X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

In 1997, appellant-defendant Steve Wallace purchased property in north Atlanta, razed the existent dwelling thereon, and built a new home into which he later moved his wife and family. As the work progressed, next-door neighbor appellee-plaintiff Sue Lewis complained to Wallace that run-off water was being diverted onto her property. However, these complaints were to no avail, and, on November 14, 2000, Lewis filed the instant unverified complaint and petition for damages and injunctive relief. Lewis averred, among other things, that “for more than two years, Wallace realized the impact of his actions and made no effort to remedy the problem,” and that Wallace’s actions were in the nature of a private nuisance, pertinently praying for damages and an interlocutory injunction. Wallace filed an untimely answer to the complaint that was not verified and default occurred on December 6, 2000. Lewis and Wallace thereafter filed motions for default judgment and to open default, respectively, and, on May 22, 2001, approximately three weeks after its hearing on the motions, the superior court granted default judgment to Lewis; ruled that run-off from Wallace’s property constituted a private nuisance; ordered the nuisance abated upon means to be determined at a later damages hearing; and ordered an interlocutory injunction restraining and enjoining Wallace from any additional property modifications which would disturb the status quo until such hearing. Wallace appeals1 the injunction entered against him as granted without giving him notice or an opportunity to be heard contrary to OCGA § 9-11-65 a. Finding this claim of error to be without merit, we affirm. Held:

Wallace correctly points to OCGA § 9-11-65 a as requiring notice to the adverse party and a hearing on disputed issues of fact before an interlocutory injunction may issue. Williams v. Tritt, 262 Ga. 173, 174-175 2 415 SE2d 285 1992. However, as an equity action in default and valid on its face, the instant case is not one in which there are disputed issues of fact.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
May 01, 2025
Atlanta, GA

The Daily Report is honoring those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession.


Learn More
February 24, 2025 - February 26, 2025
Las Vegas, NV

This conference aims to help insurers and litigators better manage complex claims and litigation.


Learn More
March 24, 2025
New York, NY

Recognizing innovation in the legal technology sector for working on precedent-setting, game-changing projects and initiatives.


Learn More

Stern, Lavinthal & Frankenberg, LLC, is seeking a foreclosure attorney experienced in the NJ and/or NY foreclosure process and default l...


Apply Now ›

Mineola defense firm seeks attorneys with 3-5 years of actual insurance defense experience to handle complex general liability matters. Sala...


Apply Now ›

Boutique Law Firm in Englewood Cliffs, NJ is seeking an Experienced Commercial Real Estate/Transactional Attorney for a full-time position. ...


Apply Now ›