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Weston v. Camp's Lumber & Building Supply, Inc.

Citations: 206 Or. App. 761; 138 P.3d 931; 2006 Ore. App. LEXIS 986Docket: 0205-05172; A123726

Court: Court of Appeals of Oregon; July 12, 2006; Oregon; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

In the case of Weston v. Camp’s Lumber & Building Supply, Inc., the defendant, Camp's Lumber, petitioned for reconsideration of a prior decision that partially reversed and remanded a judgment in their favor. The central issue involved the alleged breach of warranty related to the sale of lumber infested with golden buprestid. Camp’s Lumber contended that the breach was discoverable at the time of sale, supported by a statement from a plaintiffs' expert suggesting visible signs of infestation before the sale. However, the court clarified that this evidence did not prove that the signs were apparent to a typical consumer rather than an industry professional. Additionally, the expert highlighted that manufacturers and suppliers should be aware of such risks, countering Camp's argument. The court concluded that Camp's failed to meet the burden of proving the absence of a material fact regarding the discoverability of the breach at the time of performance. Although the petition for reconsideration was granted, the court adhered to its previous decision, effectively maintaining the outcome that was unfavorable to Camp's Lumber.

Legal Issues Addressed

Breach of Warranty and Discoverability

Application: Camp’s Lumber argued that any breach of warranty was discoverable at the time of sale, based on an expert's affidavit indicating signs of infestation. However, the court found that the evidence did not establish that these signs would have been apparent to a typical consumer.

Reasoning: Camp’s argues that the plaintiffs’ evidence demonstrates, as a matter of law, that any breach of warranty could have been discovered at the time the lumber was sold.

Burden of Proof on Material Fact

Application: The court determined that Camp’s Lumber failed to meet its burden of proof regarding the absence of material fact concerning the discoverability of the breach at the time of performance.

Reasoning: Ultimately, the court finds that Camp’s has not met its burden of proving the absence of a material fact regarding the discoverability of the breach at the time of performance.

Reconsideration of Prior Decision

Application: The court grants the petition for reconsideration but maintains its previous decision, indicating that the court's initial judgment remains unchanged despite the reconsideration.

Reasoning: The court grants the petition but maintains its previous decision.