Eagle v. Kansas Counselors, Inc.

Filing 43

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER overruling plaintiff's 26 Motion To Vacate Settlement Agreement. Further, sustaining defendant's 37 Motion To Enforce Settlement Agreement. The Court enforces the parties' settlement agreement dated October 9, 2012, see Doc. #27-2, and dismisses the case with prejudice. Signed by Chief Judge Kathryn H. Vratil on 1/8/2013. (mg)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF KANSAS
RYAN EAGLE,
Plaintiff,
v.
KANSAS COUNSELORS, INC.,
Defendant.

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CIVIL ACTION
No. 12-2533-KHV

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
Ryan Eagle brought suit pro se against Kansas Counselors, Inc., a debt collection agency,
for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., and the
Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., in efforts to collect a $244.17
medical debt that plaintiff disputed with the original creditor. On October 9, 2012, plaintiff signed
a settlement agreement. This matter is before the Court on Plaintiff’s Motion To Vacate Settlement
Agreement (Doc. #26) filed October 19, 2012, and defendant’s Motion To Enforce Settlement
Agreement (Doc. #37) filed November 1, 2012. After plaintiff filed his motion, counsel entered
their appearance for plaintiff. Because the parties entered a binding, written settlement agreement
with no evidence of fraud or bad faith, the Court overrules plaintiff’s motion to vacate and sustains
defendant’s motion to enforce.
Legal Standards
The Court has the power to summarily enforce a settlement agreement while the case is
pending before the Court. United States v. Hardage, 982 F.2d 1491, 1496 (10th Cir. 1993). State
contract law governs the formation, construction and enforceability of settlement agreements.
United States v. McCall, 235 F.3d 1211, 1215 (10th Cir. 2000). Under Kansas law, “in the absence

of bad faith or fraud, when parties enter into an agreement settling and adjusting a dispute, neither
party is permitted to repudiate it.” Krantz v. Univ. of Kan., 271 Kan. 234, 241-42, 21 P.3d 561, 567
(2001); see also Woods v. Denver Dep’t of Revenue, Treasury Div., 45 F.3d 377, 378 (10th Cir.
1995) (party who knowingly and voluntarily enters settlement ordinarily cannot avoid settlement
because he changes his mind); Lewis v. Gilbert, 14 Kan. App.2d 201, 203, 785 P.2d 1367, 1368
(1990) (party’s change of mind no basis for not enforcing agreement). The Court may, however,
set aside a settlement agreement on the ground of mutual mistake of the parties. Id. at 241-43, 21
P.3d at 567-68. But a “mere mistake of fact on the part of one of the parties to a release, in the
absence of fraud, duress, undue influence, or mental incapacity, is not sufficient ground for the
avoidance of a release.” Fieser v. Stinnett, 212 Kan. 26, 30, 509 P.2d 1156, 1160-61 (1973). The
law favors the compromise and settlement of disputes. Krantz, 271 Kan. at 241-42, 21 P.3d at 567.
A binding agreement requires a meeting of the minds on all essential terms. Albers v.
Nelson, 248 Kan. 575, 580, 809 P.2d 1194, 1198 (1991); Augusta Bank & Trust v. Broomfield, 231
Kan. 52, 60, 643 P.2d 100, 106-07 (1982). To constitute a meeting of the minds, the parties must
have a fair understanding that normally accompanies mutual consent, and the evidence must show
with reasonable definiteness that the minds of the parties met upon the same matter and agreed upon
the terms of the contract. Steele v. Harrison, 220 Kan. 422, 428, 552 P.2d 957, 962 (1976); see
Andra v. Lean P. Peebler Revocable Trust, 286 P.3d 576 (Table), 2012 WL 4937465, at *6 (Kan.
App. 2012) (meeting of minds is shorthand for requirement that parties to contract objectively
manifest intent to be bound by, and share understanding of, terms of proposed agreement). The
intent of the parties, which is a question of fact, controls. Steele, 220 Kan. at 428, 552 P.2d at 962.
Under Kansas law, settlement agreements need not be in writing to be enforceable. Lewis,

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14 Kan. App.2d at 203-04, 785 P.2d at 1368-69. But where the parties agree in writing, and the
agreement is unambiguous, Kansas courts determine the intent of the parties from the four corners
of the instrument, harmonizing the language therein if possible. Hall v. JFW, Inc., 20 Kan. App.2d
845, 848-49, 893 P.2d 837, 840 (1995) (citing Brown v. Lang, 234 Kan. 610, 610, 675 P.2d 842, 843
(1984); Wiles v. Wiles, 202 Kan. 613, 619, 452 P.2d 271, 276-77 (1969)). They enforce
unambiguous contracts according to plain, general and common meaning. Id. (citing Wood River
Pipeline Co. v. Willbros Energy Servs. Co., 241 Kan. 580, 580, 738 P.2d 866, 867 (1987)). When
a contract is complete, unambiguous and free from uncertainty, parol evidence of prior or
contemporaneous agreements or understandings tending to vary the terms of the contract evidenced
by the writing is inadmissible. Simon v. Nat’l Farmers Org., Inc., 250 Kan. 676, 679-80, 829 P.2d
884, 887-88 (1992).
Contracting parties have a duty to learn the contents of a written contract before signing it.
Albers, 248 Kan. at 578-79, 809 P.2d at 1197. This duty includes reading the contract and, if
necessary, getting an explanation of its terms. Id.; Sutherland v. Sutherland, 187 Kan. 599, 610, 358
P.2d 776, 785 (1961). Negligent failure to read a contract estops the contracting party from voiding
the contract on the ground of ignorance of its contents. Albers, 248 Kan. at 578-79, 809 P.2d at
1197; Rosenbaum v. Tex. Energies, Inc., 241 Kan. 295, 299, 736 P.2d 888, 891-92 (1987). A party
who signs a written contract is bound by its provisions regardless of his failure to read or understand
the terms, unless he entered the contract due to fraud, undue influence or mutual mistake. Albers,
248 Kan. at 578-79, 809 P.2d at 1197; Rosenbaum, 241 Kan. at 299, 736 P.2d at 891-92; Sutherland,
187 Kan. at 610, 358 P.2d 785.

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Factual Background
On October 9, 2012, plaintiff and defendant’s counsel attended a scheduling conference with
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. O’Hara. Judge O’Hara strongly encouraged the parties to settle the
case. Heeding Judge O’Hara’s good advice, the parties promptly resumed settlement negotiations.
Before leaving the courthouse, the parties orally agreed to settle the case. Plaintiff states that he
understood defendant’s obligations under the settlement agreement to include paying money and
“fixing” the alleged credit reporting error. In exchange, plaintiff would keep the agreement
confidential and dismiss the case with prejudice. In light of the parties’ agreement, defendant’s
counsel contacted Judge O’Hara’s chambers to inform him of the settlement. The record contains
no contemporaneous memorialization of the terms of the parties’ oral agreement.
Defendant’s counsel reduced the oral agreement to writing and emailed it to plaintiff, stating
as follows: “Please see attached & give me your thoughts. If you are ready to sign, please sign &
return to me by fax or email. Thanks.” Doc. #27-4. The written settlement agreements states in part
as follows:
Ryan Eagle agrees to dismiss with prejudice the Lawsuit, which is currently
pending in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. Ryan Eagle
also hereby agrees that he will not individually, or as a member of a class, commence
any action or proceeding against Defendant regarding the Occurrence. Ryan Eagle
also agrees that he will not provide information or make any claim or complaint to
any federal, state, or local agency or any other public or private entity regarding the
Occurrence. All such claims that were made or could have been made are fully and
forever released, and any information relating to said claims is strictly confidential
as set forth below.
In exchange for, and in consideration of, Ryan Eagle’s dismissal with
prejudice of the Lawsuit, and fully confidential release of all such claims, Defendant
hereby agrees to pay to the order of Ryan Eagle the sum of one thousand three
hundred fifty dollars even ($1,350.00). As inducement for Defendant to enter into
this mutual agreement, Ryan Eagle agrees that the settlement of the Occurrence, the
terms of settlement, the terms of this Release, the facts surrounding the Occurrence,
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and any recordings or other documentation of any type that in any manner relates to
the Occurrence or any of the facts surrounding the Occurrence, shall remain
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL, . . . .
The Parties agree that actual damages flowing from breach of the confidentiality
obligations created by this agreement or other such terms set forth above would be
difficult or impossible to assess and prove, and therefore stipulate to liquidated
damages in the amount of one thousand three hundred fifty dollars even ($1 ,350.00)
plus all court costs and process fees incurred and $250.00 attorney fees associated
with any lawsuit filed to enforce the terms of this Agreement or to collect the
liquidated damages following a breach of confidentiality. Nothing in this full release
shall be construed so as to prevent either party from enforcing the terms of this
Agreement in the future by whatever legal means are available.
Ryan Eagle acknowledges that Defendant denies liability and responsibility
for any and all claims asserted by Ryan Eagle and nothing herein should be
construed as an admission of liability. Ryan Eagle represents and warrants that he
has not assigned all or any portion of the rights, titles, or interests in or with respect
to the matters released hereunder, and that no trustee in bankruptcy or assignee for
the benefit of creditors has any right to his claims hereby released. Ryan Eagle
further acknowledges that nothing in this Release and Settlement of All Claims shall
act to forgive any underlying debt. Ryan Eagle acknowledges that Kansas
Counselors, Inc. does not have authority to resolve any underlying debt. No debt is
forgiven.
As additional consideration for the dismissal of the Lawsuit pending in
federal court in the state of Kansas, the Parties acknowledge that they fully
understand the terms of the settlement and that they voluntarily accept the terms of
this agreement for the purpose of making full and final compromise, adjustment, and
settlement of any losses and damages. The Parties have had a full and fair
opportunity to review this Agreement, and have it reviewed by independent counsel,
and the Parties agree that it shall be treated as having been mutually drafted, and the
terms herein are contractual and not mere recitals.
***
For the purpose of indicating acceptance and approval of the terms of this Release,
electronic/facsimile signatures shall be acceptable.
***
No promise, inducement or agreement not herein expressed has been made
to the undersigned and this release contains the entire agreement between the parties
hereto. THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEGE [sic] THAT THEY HAVE READ
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THIS FULL AND FINAL RELEASE; THEY HAVE AUTHORITY TO BIND
THEMSELVES AS SET FORTH HEREIN; AND THEY FULLY UNDERSTAND
ALL TERMS HEREIN. AGREED AS MY FREE ACT AND DEED . . . .
On October 9, 2012 – the same day defendant’s counsel emailed the offer – plaintiff signed
the agreement and emailed the signature page to defendant’s counsel. See Doc. #27-2. Shortly
thereafter, plaintiff tried to renege and reopen settlement negotiations. Plaintiff describes the series
of events as follows:
Upon Plaintiff’s first glance of the initially proposed written settlement terms
provided on October 9, 2012 at 12:50pm by Defendant’s counsel, Plaintiff believed
the agreement would bring fair resolution. Hence, Plaintiff signed the contract and
emailed only page 3, signature page, to the Defendant’s counsel. Plaintiff admits he
signed this agreement without completely understanding it and without first seeking
expert advice of legal counsel to provide proper meaning, in which Plaintiff now has.
Immediately after signing page 3 of the settlement agreement on October 9,
2012 between 12:50pm and 1:30pm Plaintiff more closely read the agreement and
then contacted Defendant’s counsel twice by email and once by voice message to
dispute language in the settlement agreement which would permit Defendant to
continue illegal credit reporting actions against Plaintiff. This is the main cause of
Plaintiff’s claim in this case . . . . If permitted to stand, this settlement agreement
would permit Defendant to not remediate, and to continue the unlawful practice(s)
which are the basis of Plaintiff’s Complaint as proven by the Plaintiff’s most current
three credit bureau reports. Plaintiff believes that a provision should have been
included in this agreement whereby Defendant would remedy the improper reporting
which has occurred.
Later on October 9, 2012 at 4:49pm Defendant’s counsel contacted Plaintiff
via email explaining counsel had discussed Plaintiff’s concerns with Defendant and
proposed a newly redrafted settlement agreement addressing such concerns.
However, even with this proposed agreement, Plaintiff continued to believe
Defendant would hold an unfair advantage with permission to continue violating
FDCPA and FCRA laws against Plaintiff, without any further legal recourse for
Plaintiff, as such was denied by this proposed settlement agreement. With
Defendant’s proposed second settlement offer Plaintiff believed the agreement he
had signed was no longer considered an agreement, and that settlement negotiations
were continuing.
On October 10, 2012 at 1:01am with the belief there had been no settlement,
and that settlement negotiations were continuing, Plaintiff proposed his own counter
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settlement proposal to Defendant’s counsel via email. Defendant’s counsel never
stated he felt the initial settlement agreement which Plaintiff signed would be
pursued, instead continuing to discuss settlement with Plaintiff, as if no settlement
agreement existed, again providing reason to believe any such previous settlement
agreement had been cancelled.
On October 10, 2012 at 3:57pm Plaintiff emailed the Court to inform of
continued negotiations.
On October 10, 2012 at 4:07pm, the day after Defendant’s counsel received
by Plaintiff an erroneously signed settlement agreement in which the Defendant’s
counsel now wishes to enforce, and in response to Plaintiff’s most recent settlement
offer, counsel for the Defendant emailed the Court stating Defendant wished to
proceed with the scheduling conference order, and indicating a failure of the parties
to reach settlement agreement. By Counsel for Defendant’s failure to make reference
to any previously agreed upon settlement and by apologizing to the Court for failure
to reach a settlement agreement, Plaintiff reasonably believed all previous settlement
agreements had been revoked, and there was no settlement.
Plaintiff’s Motion To Vacate Settlement Agreement (Doc. #26) filed October 19, 2012 at 2-3
(citation to exhibits omitted).
Plaintiff’s “Index To Exhibits,” describes the signed settlement agreement as “1st written
settlement offered by Defendant’s counsel and erroneously signed by Plaintiff in which Defendant’s
counsel now wishes to enforce.” Doc. #27-1. Defendant has yet to sign the agreement.
Defendant thought that the signed settlement agreement had resolved the case. It describes
its reasons for continuing settlement negotiations after reaching that agreement as follows:
Through multiple emails and voicemails to counsel for KCI, Plaintiff then demanded
additional items such as more money, forgiveness of the underlying debt, and
updated reporting to certain credit bureaus. Though an agreement already had been
reached, in the interest of ridding themselves of Mr. Eagle’s harassment, KCI
capitulated to the additional agreement (except payment of more money) and Mr.
Eagle was notified by email. Attached to that email was the additional agreement
drafted by Counsel for KCI.
Defendant’s Memorandum In Opposition To Plaintiff’s Motion To Vacate Settlement Agreement
(Doc. #37) filed November 1, 2012 at 3-4 (citations to docket sheet omitted).
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Other than the initial settlement agreement, which plaintiff signed on October 9, 2012, the
parties have not agreed to any additional or revised settlement terms.
Analysis
This is clearly a case of buyer’s remorse – not mutual mistake and not unilateral mistake
induced by fraud or duress. Plaintiff negotiated a settlement, orally agreed to settle, then signed a
written settlement agreement only to regret his decision a few minutes later. Kansas law does not
allow a party to repudiate a settlement agreement under these circumstances.
By its title, plaintiff’s motion to vacate the parties’ settlement agreement appears to concede
that the parties reached an enforceable settlement agreement, which plaintiff now wants to back out
of. The motion states, however, that plaintiff “believed the agreement he had signed was no longer
considered an agreement, and that settlement negotiations were continuing.” Plaintiff’s Motion To
Vacate Settlement Agreement (Doc. #26) at 3; see also id. at 3-4 (plaintiff believed that “there had
been no settlement, and that settlement negotiations were continuing; defendant’s engagement in
negotiations and email to Judge O’Hara regarding scheduling conference gave plaintiff reason to
believe that “any . . . previous settlement agreement had been cancelled”; and that plaintiff
“reasonably believed all previous settlement agreements had been revoked, and there was no
settlement”). Although plaintiff thought that the settlement agreement had been “cancelled” or
“revoked,” he provides no legal basis for the Court to find that it had been.
Based on plaintiff’s own version of events, the Court finds that the parties reached a binding
settlement agreement. The parties’ objective manifestations of assent indicate that the parties had
a meeting of the minds on the essential terms of the agreement. On October 9, 2012, defendant’s
counsel emailed plaintiff a settlement offer. The text of the email stated: “Please see attached &

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give me your thoughts. If you are ready to sign, please sign & return to me by fax or email.
Thanks.” Doc. #27-4. Plaintiff signed the agreement that day. See Doc. #27-2. Plaintiff’s signature
indicated acceptance of the offer and a meeting of the minds regarding the terms of the contract.
Andra, 2012 WL 4937465, at *7 (by signing written contract, party manifests acceptance of terms,
even if party believes he may later renounce agreement or harbors an unstated intent not to be
bound). That defendant had not yet signed the agreement is immaterial. The settlement agreement
does not condition its enforceability on defendant’s signature.
Having found that the parties’ written settlement agreement is binding and enforceable,
plaintiff may repudiate it only by showing that defendant acted fraudulently or in bad faith. Krantz,
271 Kan. at 241-42, 21 P.3d at 567. Plaintiff has not done so. Rather, he seeks to repudiate the
settlement simply because he realized – after signing the agreement – that he wanted a better deal
than what he got. Plaintiff’s failure to carefully read the agreement before signing it, and his change
of mind after signing it, provide no basis for vacating the settlement. See Woods, 45 F.3d at 378
(party who knowingly and voluntarily enters settlement ordinarily cannot avoid settlement simply
because he changes his mind); Krantz, 271 Kan. at 241-42, 21 P.3d at 567 (in absence of bad faith
or fraud, neither party permitted to repudiate settlement agreement); Albers, 248 Kan. at 578-79, 809
P.2d at 1197 (in absence of fraud or bad faith, failure to read and understand terms of agreement no
basis for setting aside agreement); Fieser, 212 Kan. at 30, 509 P.2d at 1160-61 (mere mistake of fact
on part of one party to release, in absence of fraud, duress, undue influence or mental incapacity,
is not sufficient ground for avoidance of release); Lewis, 14 Kan. App.2d at 203, 785 P.2d at 1368
(party’s change of mind does not amount to allegations of fraud or bad faith).
For these reasons, the Court finds no basis for vacating the parties’ settlement agreement.

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Because the parties reached a binding settlement, see Doc. #27-2, not marred by bad faith or fraud,
the Court enforces the agreement. See Krantz, 271 Kan. at 241-42, 21 P.3d at 567.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Motion To Vacate Settlement Agreement
(Doc. #26) filed October 19, 2012, be and hereby is OVERRULED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that defendant’s Motion To Enforce Settlement Agreement
(Doc. #37) filed November 1, 2012, be and hereby is SUSTAINED. The Court enforces the parties’
settlement agreement dated October 9, 2012, see Doc. #27-2, and dismisses the case with prejudice.
Dated this 8th day of January, 2013 at Kansas City, Kansas.
s/ Kathryn H. Vratil
KATHRYN H. VRATIL
United States District Judge

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