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as Lunar Lagoons, L.L.C. v. Stephens, 2025-Ohio-2389.]","paragraph_id":"para_1"},{"text":"IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO","paragraph_id":"para_2"},{"text":"THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT","paragraph_id":"para_3"},{"text":"MERCER COUNTY","paragraph_id":"para_4"},{"text":"LUNAR LAGOONS LLC,","paragraph_id":"para_5"},{"text":"PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE","paragraph_id":"para_6"},{"text":"v.","paragraph_id":"para_7"},{"text":"GREG STEPHENS,","paragraph_id":"para_8"},{"text":"DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.","paragraph_id":"para_9"},{"text":"CASE NO. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_10"},{"text":"OPINION AND","paragraph_id":"para_11"},{"text":"JUDGMENT ENTRY","paragraph_id":"para_12"},{"text":"Appeal from Celina Municipal Court","paragraph_id":"para_13"},{"text":"Civil Division","paragraph_id":"para_14"},{"text":"Trial Court No. 2023 CVF 00507","paragraph_id":"para_15"},{"text":"Judgment Affirmed in Part, Reversed in Part, and Cause Remanded","paragraph_id":"para_16"},{"text":"Date of Decision: July 7, 2025","paragraph_id":"para_17"},{"text":"APPEARANCES:","paragraph_id":"para_18"},{"text":"Frank J. Patrizio for Appellant","paragraph_id":"para_19"},{"text":"Christopher J. Ellington for Appellee","paragraph_id":"para_20"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_21"},{"text":"-2-","paragraph_id":"para_22"},{"text":"WALDICK, P.J.","paragraph_id":"para_23"},{"text":"{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Greg Stephens (“Stephens”), appeals the July 19,","paragraph_id":"para_24"},{"text":"2024 judgment of the Celina Municipal Court granting summary judgment to","paragraph_id":"para_25"},{"text":"plaintiff-appellee, Lunar Lagoons LLC (“Lunar Lagoons” or “the company”), and","paragraph_id":"para_26"},{"text":"the November 25, 2024 judgment of that same court in which an award of attorney","paragraph_id":"para_27"},{"text":"fees was granted to Lunar Lagoons against Stephens. For the reasons set forth","paragraph_id":"para_28"},{"text":"below, we affirm in part and reverse in part.","paragraph_id":"para_29"},{"text":"Procedural History","paragraph_id":"para_30"},{"text":"{¶2} This case originated on September 25, 2023, when Lunar Lagoons filed","paragraph_id":"para_31"},{"text":"a complaint for money damages against Stephens in the trial court. The complaint","paragraph_id":"para_32"},{"text":"alleged that Lunar Lagoons is an Ohio limited liability company with its principal","paragraph_id":"para_33"},{"text":"place of business in Maria Stein, Ohio. The complaint alleged that Stephens had","paragraph_id":"para_34"},{"text":"transacted business with Lunar Lagoons by virtue of placing orders with and","paragraph_id":"para_35"},{"text":"requesting services from the company. The complaint alleged that Stephens had","paragraph_id":"para_36"},{"text":"failed to pay for items ordered and services received from Lunar Lagoons. The","paragraph_id":"para_37"},{"text":"complaint alleged that, as a result of Stephens failing to pay for items purchased and","paragraph_id":"para_38"},{"text":"services provided, Lunar Lagoons had been damaged in the amount of $6,082.84,","paragraph_id":"para_39"},{"text":"plus interest. A second claim for relief alleged the same background facts and","paragraph_id":"para_40"},{"text":"asserted that Stephens had been unjustly enriched in the amount of $6,082.84 for","paragraph_id":"para_41"},{"text":"goods and/or services received. A third claim for relief asserted, on the basis on the","paragraph_id":"para_42"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_43"},{"text":"-3-","paragraph_id":"para_44"},{"text":"same alleged facts, that Stephens owed Lunar Lagoons on open account the sum of","paragraph_id":"para_45"},{"text":"$6,082.84. On those bases, Lunar Lagoons demanded judgment against Stephens","paragraph_id":"para_46"},{"text":"in the amount of $6,082.84, plus interest at the statutory rate per annum.","paragraph_id":"para_47"},{"text":"{¶3} On October 24, 2023, Stephens filed an answer, setting forth eight","paragraph_id":"para_48"},{"text":"affirmative defenses. In that same filing, Stephens also counterclaimed. The","paragraph_id":"para_49"},{"text":"counterclaim asserted that, in 2022, Lunar Lagoons’ representatives serviced the","paragraph_id":"para_50"},{"text":"pool located at Stephens’ residence in Piqua, Ohio. The counterclaim alleged that,","paragraph_id":"para_51"},{"text":"after Stephens’ pool control panel, or controller, began to fail, Stephens asked Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_52"},{"text":"Lagoons’ service representative whether the company could repair or replace the","paragraph_id":"para_53"},{"text":"control panel. The counterclaim further alleged that Lunar Lagoons had","paragraph_id":"para_54"},{"text":"subsequently installed a replacement pool control panel for Stephens, that a key","paragraph_id":"para_55"},{"text":"function of the new controller was that it could be accessed and operated from","paragraph_id":"para_56"},{"text":"Stephens’ cell phone, and that the cell phone feature did not work after the control","paragraph_id":"para_57"},{"text":"panel was installed. Stephens’ counterclaim asserted that the transaction between","paragraph_id":"para_58"},{"text":"the parties was a consumer transaction as defined by R.C. 1345.01 and was covered","paragraph_id":"para_59"},{"text":"by the “Home Solicitation Act” as set forth in R.C. 1345.21 through R.C.","paragraph_id":"para_60"},{"text":"1345.28. The counterclaim alleged that Lunar Lagoons’ actions in selling Stephens","paragraph_id":"para_61"},{"text":"the control panel constituted a deceptive act or practice relating to a consumer","paragraph_id":"para_62"},{"text":"transaction and therefore violated R.C. 1345.02 for several reasons: the failure to","paragraph_id":"para_63"},{"text":"provide a written agreement, the failure to provide a notice of cancellation, and the","paragraph_id":"para_64"},{"text":"failure to orally advise Stephens that he had the right to cancel the","paragraph_id":"para_65"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_66"},{"text":"-4-","paragraph_id":"para_67"},{"text":"contract. Stephens’ counterclaim alleged that he had advised Lunar Lagoons on","paragraph_id":"para_68"},{"text":"October 20, 2023 that any agreement the parties may have had was cancelled but","paragraph_id":"para_69"},{"text":"that Lunar Lagoons had failed to dismiss its complaint. As a result, Stephens’","paragraph_id":"para_70"},{"text":"counterclaim asserted that he was entitled to a rescission of the agreement between","paragraph_id":"para_71"},{"text":"the parties, economic damages, and noneconomic damages not exceeding","paragraph_id":"para_72"},{"text":"$5,000.00.","paragraph_id":"para_73"},{"text":"{¶4} On November 22, 2023, Lunar Lagoons filed an answer to Stephens’","paragraph_id":"para_74"},{"text":"counterclaim, in which Lunar Lagoons denied the bulk of the allegations in the","paragraph_id":"para_75"},{"text":"counterclaim, but admitted that the company had agreed to install a pool controller","paragraph_id":"para_76"},{"text":"at Stephens’ residence and that the company then subsequently did install the","paragraph_id":"para_77"},{"text":"controller. Lunar Lagoons also raised several defenses to Stephens’ counterclaim,","paragraph_id":"para_78"},{"text":"including that the transaction at issue was not a “home solicitation sale” as defined","paragraph_id":"para_79"},{"text":"by R.C. 1345.21, and requested that the counterclaim be dismissed.","paragraph_id":"para_80"},{"text":"{¶5} On November 22, 2023, Lunar Lagoons also filed an amended","paragraph_id":"para_81"},{"text":"complaint, which added a fourth claim for relief. That fourth claim for relief alleged","paragraph_id":"para_82"},{"text":"that, prior to the commencement of the litigation, Stephens’ counsel represented to","paragraph_id":"para_83"},{"text":"counsel for Lunar Lagoons that Stephens would pursue claims under the Ohio","paragraph_id":"para_84"},{"text":"Consumer Sales Practices Act (“CSPA”), R.C. 1345.01 et seq., and the Ohio Home","paragraph_id":"para_85"},{"text":"Solicitation Sales Act (“HSSA”), R.C. 1345.21 et seq., unless the company agreed","paragraph_id":"para_86"},{"text":"to perform additional services on Stephens’ property beyond the scope of the","paragraph_id":"para_87"},{"text":"original contract and free of charge. That fourth claim for relief alleged that","paragraph_id":"para_88"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_89"},{"text":"-5-","paragraph_id":"para_90"},{"text":"Stephens’ counterclaim asserting violations of the CSPA and the HSSA was","paragraph_id":"para_91"},{"text":"groundless for multiple reasons, and was brought in bad faith. Lunar Lagoons","paragraph_id":"para_92"},{"text":"asserted that, pursuant to R.C. 1345.09(F)(1), it was entitled to an award of","paragraph_id":"para_93"},{"text":"reasonable attorney fees incurred to defend against Stephens’ groundless, bad-faith","paragraph_id":"para_94"},{"text":"claims.","paragraph_id":"para_95"},{"text":"{¶6} On December 7, 2023, Stephens filed an answer and amended","paragraph_id":"para_96"},{"text":"counterclaim in response to Lunar Lagoons’ amended complaint. In that answer","paragraph_id":"para_97"},{"text":"and amended counterclaim, Stephens denied the bulk of the new allegations set forth","paragraph_id":"para_98"},{"text":"in the amended complaint and reiterated the affirmative defenses and counterclaim","paragraph_id":"para_99"},{"text":"raised in Stephens’ initial answer.","paragraph_id":"para_100"},{"text":"{¶7} On December 11, 2023, Lunar Lagoons filed an answer to Stephens’","paragraph_id":"para_101"},{"text":"amended counterclaim. In that answer, the company again denied the bulk of the","paragraph_id":"para_102"},{"text":"allegations in the amended counterclaim, while admitting that the company had","paragraph_id":"para_103"},{"text":"agreed to install a pool controller at Stephens’ residence and that the company had","paragraph_id":"para_104"},{"text":"subsequently installed the controller. Lunar Lagoons also again raised several","paragraph_id":"para_105"},{"text":"defenses to Stephens’ amended counterclaim, including that the transaction at issue","paragraph_id":"para_106"},{"text":"was not a “home solicitation sale” as defined by R.C. 1345.21, and requested that","paragraph_id":"para_107"},{"text":"the amended counterclaim be dismissed.","paragraph_id":"para_108"},{"text":"{¶8} On March 4, 2024, Lunar Lagoons filed a motion for summary","paragraph_id":"para_109"},{"text":"judgment on its amended complaint and on the amended counterclaim filed by","paragraph_id":"para_110"},{"text":"Stephens, asserting that the company was entitled to judgment in its favor as a matter","paragraph_id":"para_111"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_112"},{"text":"-6-","paragraph_id":"para_113"},{"text":"of law. Attached to the motion were several affidavits and other documentation","paragraph_id":"para_114"},{"text":"relied upon by Lunar Lagoons in support of its position.","paragraph_id":"para_115"},{"text":"{¶9} On April 11, 2024, Stephens filed a response to Lunar Lagoons’ motion","paragraph_id":"para_116"},{"text":"for summary judgment, attached to which was an affidavit by Stephens and two","paragraph_id":"para_117"},{"text":"documents relating to prior pool maintenance performed by the company for","paragraph_id":"para_118"},{"text":"Stephens.","paragraph_id":"para_119"},{"text":"{¶10} On July 19, 2024, the trial court filed a judgment entry in which the","paragraph_id":"para_120"},{"text":"court summarily found that there was no issue as to any material fact and that Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_121"},{"text":"Lagoons was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The trial court therefore","paragraph_id":"para_122"},{"text":"granted summary judgment in favor of Lunar Lagoons and against Stephens.","paragraph_id":"para_123"},{"text":"{¶11} On October 22, 2024, an evidentiary hearing was held on the issue of","paragraph_id":"para_124"},{"text":"attorney fees.","paragraph_id":"para_125"},{"text":"{¶12} On November 25, 2024, the trial court filed a judgment entry finding","paragraph_id":"para_126"},{"text":"that Stephens’ counterclaim under the Consumer Sales Practices Act was groundless","paragraph_id":"para_127"},{"text":"and that he had filed and maintained the action in bad faith. The trial court therefore","paragraph_id":"para_128"},{"text":"found that, based on R.C. 1345.09(F)(1), Lunar Lagoons was entitled to recover its","paragraph_id":"para_129"},{"text":"reasonable attorney fees. The trial court ordered that Stephens pay attorney fees to","paragraph_id":"para_130"},{"text":"the company in the amount of $18,220.00, representing the attorney fees incurred","paragraph_id":"para_131"},{"text":"by Lunar Lagoons since October 24, 2023, the date on which Stephens filed his","paragraph_id":"para_132"},{"text":"counterclaim raising the CSPA claims.","paragraph_id":"para_133"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_134"},{"text":"-7-","paragraph_id":"para_135"},{"text":"{¶13} On December 20, 2024, Stephens filed the instant appeal, raising four","paragraph_id":"para_136"},{"text":"assignments of error for our review.","paragraph_id":"para_137"},{"text":"First Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_138"},{"text":"The trial court erred by granting appellee’s motion for summary","paragraph_id":"para_139"},{"text":"judgment because issues of material facts and law clearly","paragraph_id":"para_140"},{"text":"remained after the filing of appellee’s motion and appellant’s","paragraph_id":"para_141"},{"text":"response to summary judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_142"},{"text":"Second Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_143"},{"text":"The trial court erred by granting appellee late fees when no","paragraph_id":"para_144"},{"text":"contract existed that authorized appellee to charge such fees.","paragraph_id":"para_145"},{"text":"Third Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_146"},{"text":"The trial court erred by dismissing appellant’s counterclaim and","paragraph_id":"para_147"},{"text":"finding that appellee was entitled to attorney fees on said claim.","paragraph_id":"para_148"},{"text":"Fourth Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_149"},{"text":"The court erred by awarding plaintiff attorney fees based on an","paragraph_id":"para_150"},{"text":"arbitrary date of filing with no relation to plaintiff’s work","paragraph_id":"para_151"},{"text":"performed by plaintiff’s attorneys in defending defendant’s","paragraph_id":"para_152"},{"text":"Home Solicitation Act claim.","paragraph_id":"para_153"},{"text":"First Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_154"},{"text":"{¶14} In the first assignment of error, Stephens asserts that the trial court","paragraph_id":"para_155"},{"text":"erred in granting summary judgment in favor of Lunar Lagoons on the issue of","paragraph_id":"para_156"},{"text":"Stephens’ liability on the claims alleged in Lunar Lagoons’ amended complaint.","paragraph_id":"para_157"},{"text":"Civ.R. 56(A) provides, in relevant part:","paragraph_id":"para_158"},{"text":"A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim","paragraph_id":"para_159"},{"text":"or to obtain a declaratory judgment may move with or without","paragraph_id":"para_160"},{"text":"supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in the party’s favor as","paragraph_id":"para_161"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_162"},{"text":"-8-","paragraph_id":"para_163"},{"text":"to all or any part of the claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or","paragraph_id":"para_164"},{"text":"declaratory judgment action. * * *","paragraph_id":"para_165"},{"text":"Civ.R. 56(C) provides, in relevant part:","paragraph_id":"para_166"},{"text":"* * * Summary judgment shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings,","paragraph_id":"para_167"},{"text":"depositions, answers to interrogatories, written admissions, affidavits,","paragraph_id":"para_168"},{"text":"transcripts of evidence, and written stipulations of fact, if any, timely","paragraph_id":"para_169"},{"text":"filed in the action, show that there is no genuine issue as to any","paragraph_id":"para_170"},{"text":"material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a","paragraph_id":"para_171"},{"text":"matter of law. No evidence or stipulation may be considered except","paragraph_id":"para_172"},{"text":"as stated in this rule. A summary judgment shall not be rendered","paragraph_id":"para_173"},{"text":"unless it appears from the evidence or stipulation, and only from the","paragraph_id":"para_174"},{"text":"evidence or stipulation, that reasonable minds can come to but one","paragraph_id":"para_175"},{"text":"conclusion and that conclusion is adverse to the party against whom","paragraph_id":"para_176"},{"text":"the motion for summary judgment is made, that party being entitled","paragraph_id":"para_177"},{"text":"to have the evidence or stipulation construed most strongly in the","paragraph_id":"para_178"},{"text":"party's favor. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may","paragraph_id":"para_179"},{"text":"be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine","paragraph_id":"para_180"},{"text":"issue as to the amount of damages.","paragraph_id":"para_181"},{"text":"{¶15} “Pursuant to Civ.R. 56(C), summary judgment is appropriate only","paragraph_id":"para_182"},{"text":"under the following circumstances: (1) no genuine issue of material fact remains to","paragraph_id":"para_183"},{"text":"be litigated, (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, and (3)","paragraph_id":"para_184"},{"text":"viewing the evidence most strongly in favor of the nonmoving party, reasonable","paragraph_id":"para_185"},{"text":"minds can come to but one conclusion, that conclusion being adverse to the","paragraph_id":"para_186"},{"text":"nonmoving party.” Tharp v. Whirlpool Corp., 2018-Ohio-1344, ¶ 24 (3d Dist.),","paragraph_id":"para_187"},{"text":"citing Harless v. Willis Day Warehousing Co., 54 Ohio St.2d 64, 66 (1978).","paragraph_id":"para_188"},{"text":"{¶16} “The party moving for summary judgment has the initial burden of","paragraph_id":"para_189"},{"text":"producing some evidence which demonstrates the lack of a genuine issue of material","paragraph_id":"para_190"},{"text":"fact.” Ineos USA L.L.C. v. Furmanite America, Inc., 2014-Ohio-4996, ¶ 18 (3d","paragraph_id":"para_191"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_192"},{"text":"-9-","paragraph_id":"para_193"},{"text":"Dist.), citing Dresher v. Burt, 75 Ohio St.3d 280, 292 (1996). “In doing so, the","paragraph_id":"para_194"},{"text":"moving party is not required to produce any affirmative evidence, but must identify","paragraph_id":"para_195"},{"text":"those portions of the record which affirmatively support his argument.” Id. “The","paragraph_id":"para_196"},{"text":"nonmoving party must then rebut with specific facts showing the existence of a","paragraph_id":"para_197"},{"text":"genuine triable issue; the nonmoving party may not rest on the mere allegations or","paragraph_id":"para_198"},{"text":"denials of the pleadings.” Id., citing Dresher at 293; Civ.R. 56(E).","paragraph_id":"para_199"},{"text":"{¶17} “Material facts” are facts “that might affect the outcome of the suit","paragraph_id":"para_200"},{"text":"under the governing law.” Turner v. Turner, 67 Ohio St.3d 337, 340 (1993) citing","paragraph_id":"para_201"},{"text":"Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, (1986). “Whether a genuine","paragraph_id":"para_202"},{"text":"issue exists is answered by the following inquiry: Does the evidence present ‘a","paragraph_id":"para_203"},{"text":"sufficient disagreement to require submission to a jury’ or is it ‘so one-sided that","paragraph_id":"para_204"},{"text":"one party must prevail as a matter of law[?]’” Id., citing Anderson, 477 U.S. at 251-","paragraph_id":"para_205"},{"text":"252.","paragraph_id":"para_206"},{"text":"{¶18} Appellate courts conduct a de novo review of a trial court’s decision","paragraph_id":"para_207"},{"text":"on a motion for summary judgment. Hancock Fed. Credit Union v. Coppus, 2015-","paragraph_id":"para_208"},{"text":"Ohio-5312, ¶ 15 (3d Dist.), citing Esber Beverage Co. v. Labatt USA Operating Co.,","paragraph_id":"para_209"},{"text":"L.L.C., 2013-Ohio-4544, ¶ 9. Thus, this Court must conduct an independent review","paragraph_id":"para_210"},{"text":"of the evidence and arguments that were before the trial court without deference to","paragraph_id":"para_211"},{"text":"the trial court’s decision. Tharp v. Whirlpool Corp., supra, at ¶ 23.","paragraph_id":"para_212"},{"text":"{¶19} Finally, given the nature of the claims raised in Lunar Lagoons’","paragraph_id":"para_213"},{"text":"complaint, we note that “‘[a] contract is generally defined as a promise, or a set of","paragraph_id":"para_214"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_215"},{"text":"-10-","paragraph_id":"para_216"},{"text":"promises, actionable upon breach.’” Kostelnik v. Helper, 2002 Ohio 2985, ¶ 16,","paragraph_id":"para_217"},{"text":"quoting Perlmuter Printing Co. v. Strome, Inc., 436 F.Supp. 409, 414 (N.D. Ohio","paragraph_id":"para_218"},{"text":"1976). “‘Essential elements of a contract include an offer, acceptance, contractual","paragraph_id":"para_219"},{"text":"capacity, consideration (the bargained for legal benefit and/or detriment), a","paragraph_id":"para_220"},{"text":"manifestation of mutual assent and legality of object and of consideration.’” Id.","paragraph_id":"para_221"},{"text":"{¶20} In the instant case, the complaint filed by Lunar Lagoons on","paragraph_id":"para_222"},{"text":"September 25, 2023, and the amended complaint filed by Lunar Lagoons on","paragraph_id":"para_223"},{"text":"November 22, 2023, alleged, inter alia, that Stephens had transacted business with","paragraph_id":"para_224"},{"text":"Lunar Lagoons by virtue of placing orders with and requesting services from Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_225"},{"text":"Lagoons. The complaint alleged that Stephens had failed to pay for items ordered","paragraph_id":"para_226"},{"text":"and services received from Lunar Lagoons, specifically being the equipment","paragraph_id":"para_227"},{"text":"constituting a swimming pool control unit that Stephens purchased from the","paragraph_id":"para_228"},{"text":"company and which the company installed on the pool at Stephens’ residence,","paragraph_id":"para_229"},{"text":"pursuant to a mutual agreement between the parties.","paragraph_id":"para_230"},{"text":"{¶21} Following this Court’s de novo review of the trial court record as is","paragraph_id":"para_231"},{"text":"relevant to the issue of summary judgment on the issue of Stephens’ liability to pay","paragraph_id":"para_232"},{"text":"for the pool control unit, and upon applying the governing law to the facts reflected","paragraph_id":"para_233"},{"text":"by the record, we conclude that the trial court did not err in granting Lunar Lagoons’","paragraph_id":"para_234"},{"text":"motion for summary judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_235"},{"text":"{¶22} Specifically, the pleadings and affidavits filed in the case at or before","paragraph_id":"para_236"},{"text":"the summary judgment stage reflect the following: Lunar Lagoons is a company","paragraph_id":"para_237"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_238"},{"text":"-11-","paragraph_id":"para_239"},{"text":"specializing in the installation of custom in-ground swimming pools. The company","paragraph_id":"para_240"},{"text":"also provides pool service and maintenance for customers in western Ohio and","paragraph_id":"para_241"},{"text":"eastern Indiana. Lunar Lagoons operates its business from a fixed storefront","paragraph_id":"para_242"},{"text":"location at 2259 Venture Drive in Maria Stein, Ohio, from which location the","paragraph_id":"para_243"},{"text":"company sells pool equipment and pool maintenance services to the public.","paragraph_id":"para_244"},{"text":"{¶23} Stephens owns a 23-acre residential estate located in the Piqua, Ohio","paragraph_id":"para_245"},{"text":"area, and employs a groundskeeper to assist in managing the premises. Stephens","paragraph_id":"para_246"},{"text":"became a customer of Lunar Lagoons in 2020, when he and his groundskeeper hired","paragraph_id":"para_247"},{"text":"the company to replace the heater for the in-ground pool located on the","paragraph_id":"para_248"},{"text":"estate. Subsequently, the groundskeeper purchased pool chemicals from Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_249"},{"text":"Lagoons and used Lunar Lagoons to service the pool. In May of 2022, a technician","paragraph_id":"para_250"},{"text":"from Lunar Lagoons was present at Stephens’ property for a service call relating to","paragraph_id":"para_251"},{"text":"the pool. While there, the technician was approached by Stephens’ groundskeeper,","paragraph_id":"para_252"},{"text":"who requested a quote for the replacement of the pool’s control panel. As a result","paragraph_id":"para_253"},{"text":"of that request, Lunar Lagoons prepared a quote for the sale and installation of a","paragraph_id":"para_254"},{"text":"Hayward OmniLogic control unit, Hayward being the brand that is compatible with","paragraph_id":"para_255"},{"text":"the rest of the pool’s equipment. One feature of that control unit is that, with an","paragraph_id":"para_256"},{"text":"Internet connection, it can be accessed and operated via cell phone or other mobile","paragraph_id":"para_257"},{"text":"device. The quote for the control unit was communicated digitally by Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_258"},{"text":"Lagoons to Stephens’ groundskeeper, and the quote was subsequently approved and","paragraph_id":"para_259"},{"text":"accepted by Stephens through his groundskeeper. Lunar Lagoons then installed the","paragraph_id":"para_260"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_261"},{"text":"-12-","paragraph_id":"para_262"},{"text":"control unit on Stephens’ pool, and it was programmed by a Hayward representative","paragraph_id":"para_263"},{"text":"and confirmed to be working with the other preexisting pool equipment.","paragraph_id":"para_264"},{"text":"{¶24} After the pool control unit was installed and fully operational, Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_265"},{"text":"Lagoons received complaints from Stephens that he was not able to access the","paragraph_id":"para_266"},{"text":"control unit from his cell phone. As a result, representatives from Lunar Lagoons","paragraph_id":"para_267"},{"text":"and Hayward visited Stephens’ property in the summer of 2022 to check the control","paragraph_id":"para_268"},{"text":"unit and ensure that it was properly installed and performing as designed, and they","paragraph_id":"para_269"},{"text":"determined that it was. The Hayward representative also determined that the control","paragraph_id":"para_270"},{"text":"unit was not responding to Stephens’ cell phone because the Wi-Fi signal from the","paragraph_id":"para_271"},{"text":"house on the 23-acre property was not strong enough to reach the pool area, which","paragraph_id":"para_272"},{"text":"is a significant distance from the home. Stephens was advised that he would need","paragraph_id":"para_273"},{"text":"to establish a stronger Wi-Fi signal to be able to access the control unit from his cell","paragraph_id":"para_274"},{"text":"phone. It was suggested to Stephens that he utilize a Wi-Fi booster or hardwire an","paragraph_id":"para_275"},{"text":"Internet connection closer to the pool in order to remedy the inadequate Wi-Fi signal","paragraph_id":"para_276"},{"text":"to the pool control unit. Having determined for a second time that the pool control","paragraph_id":"para_277"},{"text":"unit was fully operational and functioning as designed pursuant to the","paragraph_id":"para_278"},{"text":"manufacturer’s specifications, Lunar Lagoons sent Stephens an invoice on July 16,","paragraph_id":"para_279"},{"text":"2022 for the cost of the unit and its installation. In spite of Lunar Lagoons having","paragraph_id":"para_280"},{"text":"fully performed its contractual obligations, and despite Stephens having used the","paragraph_id":"para_281"},{"text":"control unit for two pool seasons, Stephens has failed to make payment to Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_282"},{"text":"Lagoons for the control unit.","paragraph_id":"para_283"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_284"},{"text":"-13-","paragraph_id":"para_285"},{"text":"{¶25} On the facts of this case, we find that the trial court did not err in","paragraph_id":"para_286"},{"text":"determining that, as a matter of law, Stephens is liable to Lunar Lagoons for the cost","paragraph_id":"para_287"},{"text":"of the control unit and its installation, and in granting summary judgment to Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_288"},{"text":"Lagoons for the same. Stephens purchased a product from Lunar Lagoons, who then","paragraph_id":"para_289"},{"text":"installed it pursuant to the purchase agreement, and Stephens subsequently failed to","paragraph_id":"para_290"},{"text":"pay for the product and its installation as agreed, even though the product was fully","paragraph_id":"para_291"},{"text":"operational.","paragraph_id":"para_292"},{"text":"{¶26} While Stephens contends that he is not liable to pay for the cost and","paragraph_id":"para_293"},{"text":"installation of the pool control unit because the unit’s remote access feature, utilized","paragraph_id":"para_294"},{"text":"via the Internet, does not currently work with his cell phone, Stephens does not deny","paragraph_id":"para_295"},{"text":"the inadequacy of his home Wi-Fi signal as it relates to his inability to remotely","paragraph_id":"para_296"},{"text":"access the unit via his cell phone or other mobile device. Rather Stephens merely","paragraph_id":"para_297"},{"text":"asserts that “[o]ne of the features that induced me into having the control panel","paragraph_id":"para_298"},{"text":"replaced by [Lunar Lagoons] was its representative advised me that the panel would","paragraph_id":"para_299"},{"text":"have a feature that would allow me to access the panel’s controls through my cell","paragraph_id":"para_300"},{"text":"phone” and “I am not aware of [Lunar Lagoons], prior to the installation of the new","paragraph_id":"para_301"},{"text":"control panel, ever checking my Wi-Fi signal to determine the compatibility of the","paragraph_id":"para_302"},{"text":"control panel, the cell phone feature and my Wi-Fi signal.” (April 11, 2024","paragraph_id":"para_303"},{"text":"Affidavit of Greg Stephens.). Notably, however, Stephens does not assert – much","paragraph_id":"para_304"},{"text":"less present any supporting evidence – that Lunar Lagoons ever represented to him","paragraph_id":"para_305"},{"text":"that the control unit could be controlled via cell phone without a Wi-Fi signal, nor","paragraph_id":"para_306"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_307"},{"text":"-14-","paragraph_id":"para_308"},{"text":"does he suggest that the company ever represented that the unit’s remote access","paragraph_id":"para_309"},{"text":"feature would work with Stephens’ current Wi-Fi setup.","paragraph_id":"para_310"},{"text":"{¶27} By its very nature, an electronic device designed, in part, to be","paragraph_id":"para_311"},{"text":"operated remotely via a Wi-Fi signal requires a Wi-Fi signal to be so operated. As","paragraph_id":"para_312"},{"text":"a result, and because there is no evidence that the pool control unit does not fully","paragraph_id":"para_313"},{"text":"function as designed, nor is there evidence that Lunar Lagoons was to provide an","paragraph_id":"para_314"},{"text":"adequate Wi-Fi signal, Stephens had no valid basis upon which to refuse to pay","paragraph_id":"para_315"},{"text":"Lunar Lagoons for the control unit he purchased from the company. In sum, Lunar","paragraph_id":"para_316"},{"text":"Lagoons fully performed its obligation pursuant to the contractual arrangement with","paragraph_id":"para_317"},{"text":"Stephens, and the company is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.","paragraph_id":"para_318"},{"text":"{¶28} The first assignment of error is overruled.","paragraph_id":"para_319"},{"text":"Second Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_320"},{"text":"{¶29} In the second assignment of error, Stephens asserts that the trial court","paragraph_id":"para_321"},{"text":"erred as to the specific sum of damages awarded to Lunar Lagoons pursuant to the","paragraph_id":"para_322"},{"text":"summary judgment granted in favor of the company on its complaint. Specifically,","paragraph_id":"para_323"},{"text":"Stephens takes issue with the fact that the amount of damages sought by, and","paragraph_id":"para_324"},{"text":"awarded to, Lunar Lagoons included “late fees” imposed by the company in addition","paragraph_id":"para_325"},{"text":"to the agreed-upon price for the sale and installation of the pool control panel at","paragraph_id":"para_326"},{"text":"issue.","paragraph_id":"para_327"},{"text":"{¶30} With respect to this claim, the record reflects that Lunar Lagoons’","paragraph_id":"para_328"},{"text":"complaint and amended complaint sought an award of damages in the amount of","paragraph_id":"para_329"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_330"},{"text":"-15-","paragraph_id":"para_331"},{"text":"$6,082.84, plus interest. A review of the invoice submitted as an exhibit with the","paragraph_id":"para_332"},{"text":"complaint, and in the documentation filed in support of the company’s motion for","paragraph_id":"para_333"},{"text":"summary judgment, reflects that Lunar Lagoons’ claim for $6,082.84 was based on","paragraph_id":"para_334"},{"text":"the following: Hayward Omni Logic Base ($3,435.52), Hayward Omni Extra Relay","paragraph_id":"para_335"},{"text":"($420.55), Hayward Logic Wireless Antenna ($390.90), Hayward Kit Flo Switch","paragraph_id":"para_336"},{"text":"and Unions ($301.35), and Delivery and Programming Fee ($150.00), which totals","paragraph_id":"para_337"},{"text":"$4698.32. However, the company then added on a monthly “late fee” of $70.47 per","paragraph_id":"para_338"},{"text":"month for the months of July of 2022 through August of 2023, with those late fees","paragraph_id":"para_339"},{"text":"totaling $986.58. Based on the $4698.32 total price for the control unit combined","paragraph_id":"para_340"},{"text":"with the $986.58 in late fees, the Lunar Lagoons invoice reflected a subtotal of","paragraph_id":"para_341"},{"text":"$5684.90, upon which the company calculated Miami County sales tax at 7%, or","paragraph_id":"para_342"},{"text":"$397.94, in reaching the total of $6,082.84 that the company alleged it was owed.","paragraph_id":"para_343"},{"text":"{¶31} The July 19, 2024 judgment entry in which the trial court granted","paragraph_id":"para_344"},{"text":"summary judgment in favor of Lunar Lagoons and against Stephens does not specify","paragraph_id":"para_345"},{"text":"an award of damages in any particular amount. Absent such a specification, this","paragraph_id":"para_346"},{"text":"Court must assume – as the parties also do – that the summary judgment awarded","paragraph_id":"para_347"},{"text":"to Lunar Lagoons included an award of damages in the amount of $6,082.84, as","paragraph_id":"para_348"},{"text":"sought in the complaint.","paragraph_id":"para_349"},{"text":"{¶32} On appeal, Stephens argues that, as there was no contractual","paragraph_id":"para_350"},{"text":"agreement between the parties permitting Lunar Lagoons to charge late fees on any","paragraph_id":"para_351"},{"text":"unpaid balance owed by Stephens to the company, the trial court erred in awarding","paragraph_id":"para_352"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_353"},{"text":"-16-","paragraph_id":"para_354"},{"text":"of the total $6,082.84 amount sought by Lunar Lagoons. Stephens does not dispute","paragraph_id":"para_355"},{"text":"that Lunar Lagoons may be entitled to prejudgment interest on a judgment in their","paragraph_id":"para_356"},{"text":"favor, but he argues that the over 20% per annum interest, or “late fees”, invoiced","paragraph_id":"para_357"},{"text":"by the company on the outstanding original balance of $4698.32, is well in excess","paragraph_id":"para_358"},{"text":"of the permissible statutory rate of prejudgment interest set forth in R.C. 1343.03. In","paragraph_id":"para_359"},{"text":"response, Lunar Lagoons concedes that there was no written agreement between the","paragraph_id":"para_360"},{"text":"parties as to late fees but argues that the company is entitled to prejudgment","paragraph_id":"para_361"},{"text":"interest.","paragraph_id":"para_362"},{"text":"R.C. 1343.03(A) provides, in relevant part:","paragraph_id":"para_363"},{"text":"[W]hen money becomes due and payable upon any bond, bill, note,","paragraph_id":"para_364"},{"text":"or other instrument of writing, upon any book account, upon any","paragraph_id":"para_365"},{"text":"settlement between parties, upon on all verbal contracts entered into,","paragraph_id":"para_366"},{"text":"and upon all judgments, decrees, and orders of any judicial tribunal","paragraph_id":"para_367"},{"text":"for the payment of money arising out of tortious conduct or a contract","paragraph_id":"para_368"},{"text":"or other transaction, the creditor is entitled to interest at the rate per","paragraph_id":"para_369"},{"text":"annum determined pursuant to section 5703.47 of the Revised Code,","paragraph_id":"para_370"},{"text":"unless a written contract provides a different rate of interest in relation","paragraph_id":"para_371"},{"text":"to the money that becomes due and payable, in which case the creditor","paragraph_id":"para_372"},{"text":"is entitled to interest at the rate provided in that contract.","paragraph_id":"para_373"},{"text":"{¶33} Prejudgment interest compensates plaintiffs for the time between","paragraph_id":"para_374"},{"text":"when the claim accrued and the judgment, “regardless of whether the judgment is","paragraph_id":"para_375"},{"text":"based on a claim which was liquidated or unliquidated and even if the sum due was","paragraph_id":"para_376"},{"text":"not capable of ascertainment until determined by the court.” Royal Elec. Constr.","paragraph_id":"para_377"},{"text":"Corp. v. Ohio State Univ., 73 Ohio St.3d 110, 110-111 (1995). While R.C.","paragraph_id":"para_378"},{"text":"1343.03(A), in conjunction with R.C. 5703.47, sets a default statutory interest rate,","paragraph_id":"para_379"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_380"},{"text":"-17-","paragraph_id":"para_381"},{"text":"if the parties’ contract provides an interest rate “with respect to money that becomes","paragraph_id":"para_382"},{"text":"due and payable,” the interest rate in the contract prevails. Eagle Realty Investments,","paragraph_id":"para_383"},{"text":"Inc. v. Dumon, 2022-Ohio-4106, ¶ 27 (1st Dist.).","paragraph_id":"para_384"},{"text":"{¶34} “Although a party that prevails on a contract claim is entitled to","paragraph_id":"para_385"},{"text":"prejudgment interest as a matter of law, the amount of interest to be awarded is","paragraph_id":"para_386"},{"text":"based on the trial court’s factual determination of the accrual date and interest rate.”","paragraph_id":"para_387"},{"text":"W&W Roofing & Siding, Inc. v. H.P. Group, L.L.C., 2001-Ohio-2248, *3 (3d Dist.).","paragraph_id":"para_388"},{"text":"“These factual decisions will be reviewed on appeal under an abuse of discretion","paragraph_id":"para_389"},{"text":"standard.” Id. An abuse of discretion implies that the court’s attitude was","paragraph_id":"para_390"},{"text":"unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d","paragraph_id":"para_391"},{"text":"217, 219 (1983). However, “‘[w]hether a trial court’s determination of prejudgment","paragraph_id":"para_392"},{"text":"* * * interest is reviewed de novo or, instead, for an abuse of discretion depends on","paragraph_id":"para_393"},{"text":"the statutory basis for the interest and whether questions of law are involved.’”","paragraph_id":"para_394"},{"text":"Pacetti’s Apothecary, Inc. v. Rebound Bracing & Pain Solutions, LLC, 2023-Ohio-","paragraph_id":"para_395"},{"text":"93, ¶ 19 (2d Dist.), quoting Day Air Credit Union Inc., v. Davis, 2021-Ohio-2054,","paragraph_id":"para_396"},{"text":"¶ 26 (2d Dist.).","paragraph_id":"para_397"},{"text":"{¶35} In the instant case, regardless of which standard of review is applied,","paragraph_id":"para_398"},{"text":"we find that Stephens’ contention regarding the sum of damages awarded has","paragraph_id":"para_399"},{"text":"merit. Both parties correctly note that Lunar Lagoons is entitled to prejudgment","paragraph_id":"para_400"},{"text":"interest on the judgment in their favor. However, as there was no agreement","paragraph_id":"para_401"},{"text":"between the parties authorizing interest to be charged to Stephens at a rate other","paragraph_id":"para_402"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_403"},{"text":"-18-","paragraph_id":"para_404"},{"text":"than that authorized pursuant to R.C. 1343.03 and R.C. 5703.47, the statutorily","paragraph_id":"para_405"},{"text":"designated rate of prejudgment interest is applicable. Thus, to the extent that the","paragraph_id":"para_406"},{"text":"trial court awarded damages in an amount that was based upon Lunar Lagoons’","paragraph_id":"para_407"},{"text":"calculation of late fees, or interest, at a rate well in excess of the statutorily","paragraph_id":"para_408"},{"text":"designated rate of prejudgment interest, the trial court’s decision was erroneous.","paragraph_id":"para_409"},{"text":"Accordingly, the case must be remanded to the trial court so that an accurate","paragraph_id":"para_410"},{"text":"determination of the sum of damages owed by Stephens on the judgment in favor of","paragraph_id":"para_411"},{"text":"Lunar Lagoons can be calculated in accordance with law.","paragraph_id":"para_412"},{"text":"{¶36} The second assignment of error is sustained.","paragraph_id":"para_413"},{"text":"Third Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_414"},{"text":"{¶37} In the third assignment of error, Stephens argues that the trial court","paragraph_id":"para_415"},{"text":"erred in granting summary judgment in favor of Lunar Lagoons on Stephens’","paragraph_id":"para_416"},{"text":"counterclaim that was based on the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (“CSPA”)","paragraph_id":"para_417"},{"text":"and the Ohio Home Solicitation Sales Act (“HSSA”). Stephens further asserts that","paragraph_id":"para_418"},{"text":"the trial court erred in determining that the counterclaim was groundless and made","paragraph_id":"para_419"},{"text":"in bad faith and, on that basis, awarding attorney fees to Lunar Lagoons with respect","paragraph_id":"para_420"},{"text":"to the counterclaim.","paragraph_id":"para_421"},{"text":"{¶38} Regarding Stephens’ first argument, as to the propriety of the","paragraph_id":"para_422"},{"text":"summary judgment entered against him on his counterclaim, we again note that","paragraph_id":"para_423"},{"text":"appellate courts conduct a de novo review of a trial court’s decision on a motion for","paragraph_id":"para_424"},{"text":"summary judgment. Hancock Fed. Credit Union v. Coppus, supra, at ¶ 15 (3d Dist.),","paragraph_id":"para_425"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_426"},{"text":"-19-","paragraph_id":"para_427"},{"text":"citing Esber Beverage Co. v. Labatt USA Operating Co., L.L.C., 2013-Ohio-4544,","paragraph_id":"para_428"},{"text":"¶ 9.","paragraph_id":"para_429"},{"text":"{¶39} The CSPA, set forth in R.C. 1345.01 et seq., applies to consumer","paragraph_id":"para_430"},{"text":"transactions and prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices by suppliers in","paragraph_id":"para_431"},{"text":"consumer transactions, whether the unfair or deceptive act or practice occurs before,","paragraph_id":"para_432"},{"text":"during, or after the transaction. R.C. 1345.02(A). With some exceptions not","paragraph_id":"para_433"},{"text":"applicable here, a “consumer transaction” is defined by R.C. 1345.01(A) as a “sale,","paragraph_id":"para_434"},{"text":"lease, assignment, award by chance, or other transfer of an item of goods, a service,","paragraph_id":"para_435"},{"text":"a franchise, or an intangible, to an individual for purposes that are primarily","paragraph_id":"para_436"},{"text":"personal, family, or household, or solicitation to supply any of these things.”","paragraph_id":"para_437"},{"text":"{¶40} The HSSA, set forth in R.C. 1345.21 to R.C. 1345.27, is designed to","paragraph_id":"para_438"},{"text":"provide a consumer with a weapon against high pressure sales tactics occurring in","paragraph_id":"para_439"},{"text":"the home. R. Bauer & Sons Roofing & Siding, Inc. v. Kinderman, 83 Ohio App.3d","paragraph_id":"para_440"},{"text":"53, 63 (1992), citing Brown v. Martinelli, 66 Ohio St.2d 45, 50 (1981).","paragraph_id":"para_441"},{"text":"{¶41} Home solicitation sales under the HSSA are governed by the CSPA,","paragraph_id":"para_442"},{"text":"and the failure to comply with the HSSA constitutes a deceptive act or practice in","paragraph_id":"para_443"},{"text":"connection with a consumer transaction in violation of the CSPA. Altek","paragraph_id":"para_444"},{"text":"Environmental Service Co. v. Harris, 2009-Ohio-2011, ¶ 31 (5th Dist.). See, also,","paragraph_id":"para_445"},{"text":"R.C. 1345.28.","paragraph_id":"para_446"},{"text":"{¶42} Under the HSSA, a home solicitation sale must include a written","paragraph_id":"para_447"},{"text":"agreement that contains a statement of the buyer’s right to cancel the contract until","paragraph_id":"para_448"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_449"},{"text":"-20-","paragraph_id":"para_450"},{"text":"midnight of the third business day after the day on which the buyer signs the","paragraph_id":"para_451"},{"text":"contract. R.C. 1345.22 and 1345.23. Where no such provision is contained in a","paragraph_id":"para_452"},{"text":"written agreement, the buyer’s right to cancel the home solicitation sale does not","paragraph_id":"para_453"},{"text":"expire. R.C. 1345.23(C). If the buyer decides to cancel the sale pursuant to the","paragraph_id":"para_454"},{"text":"statutory guidelines, the seller must refund all payments made under the contract to","paragraph_id":"para_455"},{"text":"the buyer and/or cancel any indebtedness arising on the buyer’s part under the terms","paragraph_id":"para_456"},{"text":"of the transaction. R.C. 1345.23(D)(4).","paragraph_id":"para_457"},{"text":"{¶43} Revised Code 1345.21(A) defines a “home solicitation sale” as","paragraph_id":"para_458"},{"text":"“a sale of consumer goods or services in which the seller or a person acting for the","paragraph_id":"para_459"},{"text":"seller engages in a personal solicitation of the sale at a residence of the buyer,","paragraph_id":"para_460"},{"text":"including solicitations in response to or following an invitation by the buyer, and","paragraph_id":"para_461"},{"text":"the buyer’s agreement or offer to purchase is there given to the seller or a","paragraph_id":"para_462"},{"text":"person acting for the seller, or in which the buyer’s agreement or offer to purchase","paragraph_id":"para_463"},{"text":"is made at a place other than the seller’s place of business.”","paragraph_id":"para_464"},{"text":"{¶44} However, R.C. 1345.21 also specifically excepts certain types of","paragraph_id":"para_465"},{"text":"transactions from that definition, and therefore precludes applicability of the HSSA","paragraph_id":"para_466"},{"text":"to such excepted transactions. One of those exceptions is set forth in R.C.","paragraph_id":"para_467"},{"text":"1345.21(A)(4), and includes any transaction or transactions in which “[t]he buyer","paragraph_id":"para_468"},{"text":"initiates the contact between the parties for the purpose of negotiating a purchase","paragraph_id":"para_469"},{"text":"and the seller has a business establishment at a fixed location in this state where the","paragraph_id":"para_470"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_471"},{"text":"-21-","paragraph_id":"para_472"},{"text":"goods or services involved in the transaction are regularly offered or exhibited for","paragraph_id":"para_473"},{"text":"sale.”","paragraph_id":"para_474"},{"text":"{¶45} In the instant case, following this Court’s de novo review of the trial","paragraph_id":"para_475"},{"text":"court record as is relevant to the issue of summary judgment on Stephens’","paragraph_id":"para_476"},{"text":"counterclaim pursuant to the CSPA and the HSSA, we conclude that the trial court","paragraph_id":"para_477"},{"text":"did not err in granting Lunar Lagoons’ motion for summary judgment in their favor","paragraph_id":"para_478"},{"text":"on the counterclaim. Specifically, the pleadings and affidavits filed in the case by","paragraph_id":"para_479"},{"text":"Lunar Lagoons reflect that Lunar Lagoons operates its business from a fixed","paragraph_id":"para_480"},{"text":"storefront location at 2259 Venture Drive in Maria Stein, Ohio, at which location","paragraph_id":"para_481"},{"text":"the company regularly exhibits and offers for sale the goods and services involved","paragraph_id":"para_482"},{"text":"in the transaction at issue here, and the pleadings and affidavit filed by Stephens did","paragraph_id":"para_483"},{"text":"not allege facts to the contrary as required by Civ.R. 56(E). The pleadings filed by","paragraph_id":"para_484"},{"text":"both parties also reflect no disagreement on the fact that it was Stephens, through","paragraph_id":"para_485"},{"text":"his groundskeeper, who initiated the contact with Lunar Lagoons related to the","paragraph_id":"para_486"},{"text":"purpose of negotiating Stephens’ purchase of the pool control unit. Accordingly,","paragraph_id":"para_487"},{"text":"there was no genuine issue of material fact as to whether the transaction was","paragraph_id":"para_488"},{"text":"governed by the CSPA and the HSSA, as the exception set forth in R.C.","paragraph_id":"para_489"},{"text":"1345.21(A)(4), supra, is applicable here and therefore precluded Stephens’","paragraph_id":"para_490"},{"text":"counterclaim.","paragraph_id":"para_491"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_492"},{"text":"-22-","paragraph_id":"para_493"},{"text":"{¶46} In this third assignment of error, Stephens also argues that the trial","paragraph_id":"para_494"},{"text":"court erred in finding that Lunar Lagoons was entitled, pursuant to R.C.","paragraph_id":"para_495"},{"text":"1345.09(F)(1), to an award of attorney fees relating to the counterclaim.","paragraph_id":"para_496"},{"text":"{¶47} R.C. 1345.09(F)(1) provides, in pertinent part, that in actions brought","paragraph_id":"para_497"},{"text":"pursuant to the CSPA, “[t]he court may award to the prevailing party a reasonable","paragraph_id":"para_498"},{"text":"attorney’s fee * * * if * * * [t]he consumer complaining of the act or practice that","paragraph_id":"para_499"},{"text":"violated this chapter has brought or maintained an action that is groundless, and the","paragraph_id":"para_500"},{"text":"consumer filed or maintained the action in bad faith.”","paragraph_id":"para_501"},{"text":"{¶48} As the CSPA does not define “groundless” or “bad faith”, we apply","paragraph_id":"para_502"},{"text":"the ordinary and common understanding of those terms. Semco, Inc. v. Sims Bros.,","paragraph_id":"para_503"},{"text":"2013-Ohio-4109, ¶ 42 (3d Dist.), citing Culbreath v. Golding Ents., L.L.C., 2007-","paragraph_id":"para_504"},{"text":"Ohio-4278, ¶ 22, citing R.C. 1.42. Thus, a groundless claim within the meaning of","paragraph_id":"para_505"},{"text":"R.C. 1345.09(F)(1) is one that lacks a legal or factual basis or rationale. Id., citing","paragraph_id":"para_506"},{"text":"Black’s Law Dictionary (9th Ed. 2009), Palmer v. Daniel Troth & Son Builders,","paragraph_id":"para_507"},{"text":"Inc., 1998 WL 255566, *5 (10th Dist.). In the same context, a bad faith claim is one","paragraph_id":"para_508"},{"text":"involving “dishonesty of belief or purpose”. Semco, Inc., supra, at ¶ 45, citing State","paragraph_id":"para_509"},{"text":"ex rel. Bardwell v. Cuyahoga Cty. Bd. of Commrs., 2010–Ohio–5073, ¶ 8,","paragraph_id":"para_510"},{"text":"quoting Black's Law Dictionary 159 (9th Ed. 2009). The Supreme Court of Ohio","paragraph_id":"para_511"},{"text":"has more specifically described “bad faith” as follows:","paragraph_id":"para_512"},{"text":"A lack of good faith is the equivalent of bad faith, and bad faith,","paragraph_id":"para_513"},{"text":"although not susceptible of concrete definition, embraces more than","paragraph_id":"para_514"},{"text":"bad judgment or negligence. It imports a dishonest purpose, moral","paragraph_id":"para_515"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_516"},{"text":"-23-","paragraph_id":"para_517"},{"text":"obliquity, conscious wrongdoing, breach of a known duty through","paragraph_id":"para_518"},{"text":"some ulterior motive or ill will partaking of the nature of fraud. It also","paragraph_id":"para_519"},{"text":"embraces actual intent to mislead or deceive another.","paragraph_id":"para_520"},{"text":"Id., citing Slater v. Motorists Mut. Ins. Co., 174 Ohio St. 148 (1962), paragraph two","paragraph_id":"para_521"},{"text":"of the syllabus, overruled on other grounds in Zoppo v. Homestead Ins. Co., 71 Ohio","paragraph_id":"para_522"},{"text":"St.3d 552 (1994).","paragraph_id":"para_523"},{"text":"{¶49} A trial court’s decision to grant or deny attorney fees pursuant to R.C.","paragraph_id":"para_524"},{"text":"1345.09(F) is discretionary. Price v. Evans Automotive Repair, Inc., 2024-Ohio-","paragraph_id":"para_525"},{"text":"5108, ¶ 45 (10th Dist.), citing Einhorn v. Ford Motor Co., 48 Ohio St.3d 27, 29","paragraph_id":"para_526"},{"text":"(1990). Thus, we review a trial court’s decision on an award of attorney fees under","paragraph_id":"para_527"},{"text":"that statute for an abuse of that discretion. Id., citing Williams v. Gray Guy Group.","paragraph_id":"para_528"},{"text":"L.L.C., 2016-Ohio-8499, ¶ 44 (10th Dist.).","paragraph_id":"para_529"},{"text":"{¶50} In the instant case, in the November 25, 2024 judgment entry awarding","paragraph_id":"para_530"},{"text":"attorney fees to Lunar Lagoons pursuant to R.C. 1345.09(F)(1), the trial court found","paragraph_id":"para_531"},{"text":"that Stephens’ counterclaim under the Consumer Sales Practices Act was groundless","paragraph_id":"para_532"},{"text":"and that he had filed and maintained the action in bad faith. On the basis of the","paragraph_id":"para_533"},{"text":"record before us, we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion in so finding,","paragraph_id":"para_534"},{"text":"as we agree that the counterclaim under the Consumer Sales Practices Act was","paragraph_id":"para_535"},{"text":"groundless and that Stephens filed and maintained the action in bad faith.","paragraph_id":"para_536"},{"text":"{¶51} In reaching that determination, we note, as discussed in detail above,","paragraph_id":"para_537"},{"text":"that the initial complaint filed in this matter by Lunar Lagoons was based on","paragraph_id":"para_538"},{"text":"Stephens’ failure, over the course of more than a year’s time, to pay for a fully","paragraph_id":"para_539"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_540"},{"text":"-24-","paragraph_id":"para_541"},{"text":"operational pool control unit that Stephens purchased from, and had installed by,","paragraph_id":"para_542"},{"text":"the company in 2022. Stephens’ refusal to pay for the control unit was based solely","paragraph_id":"para_543"},{"text":"on his irrational position that the control panel’s remote access feature, utilized via","paragraph_id":"para_544"},{"text":"the Internet, did not work, when it was actually Stephens’ undisputed lack of an","paragraph_id":"para_545"},{"text":"adequate Wi-Fi signal at his pool area that prevented him from remotely accessing","paragraph_id":"para_546"},{"text":"the control panel. Once Lunar Lagoons filed its legally and factually meritorious","paragraph_id":"para_547"},{"text":"complaint, Stephens opted to compound and complicate the legal proceeding by","paragraph_id":"para_548"},{"text":"asserting and maintaining a frivolous counterclaim under the CSPA and HSSA,","paragraph_id":"para_549"},{"text":"where it was clear that such a claim was precluded pursuant to the express terms of","paragraph_id":"para_550"},{"text":"those statutory provisions and the facts of this case.","paragraph_id":"para_551"},{"text":"{¶52} We further note that in the amended complaint filed on November 22,","paragraph_id":"para_552"},{"text":"2023 by Lunar Lagoons in response to Stephens’ initial answer and counterclaim,","paragraph_id":"para_553"},{"text":"the company alleged that, prior to the commencement of the litigation, Stephens’","paragraph_id":"para_554"},{"text":"counsel represented to counsel for Lunar Lagoons that Stephens would pursue","paragraph_id":"para_555"},{"text":"claims under CSPA and the HSSA unless the company agreed to perform additional","paragraph_id":"para_556"},{"text":"services on Stephens’ property beyond the scope of the original contract and free of","paragraph_id":"para_557"},{"text":"charge. That allegation was supported by facts set forth in an affidavit filed by","paragraph_id":"para_558"},{"text":"Lunar Lagoons in support of its motion for summary judgment, and those","paragraph_id":"para_559"},{"text":"undisputed facts reflect the type of bad faith that an award of attorney fees pursuant","paragraph_id":"para_560"},{"text":"to R.C. 1345.09(F)(1) was designed to redress.","paragraph_id":"para_561"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_562"},{"text":"-25-","paragraph_id":"para_563"},{"text":"{¶53} In light of the above, we find that the trial court was well within its","paragraph_id":"para_564"},{"text":"discretion in determining that Stephens’ counterclaim alleging violations of the","paragraph_id":"para_565"},{"text":"CSPA and the HSSA was groundless and was brought in bad faith.","paragraph_id":"para_566"},{"text":"{¶54} The third assignment of error is overruled.","paragraph_id":"para_567"},{"text":"Fourth Assignment of Error","paragraph_id":"para_568"},{"text":"{¶55} In the fourth assignment of error, Stephens argues that the amount of","paragraph_id":"para_569"},{"text":"the judgment for attorney fees awarded to Lunar Lagoons by the trial court pursuant","paragraph_id":"para_570"},{"text":"to R.C. 1345.09(F) was unreasonable and therefore erroneous on that basis.","paragraph_id":"para_571"},{"text":"{¶56} With respect to this claim, the record reflects that on October 22, 2024,","paragraph_id":"para_572"},{"text":"the trial court held an evidentiary hearing on the issue of attorney fees. At that","paragraph_id":"para_573"},{"text":"hearing, Lunar Lagoons presented the testimony of one witness, and the parties","paragraph_id":"para_574"},{"text":"stipulated to the admission of Plaintiff’s Exhibit 1, which was a compilation of","paragraph_id":"para_575"},{"text":"itemized invoices for the legal fees billed to Lunar Lagoons by its counsel in the","paragraph_id":"para_576"},{"text":"case. Stephens presented no evidence.","paragraph_id":"para_577"},{"text":"{¶57} At the October 22, 2024 hearing, Lunar Lagoons called attorney","paragraph_id":"para_578"},{"text":"Joseph Steven Justice (“Justice”) to testify as an expert witness. Justice testified","paragraph_id":"para_579"},{"text":"that he has been licensed to practice law in Ohio since 1994. After one year of","paragraph_id":"para_580"},{"text":"employment as a judicial law clerk for the United States Sixth Circuit Court of","paragraph_id":"para_581"},{"text":"Appeals, Justice worked for approximately 15 years with the large regional law firm","paragraph_id":"para_582"},{"text":"of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, and then spent 14 years with a smaller law firm in","paragraph_id":"para_583"},{"text":"Miami County, called Dungan & LeFevre. Justice testified that the majority of his","paragraph_id":"para_584"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_585"},{"text":"-26-","paragraph_id":"para_586"},{"text":"practice during his 30-year legal career had been in the area of litigation, specifically","paragraph_id":"para_587"},{"text":"civil litigation of all types, including business disputes, breach of contract actions,","paragraph_id":"para_588"},{"text":"employment disputes, and environmental lawsuits.","paragraph_id":"para_589"},{"text":"{¶58} Justice testified that he had reviewed the various pleadings and","paragraph_id":"para_590"},{"text":"motions filed in the instant case, and had also reviewed Plaintiff’s Exhibit 1. As a","paragraph_id":"para_591"},{"text":"result, Justice testified that the hourly rates billed by Lunar Lagoons’ counsel in the","paragraph_id":"para_592"},{"text":"case were fair and reasonable, based on the experience of the various attorneys","paragraph_id":"para_593"},{"text":"involved in the matter. Justice noted that the legal work on the case had initially","paragraph_id":"para_594"},{"text":"been handled by one partner and a senior associate in the law firm representing","paragraph_id":"para_595"},{"text":"Lunar Lagoons. Justice testified that after the case had been pending for about six","paragraph_id":"para_596"},{"text":"months, the firm assigned a younger associate to work on the case, in an apparent","paragraph_id":"para_597"},{"text":"decision to have much of the work done by a newer attorney with a lower hourly","paragraph_id":"para_598"},{"text":"rate.","paragraph_id":"para_599"},{"text":"{¶59} Justice testified that, in assessing the reasonableness of the fees, he","paragraph_id":"para_600"},{"text":"considered the hourly rates charged in light of the expertise of the attorneys, the","paragraph_id":"para_601"},{"text":"distinguished reputation of the law firm, and the geographical region in which the","paragraph_id":"para_602"},{"text":"case was filed. Justice testified that he would characterize the hourly rates charged","paragraph_id":"para_603"},{"text":"in the case as “moderated”, and stated that he was somewhat surprised that the legal","paragraph_id":"para_604"},{"text":"fees charged were not higher. Justice also testified that, given the amount of time","paragraph_id":"para_605"},{"text":"billed for the legal work done on the case, he felt that a reasonable and necessary","paragraph_id":"para_606"},{"text":"amount of time was spent working on the case, noting that the case had been pending","paragraph_id":"para_607"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_608"},{"text":"-27-","paragraph_id":"para_609"},{"text":"for over a year. In summary, Justice testified that the $20,059.00 in attorney fees","paragraph_id":"para_610"},{"text":"reflected in Plaintiff’s Exhibit 1 amounted to a total of 82.8 hours spent on the case","paragraph_id":"para_611"},{"text":"by counsel for Lunar Lagoons, or slightly more than two weeks’ worth of work on","paragraph_id":"para_612"},{"text":"a case that Justice would have expected to have actually required more time. Justice","paragraph_id":"para_613"},{"text":"concluded his direct-examination testimony with his opinion that the legal fees","paragraph_id":"para_614"},{"text":"charged were both reasonable and necessary with respect to the scope of the case.","paragraph_id":"para_615"},{"text":"{¶60} On cross-examination, Justice testified that the invoices were not","paragraph_id":"para_616"},{"text":"specific enough to finely parse which fees were attributable to how much time was","paragraph_id":"para_617"},{"text":"spent on which particular claim in the case. However, Justice noted that the","paragraph_id":"para_618"},{"text":"Consumer Sales Practices Act counterclaim was asserted by Stephens relatively","paragraph_id":"para_619"},{"text":"early in the case, in response to the complaint, which resulted in Lunar Lagoons’","paragraph_id":"para_620"},{"text":"counsel needing to amend the complaint to assert a bad faith claim under that statute.","paragraph_id":"para_621"},{"text":"Justice testified that, of the approximately $20,000.00 in total legal fees charged in","paragraph_id":"para_622"},{"text":"the case, approximately $19,000.00 of those fees were incurred after the","paragraph_id":"para_623"},{"text":"counterclaim was asserted by Stephens and the complaint was amended to allege a","paragraph_id":"para_624"},{"text":"bad faith assertion on the defendant’s part.","paragraph_id":"para_625"},{"text":"{¶61} On November 25, 2024, the trial court filed its judgment entry finding","paragraph_id":"para_626"},{"text":"that, pursuant to R.C. 1345.09(F)(1), Lunar Lagoons was entitled to recover its","paragraph_id":"para_627"},{"text":"reasonable attorney fees relating to Stephens’ counterclaim. The trial court therefore","paragraph_id":"para_628"},{"text":"ordered that Stephens pay attorney fees to the company in the amount of $18,220.00,","paragraph_id":"para_629"},{"text":"representing the attorney fees incurred by Lunar Lagoons since October 24, 2023,","paragraph_id":"para_630"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_631"},{"text":"-28-","paragraph_id":"para_632"},{"text":"the date on which Stephens filed his counterclaim raising the CSPA claims. In","paragraph_id":"para_633"},{"text":"formulating the award of attorney fees in that amount, the trial court stated as","paragraph_id":"para_634"},{"text":"follows:","paragraph_id":"para_635"},{"text":"After researching previous cases on the issue of apportioning attorney","paragraph_id":"para_636"},{"text":"fees to time spent on 1345.09 F1 issues, it is nearly impossible to","paragraph_id":"para_637"},{"text":"break down the fees in this manner, they are too intertwined.","paragraph_id":"para_638"},{"text":"Furthermore, there was no testimony as to the breakdown of the","paragraph_id":"para_639"},{"text":"Plaintiff’s bill with regard to such. The Court finds it reasonable to","paragraph_id":"para_640"},{"text":"use the date the Counterclaim was filed by Defendant, October 24,","paragraph_id":"para_641"},{"text":"2023. That is the date when Defendant first alleged (in the pleadings)","paragraph_id":"para_642"},{"text":"a groundless violation of the CSPA. Defendant is ordered to pay to","paragraph_id":"para_643"},{"text":"Plaintiff the attorney fees set forth on Plaintiff’s Exhibit 1, starting on","paragraph_id":"para_644"},{"text":"October 24, 2023 through the end of the last entry on the bill August","paragraph_id":"para_645"},{"text":"8, 2024, in the amount of $18,220.00.","paragraph_id":"para_646"},{"text":"(Docket No. 36).","paragraph_id":"para_647"},{"text":"{¶62} On appeal, Stephens does not challenge the reasonableness of the","paragraph_id":"para_648"},{"text":"attorney fees awarded with regard to the hourly rates or the overall hours billed by","paragraph_id":"para_649"},{"text":"Lunar Lagoons’ counsel on the case. Rather, Stephens argues that the trial court’s","paragraph_id":"para_650"},{"text":"award of attorney fees was erroneous in that it failed to specifically apportion and","paragraph_id":"para_651"},{"text":"award only the attorney fees relating to the work performed on the CSPA","paragraph_id":"para_652"},{"text":"counterclaim.","paragraph_id":"para_653"},{"text":"{¶63} With regard to appellate review of the amount of attorney fees","paragraph_id":"para_654"},{"text":"awarded under R.C. 1345.09(F), this Court stated as follows in Semco, Inc. v. Sims","paragraph_id":"para_655"},{"text":"Bros., 2013-Ohio-4109 (3d Dist.):","paragraph_id":"para_656"},{"text":"R.C. 1345.09(F) provides that a trial court “may award to the","paragraph_id":"para_657"},{"text":"prevailing party a reasonable attorney’s fee limited to the work","paragraph_id":"para_658"},{"text":"reasonably performed.” As with the decision of whether to award","paragraph_id":"para_659"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_660"},{"text":"-29-","paragraph_id":"para_661"},{"text":"attorney fees, “the amount any such award pursuant to R.C.","paragraph_id":"para_662"},{"text":"1345.09(F) [is] left to the trial court’s discretion.” Mansour v. Vulcan","paragraph_id":"para_663"},{"text":"Waterproofing, Inc., 12th Dist. Butler No. CA99–09–150, 2000 WL","paragraph_id":"para_664"},{"text":"783069, *4 (June 19, 2000). See also White v. Lima Auto Mall,","paragraph_id":"para_665"},{"text":"Inc., 3d Dist. Allen No. 1–08–63, 2009–Ohio–411, ¶ 15. “Unless the","paragraph_id":"para_666"},{"text":"amount of fees determined is so high or so low as to shock the","paragraph_id":"para_667"},{"text":"conscience, an appellate court will not interfere.” White at ¶ 15,","paragraph_id":"para_668"},{"text":"citing Brooks v. Hurst Buick–Pontiac–Olds–GMC, Inc., 23 Ohio","paragraph_id":"para_669"},{"text":"App.3d 85, 91 (12th Dist.1985). A trial court judge has “an infinitely","paragraph_id":"para_670"},{"text":"better opportunity to determine the value of services rendered by","paragraph_id":"para_671"},{"text":"lawyers who have tried a case before him than does an appellate","paragraph_id":"para_672"},{"text":"court.” White at ¶ 16, citing Brooks, 23 Ohio App.3d at 91. See","paragraph_id":"para_673"},{"text":"also Mike Castrucci Ford Sales, Inc. v. Hoover, 12th Dist. Clermont","paragraph_id":"para_674"},{"text":"No. CA2009-03-016, 2009-Ohio-4823, ¶ 11.","paragraph_id":"para_675"},{"text":"Id., at ¶ 50.","paragraph_id":"para_676"},{"text":"{¶64} Moreover, as the First District Court of Appeals noted in Bryant v.","paragraph_id":"para_677"},{"text":"Walt Sweeney Automotive, Inc., 2002-Ohio-2577 (1st Dist.):","paragraph_id":"para_678"},{"text":"The Ohio Supreme Court has held that where claims can be separated","paragraph_id":"para_679"},{"text":"so that there is one under the CSPA, for which attorney fees may be","paragraph_id":"para_680"},{"text":"awarded, and others for which no fees are recoverable, the trial court","paragraph_id":"para_681"},{"text":"must only award fees for the time spent pursuing the CSPA claim","paragraph_id":"para_682"},{"text":"[citing Bittner v. Tri County Toyota, Inc., 58 Ohio St.3d 143, 145","paragraph_id":"para_683"},{"text":"(1991)]. But this court, following Hensley v. Eckerhart [461 U.S. 424","paragraph_id":"para_684"},{"text":"(1983)] has held that when it is not possible to divide claims in this","paragraph_id":"para_685"},{"text":"fashion, such as when claims not covered under the CSPA involve a","paragraph_id":"para_686"},{"text":"common core of facts with claims arising under the CSPA, then the","paragraph_id":"para_687"},{"text":"court may award attorney fees for all time reasonably spent pursuing","paragraph_id":"para_688"},{"text":"all claims.","paragraph_id":"para_689"},{"text":"Id., at ¶ 35.","paragraph_id":"para_690"},{"text":"{¶65} Similarly, the Eighth District Court of Appeals has held that “‘fees","paragraph_id":"para_691"},{"text":"may be awarded for claims related to the violation of the Consumer Sales Practices","paragraph_id":"para_692"},{"text":"Act, when they are not easily separated.’” Shury v. Cusato, 2022-Ohio-4401, ¶ 71","paragraph_id":"para_693"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_694"},{"text":"-30-","paragraph_id":"para_695"},{"text":"(8th Dist.), quoting Gonzalez v. Spofford, 2005-Ohio-3415, ¶ 39 (8th Dist.),","paragraph_id":"para_696"},{"text":"citing Fit ‘N’ Fun Pools, Inc. v. Shelly, 2001 WL 10851 (9th Dist. Jan. 3,","paragraph_id":"para_697"},{"text":"2001); Bryant v. Walt Sweeney Automotive, Inc., 2002-Ohio-2577 (1st","paragraph_id":"para_698"},{"text":"Dist.); Parker v. I&F Insulation Co., 1998 WL 144510 (1st Dist. Mar. 27,","paragraph_id":"para_699"},{"text":"1998); Budner v. Lake Erie Homes, 2001-Ohio-4288 (11th Dist.); Luft v. Perry Cty.","paragraph_id":"para_700"},{"text":"Lumber & Supply Co., 2003-Ohio-2305 (10th Dist.). “‘[T]he inability of a","paragraph_id":"para_701"},{"text":"prevailing party to allocate attorney fees for discrete claims does not necessarily","paragraph_id":"para_702"},{"text":"render a fee award for the full amount unreasonable.’” Shury, at ¶ 70, quoting","paragraph_id":"para_703"},{"text":"Edlong Corp. v. Nadathur, 2013-Ohio-1283, ¶ 17 (1st Dist.).","paragraph_id":"para_704"},{"text":"{¶66} In the instant case, upon applying the above-cited legal authority to","paragraph_id":"para_705"},{"text":"the facts before us, including but not limited to the evidence adduced at the October","paragraph_id":"para_706"},{"text":"22, 2024 hearing on attorney fees, and because the claims in the case involved an","paragraph_id":"para_707"},{"text":"interwoven and common core of facts and legal issues following the filing of","paragraph_id":"para_708"},{"text":"Stephens’ CSPA-based counterclaim, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse","paragraph_id":"para_709"},{"text":"its discretion in the amount of attorney fees awarded to Lunar Lagoons.","paragraph_id":"para_710"},{"text":"{¶67} The fourth assignment of error is overruled.","paragraph_id":"para_711"},{"text":"Conclusion","paragraph_id":"para_712"},{"text":"{¶68} Having found no error in the particulars assigned and argued in the","paragraph_id":"para_713"},{"text":"first, third, and fourth assignments of error, but having found error prejudicial to the","paragraph_id":"para_714"},{"text":"defendant-appellant in the second assignment of error, the trial court’s judgments","paragraph_id":"para_715"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_716"},{"text":"-31-","paragraph_id":"para_717"},{"text":"are affirmed in part and reversed in part. This matter is remanded to the trial court","paragraph_id":"para_718"},{"text":"for further proceedings consistent with this decision.","paragraph_id":"para_719"},{"text":"Judgments affirmed in part,","paragraph_id":"para_720"},{"text":"reversed in part, and cause","paragraph_id":"para_721"},{"text":"remanded","paragraph_id":"para_722"},{"text":"ZIMMERMAN and WILLAMOWSKI, J.J., concur.","paragraph_id":"para_723"},{"text":"Case No. 10-24-11","paragraph_id":"para_724"},{"text":"-32-","paragraph_id":"para_725"},{"text":"JUDGMENT ENTRY","paragraph_id":"para_726"},{"text":"For the reasons stated in the opinion of this Court, it is the judgment and","paragraph_id":"para_727"},{"text":"order of this Court that the judgments of the trial court are affirmed in part and","paragraph_id":"para_728"},{"text":"reversed in part with costs assessed equally between Appellants and Appellees for","paragraph_id":"para_729"},{"text":"which judgment is hereby rendered. The cause is hereby remanded to the trial court","paragraph_id":"para_730"},{"text":"for further proceedings and for execution of the judgment for costs.","paragraph_id":"para_731"},{"text":"It is further ordered that the Clerk of this Court certify a copy of this Court’s","paragraph_id":"para_732"},{"text":"judgment entry and opinion to the trial court as the mandate prescribed by App.R.","paragraph_id":"para_733"},{"text":"27; and serve a copy of this Court’s judgment entry and opinion on each party to the","paragraph_id":"para_734"},{"text":"proceedings and note the date of service in the docket. See App.R. 30.","paragraph_id":"para_735"},{"text":"Juergen A. Waldick, Judge","paragraph_id":"para_736"},{"text":"William R. Zimmerman, Judge","paragraph_id":"para_737"},{"text":"John R. 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