Schneider v. Alias

Raymond Schneider appeals from a judgment entered against him under sec. 802.11(5), Stats., when he failed to appear at a scheduled pretrial conference. Schneider claims that his conduct was not egregious and that the trial court abused its discretion in granting Ruch’s motion to dismiss Schneider’s complaint and for a default judgment on Ruch’s counterclaim. We agree and reverse the judgment.

I

BACKGROUND

Schneider began this action against Jim Ruch for wrongful conversion of Schneider’s automobile. Ruch counterclaimed for charges he incurred in repairing and remodeling the automobile. A…