Contreras v. Simply Framed, L.L.C.

Background

Yensy Contreras sued Simply Framed, L.L.C., individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The opinion text states that the parties reached a settlement and that their settlement agreement was still being finalized. Contreras asked the court to stay the case and adjourn all deadlines and conferences while the agreement was completed and the required consideration was received.

Ruling

The court granted the application. It canceled all previously scheduled conferences and other deadlines. It dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, including attorneys’ fees, to either party; directed the Clerk of Court to terminate all open motions and close the case; and directed that the caption be amended to remove the words “on behalf of all others similarly situated.” The order states that the dismissal operates only between individual Plaintiff Yensy Contreras and Defendant Simply Framed, L.L.C.

Settlement and Possible Reopening

The order allowed the parties, within 30 days, to apply to reopen the case. Any such application had to show good cause for keeping the case open in light of the settlement, and the court stated that a late application or one lacking good cause could be denied on that basis alone. If the parties wanted the court to retain jurisdiction to enforce the settlement agreement, they had to submit the agreement under Rule 7.A of the court’s Individual Practices and request an order expressly retaining jurisdiction, also within 30 days.

Effect of the Order

The court’s order ended this case as to Contreras and Simply Framed and did not operate on behalf of other similarly situated people. The opinion does not describe the underlying claims or decide their merits. Judge Valerie Caproni signed the order on June 16, 2022.