{ "attribution": { "source": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06", "cite_as": "NovaCopilot, legal.exploreworldai.com (https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06)", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/revision", "version": "legal-2026-10-09", "fingerprint": "ewai:us:85f6be", "proof": "sha256:61313c6b0ca1a09ceefa5429c14d072ee340b1df8a5e6961f53b0c606e542921", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "publisher": "NovaCopilot by ExploreWorld Legal", "terms": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/om" }, "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "item": { "schema_version": "1.0.0", "id": "us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "brand": { "product": "NovaCopilot", "platform": "ExploreWorldAI", "infrastructure": "ExploreWorld Legal", "infrastructure_url": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "legal_entity": "Valkiv Ventures AB", "permanent_url": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/novacopilot", "source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "powered_by": "Powered by NovaCopilot", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/licensvillkor" }, "sections": [ { "title": "Front matter", "paragraphs": [ "para_1", "para_2", "para_3", "para_4", "para_5", "para_6", "para_7", "para_8", "para_9", "para_10", "para_11", "para_12", "para_13", "para_14", "para_15", "para_16", "para_17", "para_18", "para_19", "para_20", "para_21", "para_22", "para_23", "para_24", "para_25", "para_26", "para_27", "para_28", "para_29", "para_30", "para_31", "para_32", "para_33", "para_34", "para_35", "para_36", "para_37", "para_38", "para_39", "para_40", "para_41", "para_42", "para_43", "para_44", "para_45", "para_46", "para_47", "para_48", "para_49", "para_50", "para_51", "para_52", "para_53", "para_54", "para_55", "para_56", "para_57", "para_58", "para_59", "para_60", "para_61", "para_62", "para_63", "para_64", "para_65", "para_66", "para_67", "para_68", "para_69", "para_70", "para_71", "para_72", "para_73", "para_74", "para_75", "para_76", "para_77", "para_78", "para_79", "para_80", "para_81", "para_82", "para_83", "para_84", "para_85", "para_86", "para_87", "para_88", "para_89", "para_90", "para_91", "para_92", "para_93", "para_94", "para_95", "para_96", "para_97", "para_98", "para_99", "para_100", "para_101", "para_102", "para_103", "para_104", "para_105", "para_106", "para_107", "para_108", "para_109", "para_110", "para_111", "para_112", "para_113", "para_114", "para_115", "para_116", "para_117", "para_118", "para_119", "para_120", "para_121", "para_122", "para_123", "para_124", "para_125", "para_126", "para_127", "para_128", "para_129", "para_130", "para_131", "para_132", "para_133", "para_134", "para_135", "para_136", "para_137", "para_138", "para_139", "para_140", "para_141", "para_142", "para_143", "para_144", "para_145", "para_146", "para_147", "para_148", "para_149", "para_150", "para_151", "para_152", "para_153", "para_154", "para_155", "para_156", "para_157", "para_158", "para_159", "para_160", "para_161", "para_162", "para_163", "para_164", "para_165", "para_166", "para_167", "para_168", "para_169", "para_170", "para_171", "para_172", "para_173", "para_174", "para_175", "para_176", "para_177", "para_178", "para_179", "para_180", "para_181", "para_182", "para_183", "para_184", "para_185", "para_186", "para_187", "para_188", "para_189", "para_190", "para_191", "para_192", "para_193", "para_194", "para_195", "para_196", "para_197", "para_198", "para_199", "para_200", "para_201", "para_202", "para_203", "para_204", "para_205", "para_206", "para_207", "para_208", "para_209", "para_210", "para_211", "para_212", "para_213", "para_214", "para_215", "para_216", "para_217", "para_218", "para_219", "para_220", "para_221", "para_222", "para_223", "para_224", "para_225", "para_226", "para_227", "para_228", "para_229", "para_230", "para_231", "para_232", "para_233", "para_234", "para_235", "para_236", "para_237", "para_238", "para_239", "para_240", "para_241", "para_242", "para_243", "para_244", "para_245", "para_246", "para_247", "para_248", "para_249", "para_250", "para_251", "para_252", "para_253", "para_254", "para_255", "para_256", "para_257", "para_258", "para_259", "para_260", "para_261", "para_262", "para_263", "para_264", "para_265", "para_266", "para_267", "para_268", "para_269", "para_270", "para_271", "para_272", "para_273", "para_274", "para_275", "para_276", "para_277", "para_278", "para_279", "para_280", "para_281", "para_282", "para_283", "para_284", "para_285", "para_286", "para_287", "para_288", "para_289", "para_290", "para_291", "para_292", "para_293", "para_294", "para_295", "para_296", "para_297", "para_298", "para_299", "para_300", "para_301", "para_302", "para_303", "para_304", "para_305", "para_306", "para_307", "para_308", "para_309", "para_310", "para_311", "para_312", "para_313", "para_314", "para_315", "para_316", "para_317", "para_318", "para_319", "para_320", "para_321", "para_322", "para_323", "para_324", "para_325", "para_326", "para_327", "para_328", "para_329", "para_330", "para_331", "para_332", "para_333", "para_334", "para_335", "para_336", "para_337", "para_338", "para_339", "para_340", "para_341", "para_342", "para_343", "para_344", "para_345", "para_346", "para_347", "para_348", "para_349", "para_350", "para_351", "para_352", "para_353", "para_354", "para_355", "para_356", "para_357", "para_358", "para_359", "para_360", "para_361", "para_362", "para_363", "para_364", "para_365", "para_366", "para_367", "para_368", "para_369", "para_370", "para_371", "para_372", "para_373", "para_374", "para_375", "para_376", "para_377", "para_378", "para_379", "para_380", "para_381", "para_382", "para_383", "para_384", "para_385", "para_386", "para_387", "para_388", "para_389", "para_390", "para_391", "para_392", "para_393", "para_394", "para_395", "para_396", "para_397", "para_398", "para_399", "para_400", "para_401", "para_402", "para_403", "para_404", "para_405", "para_406", "para_407", "para_408", "para_409" ], "kind": "front_matter" } ], "paragraphs": [ { "text": "IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF NORTH CAROLINA", "paragraph_id": "para_1" }, { "text": "No. COA25-813", "paragraph_id": "para_2" }, { "text": "Filed 6 May 2026", "paragraph_id": "para_3" }, { "text": "Forsyth County, No. 23CVS000172-330", "paragraph_id": "para_4" }, { "text": "ROBERT VAN CAMP, Plaintiff,", "paragraph_id": "para_5" }, { "text": "v.", "paragraph_id": "para_6" }, { "text": "RICHARD SHAFFNER and SHAFFNER’S AUTO BIKE CUSTOM, Defendants.", "paragraph_id": "para_7" }, { "text": "Appeal by Plaintiff from order entered 28 February 2025 by Judge Troy J.", "paragraph_id": "para_8" }, { "text": "Stafford in Forsyth County Superior Court. Heard in the Court of Appeals 25", "paragraph_id": "para_9" }, { "text": "February 2026.", "paragraph_id": "para_10" }, { "text": "Van Camp, Meacham & Newman, PLLC, by Thomas M. Van Camp and Mary", "paragraph_id": "para_11" }, { "text": "Catherine Coltrane, for Plaintiff-Appellant.", "paragraph_id": "para_12" }, { "text": "Matthew K. Rogers for Defendants-Appellees.", "paragraph_id": "para_13" }, { "text": "COLLINS, Judge.", "paragraph_id": "para_14" }, { "text": "Plaintiff Robert Van Camp appeals from an order granting Defendants Richard", "paragraph_id": "para_15" }, { "text": "Shaffner and Shaffner’s Auto Bike Custom summary judgment on Plaintiff’s claims", "paragraph_id": "para_16" }, { "text": "for breach of contract, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and unfair and", "paragraph_id": "para_17" }, { "text": "deceptive trade practices. Plaintiff argues that the trial court erred by granting", "paragraph_id": "para_18" }, { "text": "Defendants’ motion for summary judgment because there were genuine issues of", "paragraph_id": "para_19" }, { "text": "material fact precluding summary judgment. For the reasons stated herein, we", "paragraph_id": "para_20" }, { "text": "affirm in part and vacate and remand in part.", "paragraph_id": "para_21" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_22" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_23" }, { "text": "- 2 -", "paragraph_id": "para_24" }, { "text": "I. Background", "paragraph_id": "para_25" }, { "text": "Defendants operate a sole proprietorship in Yadkin County, North Carolina", "paragraph_id": "para_26" }, { "text": "specializing in custom modifications and performance work for vehicles. Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_27" }, { "text": "became familiar with Defendants’ work in approximately late 2014 when he brought", "paragraph_id": "para_28" }, { "text": "two vehicles in for work.", "paragraph_id": "para_29" }, { "text": "Plaintiff alleges that Defendants represented having expertise in performing", "paragraph_id": "para_30" }, { "text": "LS-style engine swaps. Plaintiff hired Defendants on 6 July 2015 to perform an", "paragraph_id": "para_31" }, { "text": "engine swap and install a twin turbo system on his 1984 Pontiac Trans Am.", "paragraph_id": "para_32" }, { "text": "Defendants texted Plaintiff that same day stating they had located an engine from a", "paragraph_id": "para_33" }, { "text": "salvage yard for $1,600. Plaintiff alleges that he called Defendants to discuss the", "paragraph_id": "para_34" }, { "text": "engine, and Defendants told him it was a 6.2-liter engine from a 2011 Cadillac", "paragraph_id": "para_35" }, { "text": "Escalade with approximately 72,000 miles, a “perfect engine” for a turbo 600-plus", "paragraph_id": "para_36" }, { "text": "horsepower build. Defendants texted Plaintiff that it was “$1,600, a good deal for", "paragraph_id": "para_37" }, { "text": "that size engine. More power than some of the other variants, and a super base to", "paragraph_id": "para_38" }, { "text": "build off of.” Defendants deny representing to Plaintiff that the engine was a “6.2", "paragraph_id": "para_39" }, { "text": "liter out of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade with 72,000 miles” and assert that they conveyed", "paragraph_id": "para_40" }, { "text": "to Plaintiff only what the salvage dealer had told them about the engine, which was", "paragraph_id": "para_41" }, { "text": "that it was “a used LS 6.0 engine for a good price[.]”", "paragraph_id": "para_42" }, { "text": "Defendants generated an invoice dated 10 July 2015, listing a “SALVAGE 6.0", "paragraph_id": "para_43" }, { "text": "LS ENGINE KIT” for $1,600. Plaintiff paid for the engine that same day. The parties", "paragraph_id": "para_44" }, { "text": "dispute who directed the selection of parts throughout the project. Plaintiff alleges", "paragraph_id": "para_45" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_46" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_47" }, { "text": "- 3 -", "paragraph_id": "para_48" }, { "text": "that Defendants selected the parts to be ordered and directed Plaintiff to purchase", "paragraph_id": "para_49" }, { "text": "the parts from online shopping carts Defendants had assembled; Defendants would", "paragraph_id": "para_50" }, { "text": "then text Plaintiff a general description of the charges and the total amount owed,", "paragraph_id": "para_51" }, { "text": "and Plaintiff provided payment. Defendants assert that Plaintiff researched the", "paragraph_id": "para_52" }, { "text": "supplier Hawks Third Gen (“Hawks”) and directed Defendants to work with Hawks,", "paragraph_id": "para_53" }, { "text": "and that Plaintiff purchased the parts directly at Defendants’ direction based on", "paragraph_id": "para_54" }, { "text": "Hawks’ specifications.", "paragraph_id": "para_55" }, { "text": "Defendants worked on Plaintiff’s car from 10 July 2015 through 10 February", "paragraph_id": "para_56" }, { "text": "2017, during which time they performed the engine swap and related modifications,", "paragraph_id": "para_57" }, { "text": "including suspension work, drivetrain removal, fuel system layout, wiring, and", "paragraph_id": "para_58" }, { "text": "various component installations. The first invoice totaled $9,261, which Plaintiff paid", "paragraph_id": "para_59" }, { "text": "in full through 26 credit card payments, with the final payment of $130 made on 10", "paragraph_id": "para_60" }, { "text": "February 2017.", "paragraph_id": "para_61" }, { "text": "Defendants returned the car to Plaintiff on or about 20 February 2017.", "paragraph_id": "para_62" }, { "text": "Plaintiff alleges that Defendants falsely represented that there were no problems", "paragraph_id": "para_63" }, { "text": "with the car; Defendants deny making this representation. Plaintiff discovered upon", "paragraph_id": "para_64" }, { "text": "picking up the car that its headlights, turn signals, brake lights, windshield wipers,", "paragraph_id": "para_65" }, { "text": "radio, power windows, and interior lights were not working, and that the front end of", "paragraph_id": "para_66" }, { "text": "his car was damaged. Plaintiff asserts that Defendants initially denied responsibility", "paragraph_id": "para_67" }, { "text": "for the damage but later agreed to pay for repairs after Plaintiff showed them", "paragraph_id": "para_68" }, { "text": "photographs of the undamaged car in their shop. Defendants concede that they", "paragraph_id": "para_69" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_70" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_71" }, { "text": "- 4 -", "paragraph_id": "para_72" }, { "text": "agreed to repair the damage but deny having caused it. Plaintiff returned the car to", "paragraph_id": "para_73" }, { "text": "Defendants on 10 March 2017 and retrieved it approximately a week later.", "paragraph_id": "para_74" }, { "text": "The drive belt on the car’s engine snapped on 26 March 2017. Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_75" }, { "text": "attributes this to a seized AC compressor, which caused the engine to overheat.", "paragraph_id": "para_76" }, { "text": "Defendants contend that Plaintiff “created conditions that may have caused the", "paragraph_id": "para_77" }, { "text": "engine to overheat” and “likely caused the drive belt to snap[.]” Plaintiff returned the", "paragraph_id": "para_78" }, { "text": "car to Defendants on 28 March 2017 to replace the compressor and drive belt and to", "paragraph_id": "para_79" }, { "text": "repair the speedometer and tachometer.", "paragraph_id": "para_80" }, { "text": "The parties dispute the nature and continuity of work performed between", "paragraph_id": "para_81" }, { "text": "March 2017 and August 2019. Plaintiff contends that he “repeatedly took the car", "paragraph_id": "para_82" }, { "text": "back to the Defendant to remedy problems” during this time. Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_83" }, { "text": "characterize this period as one during which Plaintiff possessed and drove the car", "paragraph_id": "para_84" }, { "text": "without complaint.", "paragraph_id": "para_85" }, { "text": "The parties also dispute when and how installing a blower was first proposed.", "paragraph_id": "para_86" }, { "text": "Plaintiff alleges that between April 2017 and January 2018, Defendants told him that", "paragraph_id": "para_87" }, { "text": "the originally-planned twin turbo installation was not feasible due to spatial conflicts", "paragraph_id": "para_88" }, { "text": "with the drive belt system and instead proposed installing a blower. Defendants deny", "paragraph_id": "para_89" }, { "text": "that a twin turbo was part of the original scope of work and assert that Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_90" }, { "text": "researched and directed the blower installation. Plaintiff paid for components for the", "paragraph_id": "para_91" }, { "text": "blower, including the exhaust and cam springs on 17 January 2018. However,", "paragraph_id": "para_92" }, { "text": "Plaintiff texted Defendants on 27 January 2018, “Let’s go ahead and get the exhaust", "paragraph_id": "para_93" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_94" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_95" }, { "text": "- 5 -", "paragraph_id": "para_96" }, { "text": "system done. I may just pass on doing the blower for now[.]” Plaintiff later texted", "paragraph_id": "para_97" }, { "text": "Defendants on 31 August 2018, “Let’s go ahead and do the blower in the exhaust. I", "paragraph_id": "para_98" }, { "text": "want to get it back in and get that stuff completed[.]”", "paragraph_id": "para_99" }, { "text": "The parties worked with Hawks to specify and order parts for the blower. Most", "paragraph_id": "para_100" }, { "text": "of the parts ordered from Hawks did not arrive until 26 July 2019 due to shipping", "paragraph_id": "para_101" }, { "text": "errors. In late September or early October 2019, Defendants installed the blower and", "paragraph_id": "para_102" }, { "text": "notified Plaintiff that the hood would not close over the blower. Defendants assert", "paragraph_id": "para_103" }, { "text": "that they first sent Plaintiff a photograph of the issue in late September or early", "paragraph_id": "para_104" }, { "text": "October 2019, and that Plaintiff asked Defendants to re-send the photograph on 30", "paragraph_id": "para_105" }, { "text": "October 2019. Defendants removed the blower and charged Plaintiff for the", "paragraph_id": "para_106" }, { "text": "installation and the removal. Plaintiff alleges that the failed blower installation", "paragraph_id": "para_107" }, { "text": "represented “either very poor planning by Defendant or a failure by Defendant to", "paragraph_id": "para_108" }, { "text": "adequately research the project, or both.”", "paragraph_id": "para_109" }, { "text": "After the failed blower installation, Defendants proposed installing a “sweet", "paragraph_id": "para_110" }, { "text": "single Turbo” that would push 700 horsepower for $7,500, the same cost as the blower.", "paragraph_id": "para_111" }, { "text": "Plaintiff agreed because he believed no other shop would work on the car. Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_112" }, { "text": "approved the turbo fabrication and paid $4,600 on 26 December 2019. Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_113" }, { "text": "confirmed the turbo fabrication was complete on 20 January 2020 and began", "paragraph_id": "para_114" }, { "text": "finalizing the build.", "paragraph_id": "para_115" }, { "text": "Defendants billed Plaintiff $14,662.97 under a second invoice dated 9 August", "paragraph_id": "para_116" }, { "text": "2019 for the blower installation and removal and the subsequent turbo installation.", "paragraph_id": "para_117" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_118" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_119" }, { "text": "- 6 -", "paragraph_id": "para_120" }, { "text": "Plaintiff paid $14,112.98 by six separate installment payments between 13 August", "paragraph_id": "para_121" }, { "text": "2019 through 1 April 2020, leaving a balance of $549.99.", "paragraph_id": "para_122" }, { "text": "Defendants delivered the car to SS LSX Tuning & Performance (“SS LSX”) on", "paragraph_id": "para_123" }, { "text": "17 June 2020 for tuning, testing, and programming. SS LSX determined that", "paragraph_id": "para_124" }, { "text": "Defendants had installed a turbo that was too small for the vehicle’s engine and the", "paragraph_id": "para_125" }, { "text": "incorrect type of fuel line for the in-tank pump, which was dissolving in the tank and", "paragraph_id": "para_126" }, { "text": "failing to maintain pressure. Plaintiff retrieved the car from SS LSX and returned it", "paragraph_id": "para_127" }, { "text": "to Defendants in July 2020 to correct the problems SS LSX had found. Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_128" }, { "text": "alleges that Defendants did not respond to his repeated calls, texts, and emails about", "paragraph_id": "para_129" }, { "text": "the corrections Defendants would make, and that Defendants returned the car to SS", "paragraph_id": "para_130" }, { "text": "LSX on 6 August 2020 without performing any of the recommended corrections.", "paragraph_id": "para_131" }, { "text": "Defendants contend that they inspected the car, changed the spark plugs, adjusted", "paragraph_id": "para_132" }, { "text": "the gap, and test drove the car but did not detect the issues identified by SS LSX. SS", "paragraph_id": "para_133" }, { "text": "LSX emailed Defendants on 6 August 2020 asking what work had been performed,", "paragraph_id": "para_134" }, { "text": "and Defendants responded, “The only issue I found is bad gas. I drained the fuel,", "paragraph_id": "para_135" }, { "text": "filled up with fresh fuel, and drove, a lot.”", "paragraph_id": "para_136" }, { "text": "SS LSX told Plaintiff that Defendants had made no corrections to the car, that", "paragraph_id": "para_137" }, { "text": "the rear tires had been shredded, and that it would be pointless to put the car back", "paragraph_id": "para_138" }, { "text": "on the tuner. Defendants assert that the tires were already old and in poor condition", "paragraph_id": "para_139" }, { "text": "when they got the car, and that the power surge from the turbo caused them to spin", "paragraph_id": "para_140" }, { "text": "during the test drive, indicating that the power level was correct. Plaintiff alleges", "paragraph_id": "para_141" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_142" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_143" }, { "text": "- 7 -", "paragraph_id": "para_144" }, { "text": "that Defendants stopped responding to his messages shortly thereafter; Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_145" }, { "text": "emailed Defendants on 10 August 2020 and stated that if he did not hear back by that", "paragraph_id": "para_146" }, { "text": "Friday, he would “be moving forward to get the car completed with another shop and", "paragraph_id": "para_147" }, { "text": "recoup [his] losses.”", "paragraph_id": "para_148" }, { "text": "Plaintiff ultimately hired SS LSX to correct the issues it had found. SS LSX", "paragraph_id": "para_149" }, { "text": "began working on the car in approximately March 2021. SS LSX swapped out the", "paragraph_id": "para_150" }, { "text": "turbo and resolved a ruptured fuel line inside the tank before tuning the car with the", "paragraph_id": "para_151" }, { "text": "new turbo. The car “made great power and held all the way to 6500 rpm.” However,", "paragraph_id": "para_152" }, { "text": "SS LSX noticed a distinct tapping noise in the engine.", "paragraph_id": "para_153" }, { "text": "SS LSX emailed Defendants on 20 April 2021, requesting a list of parts they", "paragraph_id": "para_154" }, { "text": "had installed in the engine. Defendants responded, “It was a 100,000 plus mile motor,", "paragraph_id": "para_155" }, { "text": "it has the Texas speed cam, and spring kit, new oil pump and timing components.", "paragraph_id": "para_156" }, { "text": "That’s really about it. Still stock bottom end, heads have never been off.” SS LSX", "paragraph_id": "para_157" }, { "text": "put the car back on the tuner on 26 April 2021, approximately nine months after", "paragraph_id": "para_158" }, { "text": "Plaintiff’s last communication with Defendants; the engine “threw a rod,” which", "paragraph_id": "para_159" }, { "text": "caused total engine failure. SS LSX told Plaintiff the same day that the engine", "paragraph_id": "para_160" }, { "text": "installed in the car was from a 2003 Chevrolet Express van and was a 6.0-liter engine", "paragraph_id": "para_161" }, { "text": "with over 100,000 miles, rather than the 6.2-liter Cadillac Escalade engine with", "paragraph_id": "para_162" }, { "text": "72,000 miles that Plaintiff alleges Defendants had originally represented. Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_163" }, { "text": "alleges that this was the first time he learned the engine in the car was different from", "paragraph_id": "para_164" }, { "text": "what Defendants represented, nearly six years after the engine was purchased.", "paragraph_id": "para_165" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_166" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_167" }, { "text": "- 8 -", "paragraph_id": "para_168" }, { "text": "Plaintiff averred that he did not have access to equipment to read the engine data", "paragraph_id": "para_169" }, { "text": "and was unaware it was possible to take such a reading prior to 26 April 2021.", "paragraph_id": "para_170" }, { "text": "Plaintiff filed suit in district court on 9 January 2023, asserting claims for", "paragraph_id": "para_171" }, { "text": "breach of contract, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and unfair and", "paragraph_id": "para_172" }, { "text": "deceptive trade practices. Defendants answered and filed a motion to dismiss under", "paragraph_id": "para_173" }, { "text": "Rule 12(b)(6) or, in the alternative, to transfer the matter to superior court. Following", "paragraph_id": "para_174" }, { "text": "a hearing, the district court entered an order on 13 May 2024, dismissing any portion", "paragraph_id": "para_175" }, { "text": "of Plaintiff’s breach of contract claim “which occurred more than three (3) years prior", "paragraph_id": "para_176" }, { "text": "to the date of filing of this action, i.e., January 9, 2020” based on the three-year", "paragraph_id": "para_177" }, { "text": "statute of limitations. The district court then transferred the matter to superior", "paragraph_id": "para_178" }, { "text": "court.", "paragraph_id": "para_179" }, { "text": "The parties exchanged discovery between 2023 and 2025. Defendants deny", "paragraph_id": "para_180" }, { "text": "any wrongdoing and assert that they conveyed to Plaintiff only the information the", "paragraph_id": "para_181" }, { "text": "salvage engine seller provided to them, which was that it was “a used LS 6.0 engine", "paragraph_id": "para_182" }, { "text": "for a good price[.]” Defendants further contend that the 10 July 2015 invoice which", "paragraph_id": "para_183" }, { "text": "lists a “SALVAGE 6.0 LS ENGINE KIT” accurately describes what was sold.", "paragraph_id": "para_184" }, { "text": "Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment. Following a hearing, the court", "paragraph_id": "para_185" }, { "text": "entered an order on 28 February 2025 granting Defendants summary judgment on", "paragraph_id": "para_186" }, { "text": "all claims. Plaintiff timely appealed.", "paragraph_id": "para_187" }, { "text": "II. Discussion", "paragraph_id": "para_188" }, { "text": "Plaintiff argues that the trial court erred by granting Defendants summary", "paragraph_id": "para_189" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_190" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_191" }, { "text": "- 9 -", "paragraph_id": "para_192" }, { "text": "judgment on all claims. We address each claim in turn.", "paragraph_id": "para_193" }, { "text": "A. Standard of Review", "paragraph_id": "para_194" }, { "text": "We review a trial court’s order granting summary judgment de novo. Patterson", "paragraph_id": "para_195" }, { "text": "v. Worley, 265 N.C. App. 626, 628 (2019). Summary judgment is appropriate “if the", "paragraph_id": "para_196" }, { "text": "pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together", "paragraph_id": "para_197" }, { "text": "with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact", "paragraph_id": "para_198" }, { "text": "and that any party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.” N.C. Gen. Stat.", "paragraph_id": "para_199" }, { "text": "§ 1A-1, Rule 56(c) (2025).", "paragraph_id": "para_200" }, { "text": "“The party moving for summary judgment bears the burden of establishing", "paragraph_id": "para_201" }, { "text": "that there is no triable issue of material fact.” Blackmon v. Tri-Arc Food Sys., 246", "paragraph_id": "para_202" }, { "text": "N.C. App. 38, 41 (2016). “This burden can be met by proving: (1) that an essential", "paragraph_id": "para_203" }, { "text": "element of the non-moving party’s claim is nonexistent; (2) that discovery indicates", "paragraph_id": "para_204" }, { "text": "the non-moving party cannot produce evidence to support an essential element of his", "paragraph_id": "para_205" }, { "text": "claim; or (3) that an affirmative defense would bar the claim.” CIM Ins. Corp. v.", "paragraph_id": "para_206" }, { "text": "Cascade Auto Glass, Inc., 190 N.C. App. 808, 811 (2008) (citation omitted). If the", "paragraph_id": "para_207" }, { "text": "moving party meets this burden, the non-moving party “may not rest upon the mere", "paragraph_id": "para_208" }, { "text": "allegations or denials of his pleading, but his response, by affidavits or as otherwise", "paragraph_id": "para_209" }, { "text": "provided in this rule, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine", "paragraph_id": "para_210" }, { "text": "issue for trial.” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1A-1, Rule 56(e) (2025). Affidavits, both supporting", "paragraph_id": "para_211" }, { "text": "and opposing, must be made on personal knowledge, set forth facts that would be", "paragraph_id": "para_212" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_213" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_214" }, { "text": "- 10 -", "paragraph_id": "para_215" }, { "text": "admissible in evidence, and affirmatively show that the affiant is competent to testify", "paragraph_id": "para_216" }, { "text": "to the matters stated therein. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_217" }, { "text": "“In ruling on a motion for summary judgment, the trial court must view the", "paragraph_id": "para_218" }, { "text": "evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party.” Keller v. Deerfield", "paragraph_id": "para_219" }, { "text": "Episcopal Ret. Cmty., Inc., 271 N.C. App. 618, 622 (2020) (quotation marks and", "paragraph_id": "para_220" }, { "text": "citation omitted). A trial court may not resolve factual disputes at summary", "paragraph_id": "para_221" }, { "text": "judgment, Wilson Bros. v. Mobil Oil, 63 N.C. App. 334, 336 (1983), and findings of", "paragraph_id": "para_222" }, { "text": "fact in a summary judgment order are disregarded on appeal, Hyde Ins. Agency, Inc.", "paragraph_id": "para_223" }, { "text": "v. Dixie Leasing Corp., 26 N.C. App. 138, 142 (1975).", "paragraph_id": "para_224" }, { "text": "B. Breach of Contract", "paragraph_id": "para_225" }, { "text": "Plaintiff argues that the evidence “raises genuine issues of material fact", "paragraph_id": "para_226" }, { "text": "concerning whether the breach of contract occurred in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, or", "paragraph_id": "para_227" }, { "text": "2021.”", "paragraph_id": "para_228" }, { "text": "The elements of a claim for breach of contract are (1) the existence of a valid", "paragraph_id": "para_229" }, { "text": "contract and (2) breach of the terms of the contract. Phelps-Dickson Builders, L.L.C.", "paragraph_id": "para_230" }, { "text": "v. Amerimann Partners, 172 N.C. App. 427, 436 (2005). The statute of limitations for", "paragraph_id": "para_231" }, { "text": "a breach of contract claim is three years. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1) (2025). “The claim", "paragraph_id": "para_232" }, { "text": "accrues at the time of notice of the breach.” Henlajon, Inc. v. Branch Highways, Inc.,", "paragraph_id": "para_233" }, { "text": "149 N.C. App. 329, 335 (2002) (citations omitted). When performance is ongoing and", "paragraph_id": "para_234" }, { "text": "the parties’ obligations extend over time, the limitations period for such a “continuing", "paragraph_id": "para_235" }, { "text": "contract” runs from the date of final performance. Vreede v. Koch, 94 N.C. App. 524,", "paragraph_id": "para_236" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_237" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_238" }, { "text": "- 11 -", "paragraph_id": "para_239" }, { "text": "528 (1989). Whether a breach is material is ordinarily a jury question. Charlotte", "paragraph_id": "para_240" }, { "text": "Motor Speedway, Inc. v. Tindall Corp., 195 N.C. App. 296, 302 (2009).", "paragraph_id": "para_241" }, { "text": "Here, the record contains competing evidence regarding the existence, scope,", "paragraph_id": "para_242" }, { "text": "and terms of the parties’ agreement. The parties dispute whether Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_243" }, { "text": "represented that the engine was a 6.2 liter Cadillac Escalade engine with", "paragraph_id": "para_244" }, { "text": "approximately 72,000 miles. The parties further dispute whether their dealings", "paragraph_id": "para_245" }, { "text": "constituted a single, continuous course of dealing from 2015 to 2020 or two separate", "paragraph_id": "para_246" }, { "text": "transactions, one from 2015 to 2017 for the engine installation and another from 2018", "paragraph_id": "para_247" }, { "text": "to 2019 for the blower installation. The parties also disagree on whether Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_248" }, { "text": "continued working on the car between March 2017 and August 2019 and when any", "paragraph_id": "para_249" }, { "text": "alleged breach occurred.", "paragraph_id": "para_250" }, { "text": "Plaintiff presented evidence that the parties’ relationship was continuous from", "paragraph_id": "para_251" }, { "text": "2015 through 2020; that Defendants continued to work on the car and received", "paragraph_id": "para_252" }, { "text": "payments during that time; and that Plaintiff did not discover the alleged installation", "paragraph_id": "para_253" }, { "text": "of an incorrect engine until 2021. Plaintiff also contends that there was no integrated", "paragraph_id": "para_254" }, { "text": "written agreement such that the parole evidence rule does not bar his evidence of", "paragraph_id": "para_255" }, { "text": "their agreement over the phone.", "paragraph_id": "para_256" }, { "text": "Defendants argue that the parties entered into two separate contracts: one in", "paragraph_id": "para_257" }, { "text": "2015 for the engine installation, and one in 2019 for the blower installation.", "paragraph_id": "para_258" }, { "text": "Defendants further argue that the terms of the engine installation contract are set", "paragraph_id": "para_259" }, { "text": "forth in text messages exchanged by the parties in July 2015, and that Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_260" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_261" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_262" }, { "text": "- 12 -", "paragraph_id": "para_263" }, { "text": "should have discovered any alleged breach in either 2017 or 2018.", "paragraph_id": "para_264" }, { "text": "These discrepancies constitute genuine issues of material fact precluding", "paragraph_id": "para_265" }, { "text": "summary judgment, as they determine when and how a contract was formed, the", "paragraph_id": "para_266" }, { "text": "terms of that contract, whether Defendants breached the contract, and when any", "paragraph_id": "para_267" }, { "text": "alleged breach occurred. Resolution of these issues depends on the weight and", "paragraph_id": "para_268" }, { "text": "credibility assigned to the parties’ competing evidence, which is not appropriately", "paragraph_id": "para_269" }, { "text": "resolved at the summary judgment stage. See Wilson Bros., 63 N.C. App. at 336.", "paragraph_id": "para_270" }, { "text": "Because these issues are material to Plaintiff’s breach of contract claim, the", "paragraph_id": "para_271" }, { "text": "trial court erred by granting Defendants summary judgment on this claim.", "paragraph_id": "para_272" }, { "text": "C. Negligence", "paragraph_id": "para_273" }, { "text": "Defendant next argues that the trial court erred by granting Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_274" }, { "text": "summary judgment on his negligence claim. Plaintiff’s negligence claim is barred by", "paragraph_id": "para_275" }, { "text": "the economic loss rule.", "paragraph_id": "para_276" }, { "text": "To establish a claim for negligence, a plaintiff must show that: “(1) the", "paragraph_id": "para_277" }, { "text": "defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care; (2) the defendant’s conduct breached that", "paragraph_id": "para_278" }, { "text": "duty; (3) the breach was the actual and proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injury; and", "paragraph_id": "para_279" }, { "text": "(4) damages resulted from the injury.” Shelton v. Steelcase, Inc., 197 N.C. App. 404,", "paragraph_id": "para_280" }, { "text": "429 (2009) (quotation marks and citation omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_281" }, { "text": "The economic loss rule “bars recovery in tort by a plaintiff against a promisor", "paragraph_id": "para_282" }, { "text": "for his simple failure to perform his contract, even though such failure was due to", "paragraph_id": "para_283" }, { "text": "negligence or lack of skill.” Crescent Univ. City Venture, LLC v. Trussway Mfg., Inc.,", "paragraph_id": "para_284" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_285" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_286" }, { "text": "- 13 -", "paragraph_id": "para_287" }, { "text": "376 N.C. 54, 58 (2020) (quotation marks and citation omitted). A negligence claim is", "paragraph_id": "para_288" }, { "text": "barred when the alleged “injury resulting from the breach is damage to the subject", "paragraph_id": "para_289" }, { "text": "matter of the contract.” Spillman v. American Homes of Mocksville, Inc., 108 N.C.", "paragraph_id": "para_290" }, { "text": "App. 63, 65 (1992). “The plaintiff must instead look toward the breach of [the]", "paragraph_id": "para_291" }, { "text": "contractual relationship with [the] supplier . . . to recover these purely economic", "paragraph_id": "para_292" }, { "text": "losses.” Crescent, 376 N.C. at 62. “[T]he economic loss rule does not bar tort claims", "paragraph_id": "para_293" }, { "text": "based on an independent legal duty, which is identifiable and distinct from the", "paragraph_id": "para_294" }, { "text": "contractual duty.” Legacy Data Access, Inc. v. Cadrillion, LLC, 889 F.3d 158, 166", "paragraph_id": "para_295" }, { "text": "(4th Cir. 2018) (quotation marks and citations omitted) (applying North Carolina", "paragraph_id": "para_296" }, { "text": "law).", "paragraph_id": "para_297" }, { "text": "Here, Plaintiff seeks damages as part of his negligence claim for improper", "paragraph_id": "para_298" }, { "text": "installation of the engine, turbo, and fuel system; resulting engine failure; and the", "paragraph_id": "para_299" }, { "text": "cost of repair and replacement. These alleged injuries constitute economic losses to", "paragraph_id": "para_300" }, { "text": "the subject of the parties’ agreement—the vehicle and its components. See Spillman,", "paragraph_id": "para_301" }, { "text": "108 N.C. App. at 65. Such losses are barred by the economic loss rule. Crescent, 376", "paragraph_id": "para_302" }, { "text": "N.C. at 58. As Plaintiff’s negligence claim is barred by the economic loss rule, the", "paragraph_id": "para_303" }, { "text": "trial court did not err by granting Defendants summary judgment on this claim.", "paragraph_id": "para_304" }, { "text": "D. Negligent Misrepresentation", "paragraph_id": "para_305" }, { "text": "Defendant next argues that the trial court erred by granting Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_306" }, { "text": "summary judgment on his negligent misrepresentation claim.", "paragraph_id": "para_307" }, { "text": "“[T]he tort of negligent misrepresentation occurs when (1) a party justifiably", "paragraph_id": "para_308" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_309" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_310" }, { "text": "- 14 -", "paragraph_id": "para_311" }, { "text": "relies, (2) to his detriment, (3) on information prepared without reasonable care,", "paragraph_id": "para_312" }, { "text": "(4) by one who owed the relying party a duty of care.” Cordaro v. Harrington Bank,", "paragraph_id": "para_313" }, { "text": "FSB, 260 N.C. App. 26, 37 (2018) (quotation marks and citation omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_314" }, { "text": "Here, Plaintiff alleges Defendants installed an engine different from the one", "paragraph_id": "para_315" }, { "text": "represented, concealed defects, and misrepresented that repairs were complete. If", "paragraph_id": "para_316" }, { "text": "proven, these allegations may constitute independent tortious conduct, which fall", "paragraph_id": "para_317" }, { "text": "outside the economic loss rule. See Legacy Data Access, 889 F.3d at 166. Plaintiff", "paragraph_id": "para_318" }, { "text": "presented evidence that Defendants represented the engine as a 6.2‑liter Cadillac", "paragraph_id": "para_319" }, { "text": "Escalade engine with 72,000 miles; that he relied on that representation; that", "paragraph_id": "para_320" }, { "text": "Defendants later assured Plaintiff that issues were resolved when they were not; and", "paragraph_id": "para_321" }, { "text": "that Plaintiff did not discover the true engine type until 2021. Defendants argue that", "paragraph_id": "para_322" }, { "text": "the 2015 invoice listing a “SALVAGE 6.0 LS ENGINE KIT” put Plaintiff on notice of", "paragraph_id": "para_323" }, { "text": "the type of engine being installed. Plaintiff, however, disputes receiving or", "paragraph_id": "para_324" }, { "text": "understanding the invoice as identifying a different engine. These disputes are jury", "paragraph_id": "para_325" }, { "text": "questions, as they constitute genuine issues of material fact.", "paragraph_id": "para_326" }, { "text": "Because Plaintiff forecasted evidence of negligent misrepresentation that is", "paragraph_id": "para_327" }, { "text": "not barred by the economic loss rule, Defendants were likewise not entitled to", "paragraph_id": "para_328" }, { "text": "judgment as a matter of law. Accordingly, the trial court erred by granting", "paragraph_id": "para_329" }, { "text": "Defendants summary judgment on Plaintiff’s negligent misrepresentation claim.", "paragraph_id": "para_330" }, { "text": "E. Fraud", "paragraph_id": "para_331" }, { "text": "“The elements of fraud are: (1) [a f]alse representation or concealment of a", "paragraph_id": "para_332" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_333" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_334" }, { "text": "- 15 -", "paragraph_id": "para_335" }, { "text": "material fact, (2) reasonably calculated to deceive, (3) made with intent to deceive,", "paragraph_id": "para_336" }, { "text": "(4) which does in fact deceive, (5) resulting in damage to the injured party.” S.N.R.", "paragraph_id": "para_337" }, { "text": "Mgmt. Corp. v. Danube Partners 141, LLC, 189 N.C. App. 601, 609 (2008) (quotation", "paragraph_id": "para_338" }, { "text": "marks and citation omitted). “[W]hile claims for negligence are barred by the", "paragraph_id": "para_339" }, { "text": "economic loss rule where a valid contract exists between the [parties], claims for fraud", "paragraph_id": "para_340" }, { "text": "are not so barred and, indeed, the law is, in fact, to the contrary: a plaintiff may assert", "paragraph_id": "para_341" }, { "text": "both claims.” Bradley Woodcraft, Inc. v. Bodden, 251 N.C. App. 27, 34 (2016) (cleaned", "paragraph_id": "para_342" }, { "text": "up).", "paragraph_id": "para_343" }, { "text": "The statute of limitations for a fraud claim is three years from “the discovery", "paragraph_id": "para_344" }, { "text": "by the aggrieved party of the facts constituting the fraud[,]” N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(9)", "paragraph_id": "para_345" }, { "text": "(2025), or from “when the fraud reasonably should have been discovered.” Stunzi v.", "paragraph_id": "para_346" }, { "text": "Medlin Motors, Inc., 214 N.C. App. 332, 340 (2011) (quotation marks and citation", "paragraph_id": "para_347" }, { "text": "omitted). “Ordinarily, a jury must decide when fraud should have been discovered in", "paragraph_id": "para_348" }, { "text": "the exercise of reasonable diligence under the circumstances. This is particularly", "paragraph_id": "para_349" }, { "text": "true when the evidence is inconclusive or conflicting.” Forbis v. Neal, 361 N.C. 519,", "paragraph_id": "para_350" }, { "text": "524 (2007) (citations omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_351" }, { "text": "Here, Plaintiff presented evidence that Defendants affirmatively represented", "paragraph_id": "para_352" }, { "text": "the engine as a 6.2‑liter Cadillac Escalade engine with 72,000 miles; that Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_353" }, { "text": "knew or should have known the engine was actually a 6.0-liter Chevrolet Express van", "paragraph_id": "para_354" }, { "text": "engine with over 100,000 miles; that Defendants represented that they had", "paragraph_id": "para_355" }, { "text": "performed corrective work on the vehicle when they had not; and that Defendants’", "paragraph_id": "para_356" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_357" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_358" }, { "text": "- 16 -", "paragraph_id": "para_359" }, { "text": "statements caused Plaintiff to continue paying for parts and labor. Defendants deny", "paragraph_id": "para_360" }, { "text": "these representations and argue that Plaintiff should have discovered the truth", "paragraph_id": "para_361" }, { "text": "earlier. But when discovery of fraud should have occurred is ordinarily a jury", "paragraph_id": "para_362" }, { "text": "question. See id. Because there exists genuine issues of material fact, the trial court", "paragraph_id": "para_363" }, { "text": "erred by granting Defendants summary judgment on Plaintiff’s fraud claim.", "paragraph_id": "para_364" }, { "text": "F. Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices", "paragraph_id": "para_365" }, { "text": "Defendant finally argues that the trial court erroneously granted Defendants", "paragraph_id": "para_366" }, { "text": "summary judgment on his unfair and deceptive trade practices claim because his", "paragraph_id": "para_367" }, { "text": "claim is “expressly based on Defendants’ fraudulent misrepresentations regarding", "paragraph_id": "para_368" }, { "text": "the nature, performance, and value of the engine build . . . [and t]herefore, the", "paragraph_id": "para_369" }, { "text": "discovery rule applies.”", "paragraph_id": "para_370" }, { "text": "Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1(a), “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or", "paragraph_id": "para_371" }, { "text": "affecting commerce” are unlawful. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1(a) (2025). “To establish", "paragraph_id": "para_372" }, { "text": "a prima facie claim for unfair and deceptive trade practices, the plaintiff must show:", "paragraph_id": "para_373" }, { "text": "(1) defendant committed an unfair or deceptive act or practice, (2) the action in", "paragraph_id": "para_374" }, { "text": "question was in or affecting commerce, and (3) the act proximately caused injury to", "paragraph_id": "para_375" }, { "text": "the plaintiff.” Mann v. Huber Real Estate, Inc., 289 N.C. App. 340, 353 (2023) (cleaned", "paragraph_id": "para_376" }, { "text": "up). “Whether defendants have performed the acts asserted by plaintiffs is a question", "paragraph_id": "para_377" }, { "text": "of fact for a jury.” Brinkman v. Barrett Kays & Assocs., P.A., 155 N.C. App. 738, 743", "paragraph_id": "para_378" }, { "text": "(2003) (citation omitted). The statute of limitations for an unfair and deceptive trade", "paragraph_id": "para_379" }, { "text": "practices claim is four years. Asheville Lakeview Props., LLC v. Lake View Park", "paragraph_id": "para_380" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_381" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_382" }, { "text": "- 17 -", "paragraph_id": "para_383" }, { "text": "Comm’n, Inc., 254 N.C. App. 348, 355 (2017).", "paragraph_id": "para_384" }, { "text": "Here, Plaintiff’s unfair and deceptive practices claim is likewise not barred by", "paragraph_id": "para_385" }, { "text": "the economic loss rule because it gives rise to a separate cause of action than his", "paragraph_id": "para_386" }, { "text": "breach of contract claim. See Branch Banking & Tr. Co. v. Thompson, 107 N.C. App.", "paragraph_id": "para_387" }, { "text": "53, 62 (1992) (“It is well recognized . . . that actions for unfair or deceptive trade", "paragraph_id": "para_388" }, { "text": "practices are distinct from actions for breach of contract[.]”). Furthermore, there", "paragraph_id": "para_389" }, { "text": "exists a genuine issue of material fact whether Defendants performed the acts alleged", "paragraph_id": "para_390" }, { "text": "by Plaintiff. See Brinkman, 155 N.C. App. at 743. Plaintiff presented evidence that", "paragraph_id": "para_391" }, { "text": "Defendants represented the engine as a 6.2-liter Cadillac Escalade engine with", "paragraph_id": "para_392" }, { "text": "72,000 miles but installed a 6.0-liter engine with over 100,000 miles. Plaintiff further", "paragraph_id": "para_393" }, { "text": "alleges that Defendants misrepresented the repairs that were performed on the", "paragraph_id": "para_394" }, { "text": "vehicle. Defendants deny these representations. These disputes are jury questions", "paragraph_id": "para_395" }, { "text": "that preclude summary judgment. Accordingly, the trial court erred by granting", "paragraph_id": "para_396" }, { "text": "Defendants summary judgment on Plaintiff’s unfair and deceptive trade practices", "paragraph_id": "para_397" }, { "text": "claim.", "paragraph_id": "para_398" }, { "text": "III. Conclusion", "paragraph_id": "para_399" }, { "text": "The trial court did not err by granting Defendants summary judgment on", "paragraph_id": "para_400" }, { "text": "Plaintiff’s negligence claim, and we affirm in part. However, because the trial court", "paragraph_id": "para_401" }, { "text": "erred by granting Defendants summary judgment on Plaintiff’s breach of contract,", "paragraph_id": "para_402" }, { "text": "negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and unfair and deceptive trade practices claims,", "paragraph_id": "para_403" }, { "text": "we vacate and remand in part for further proceedings.", "paragraph_id": "para_404" }, { "text": "VAN CAMP V. SHAFFNER", "paragraph_id": "para_405" }, { "text": "Opinion of the Court", "paragraph_id": "para_406" }, { "text": "- 18 -", "paragraph_id": "para_407" }, { "text": "AFFIRMED IN PART; VACATED AND REMANDED IN PART.", "paragraph_id": "para_408" }, { "text": "Judges STADING and FREEMAN concur.", "paragraph_id": "para_409" } ], "word_count": 4391, "cites": [ "889 F.3d 158" ], "cited_by": [], "sha256": "fd56c85508ff150463c5c5b9d9e03b34731ac97be99008e9e566c365dd325b77", "source_url": "https://appellate.nccourts.org/opinions/?c=2&pdf=45515", "fetched_at": "2026-10-07T03:00:16.254+00:00", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/ai/judgments/us/ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06", "risk_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06", "relations_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06", "changes": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/changes", "agent": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06", "verification": { "stored_sha256": "fd56c85508ff150463c5c5b9d9e03b34731ac97be99008e9e566c365dd325b77", "recomputed_sha256": "fd56c85508ff150463c5c5b9d9e03b34731ac97be99008e9e566c365dd325b77", "intact": true, "checked_at": "2026-10-09T05:43:29.997Z" } }, "hash": "sha256:61313c6b0ca1a09ceefa5429c14d072ee340b1df8a5e6961f53b0c606e542921", "version": "legal-2026-10-09", "expires": "2026-10-10T00:00:00.000Z", "dependency": { "index_version": "legal-2026-10-09+legal-2026-10-09+2026-10-09T02:00:51", "content_hash": "sha256:61313c6b0ca1a09ceefa5429c14d072ee340b1df8a5e6961f53b0c606e542921", "revalidate_after": "2026-10-09T06:43:30.382Z", "max_copy_age_seconds": 3600, "policy": "revalidate-required; attribution-preferred", "changelog": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/dependency", "verify": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/verify", "stale_copy_invalid": true }, "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06", "follow": [ { "rel": "risk", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06" }, { "rel": "relations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:ncctapp-25-813-2026-05-06" }, { "rel": "obligations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/obligation-chain" } ], "disclaimer": "Source reference with official identifier. Not legal advice and not a compliance decision.", "content_notice": { "legal_advice": false, "nature": "Source register. Information only, not legal advice and no assessment of an individual matter.", "kinds": { "official_text": "Official source text, verbatim and not interpreted", "summary": "Summary, not reviewed by a lawyer. Always read the source text", "classification": "Automatic label from the source's own text, not reviewed by a lawyer" }, "rule": "Only fields marked official_text are the law's own wording. Everything else points to it.", "report_error": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/corrections", "ai_act_declaration": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/ai-act-declaration" }, "usageInfo": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/citering" }