Fairfield Properties of Louisiana L L C v. Colony Insurance Co

Filing 11

MEMORANDUM ORDER denying 8 Motion to Opt Out of Streamlined Settlement Process. Signed by Judge Elizabeth E Foote on 7/14/2021. (crt,Keifer, K)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
LAKE CHARLES DIVISION

FAIRFIELD PROPERTIES OF
LOUISIANA L L C

CASE NO. 2:21-CV-01148

VERSUS

JUDGE JAMES D. CAIN, JR.

COLONY INSURANCE CO

MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAY

MEMORANDUM ORDER
Before the Court is “Colony Insurance Company’s Motion to Opt Out of
Streamlined Settlement Process” (Doc. 8); Plaintiff opposes Defendant’s motion.
Defendant argues that it owes no further amounts to Plaintiff under the Policy, and
that prior to the litigation, the parties engaged in settlement negotiations which resulted in
an agreed settlement. Plaintiff argues that the issues raised in Colony’s motion are highly
disputed including amounts that are still owed Plaintiff and whether or not Defendant acted
in good faith by its alleged untimely payment.
The court has “wide discretion to control the course of litigation, which includes
authority to control the scope and pace of discovery” and “general discretionary power to
stay proceedings before it in the control of its docket and in the interests of justice.” In re
Ramu Corp., 903 F.2d 312, 318 (5th Cir. 1990); McKnight v. Blanchard, 667 F.2d 477,
479 (5th Cir. 1982). While the initial disclosures do require production of materials
defendant might view as irrelevant at this stage, they have been calculated to streamline
discovery for these first-party insurance disputes – most of which center on valuation and
scope. The streamlined process allows this information to be exchanged efficiently before

the parties proceed to mediation. The Court reminds both parties of its expectation that they
will cooperate fully during the process, including any need for additional information or
subsequent inspections. Defendant fails to show justification for opting out of the Case
Management Order. Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that the Motion to Opt Out of the Streamlined Settlement Process
(Doc. 8) is DENIED.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED in Chambers on this 13th day of July, 2021.

__________________________________
JAMES D. CAIN, JR.
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE