1…