This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
- The Plaintiff, Roylene Whatley, filed a complaint against Corizon Medicare D.O.C, Dr. Shannon, and Dr. Albert, which was dismissed by the district court through a summary judgment order. The Plaintiff then appealed this dismissal. (para 1)
Procedural History
- District Court of Bernalillo County, November 12, 2014: Order granting Defendants' motion for summary judgment and dismissing Plaintiff's complaint with prejudice.
Parties' Submissions
- Plaintiff-Appellant: Contended that the summary judgment entered by the district court was a final order and that his notice of appeal transferred full jurisdiction over to the Court of Appeals. (para 2)
- Defendants-Appellees: [Not applicable or not found]
Legal Issues
- Whether the summary judgment entered by the district court constituted a final order eligible for appeal.
Disposition
- The appeal was dismissed for lack of a final order. (para 5)
Reasons
-
VIGIL, Chief Judge, with BUSTAMANTE, Judge, and HANISEE, Judge concurring: The Court found that the Plaintiff's appeal was premature because the Plaintiff had filed a timely motion to alter or amend and a timely motion for relief from judgment, which meant the district court had not been divested of its jurisdiction. The district court's denial of Plaintiff's motions was based on a mistaken belief that it lacked jurisdiction, not on the merits of the motions. Therefore, the proceedings were deemed non-final, and the appeal was dismissed as premature. The Court also noted that the Plaintiff would not be denied his constitutional right to appeal, as he could appeal once a final order was entered by the district court. (paras 2-5)
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