Boards of Trustees of Ohio Laborers' Fringe Benefit Programs v. Utter Construction, Inc.

Filing 7

ORDER denying without prejudice 6 Motion for Default Judgment. Signed by Magistrate Judge Chelsey M. Vascura on 8/25/2017. (agm)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
EASTERN DIVISION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF OHIO
LABORERS’ FRINGE BENEFIT
PROGRAMS,
Plaintiffs,
Civil Action 2:17-cv-323
Judge Algenon L. Marbley
Magistrate Judge Chelsey M. Vascura

v.

UTTER CONSTRUCTION, INC.,
Defendant.

ORDER
This matter is before the Court for consideration of Plaintiffs’ Motion for Default
Judgment. (ECF No. 6.) For the reasons that follow, Plaintiffs’ Motion for Default Judgment is
DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.
The Court cannot enter default judgment because Plaintiffs did not first apply for and
obtain an entry of default from the Clerk. An entry of default is distinct from entry of a default
judgment. See O.J. Distrib., Inc. v. Hornell Brewing Co., Inc., 340 F.3d 345, 353 (6th Cir. 2003);
S. D. Ohio Civ. R. 55.1(b). By asking only for a default judgment, Plaintiff has failed to follow
the sequential procedure set forth in Rule 55. See Brantley v. Runyon, No. C-1-96-842, 1997 WL
373739, at *1 (S.D. Ohio June 19, 1997) (“In order to obtain a default judgment under Rule
55(b)(2), there must first be an entry of default as provided by Rule 55(a).” (citation omitted)).
The Court therefore cannot enter a default judgment under Rule 55(b). Cf. O.J. Distrib., Inc., 340
F.3d at 352 (“‘Rule 55 permits the clerk to enter a default when a party fails to defend an action as

required. The court may then enter default judgment.’” (emphasis added)) (quoting Weiss v. St.
Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 283 F.3d 790, 794 (6th Cir. 2002)).
Accordingly, without expressing any opinion as to whether Plaintiffs are entitled to an
entry of default or subsequent default judgment, Plaintiffs’ Motion for Default Judgment is
DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. (ECF No. 6.)
IT IS SO ORDERED.

/s/ Chelsey M. Vascura
CHELSEY M. VASCURA
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE