WILLIE DRIVER V MANSOOR G NAINI MD
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STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
WILLIE DRIVER and BEVERLY DRIVER,
FOR PUBLICATION
March 2, 2010
9:00 a.m.
Plaintiffs-Appellees,
v
No. 280844
LC No. 06-629887-NH
CARDIOVASCULAR CLINICAL
ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
Defendant-Appellant,
and
MANSOOR G. NAINI, M.D., and MICHIGAN
CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES, P.C.,
Defendants.
Before: Wilder, P.J., and Meter and Fort Hood, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Defendant Cardiovascular Clinical Associates, P.C., (CCA), appeals by leave granted the
circuit court’s order denying its motion for summary disposition, in this case alleging medical
malpractice. We reverse.
The relevant facts are not disputed. Plaintiff1 has colon cancer, which was diagnosed in
November 2005. He had treated with defendant Dr. Mansoor G. Naini before his cancer
diagnosis. He claims that Dr. Naini failed to refer him for a colonoscopic examination.
On April 25, 2006, plaintiffs’ counsel sent a notice of intent to Dr. Naini and MCA. On
October 23, 2006, plaintiffs filed a complaint against Dr. Naini and MCA. On January 19, 2007,
Dr. Naini and MCA filed a notice of nonparty fault naming CCA.
1
Beverly Driver, Willie Driver’s wife, joins him as plaintiff, claiming loss of consortium, a
derivative claim. “Plaintiff” shall refer to Willie Driver.
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As a result of the notice of nonparty fault, plaintiffs sent an amended notice of intent to
CCA on February 1, 2007. Approximately forty-nine days later, on March 12, 2007, plaintiffs
filed a first amended complaint, including CCA as a defendant.
CCA moved for summary disposition, under MCR 2.116(C)(7), (8) and (10). CCA
argued that plaintiffs had failed to comply with the medical malpractice procedural statutes, and
that plaintiffs’ suit was time-barred.
In response, plaintiffs acknowledged that CCA should have had 182 days of notice, but
stated that the statute of limitations would have expired had they waited that long. Plaintiffs
argued that under subsection (2) of the nonparty fault statute, MCL 600.2957, they have 91 days
to add a potential defendant referenced in a notice of nonparty fault. Plaintiffs also noted that no
new theories of liability were being alleged, and the only theory of liability was against Dr. Naini
as the agent of his corporations. CCA would be vicariously liable.
CCA replied, noting that plaintiff’s medical records reflected that Dr. Naini was
associated with CCA. So, plaintiff was on notice of CCA.
At the hearing, plaintiffs denied that the statute of limitations expired, arguing that the
notice of intent to CCA, within the limitations period, tolled the statute. Plaintiffs also argued
that, under subsection (2) of the nonparty fault statute, MCL 600.2957, the amended complaint
was timely. Plaintiffs argued that, under that statute, so long as they added the nonparty at fault
within 91 days of the notice of nonparty fault, they are within the protection of that statute. The
circuit court agreed with plaintiffs, and denied the motion for summary disposition.
CCA applied for leave to appeal. This Court granted leave, limited to the issues stated in
the application. Driver v Naini, unpublished order of the Court of Appeals, entered March 21,
2008 (Docket No. 280844).
CCA first argues that plaintiffs prematurely filed suit, before the expiration of the presuit
notice of intent period, and that, accordingly, the circuit court erred in denying its motion for
summary disposition.
This Court reviews summary disposition rulings de novo. Thorn v Mercy Mem Hosp
Corp, 281 Mich App 644, 647; 761 NW2d 414, 417 (2008). Issues of statutory construction are
questions of law, reviewed de novo. Washington v Sinai Hosp of Greater Detroit, 478 Mich 412,
417; 733 NW2d 755 (2007). Similarly, this Court reviews de novo the legal question of whether
a statute of limitations bars an action. Ins Comm’r v Aageson Thibo Agency, 226 Mich App 336,
340-341; 573 NW2d 637 (1997).
MCR 2.116(C)(7) permits summary disposition where the claim is barred because the
applicable statute of limitations expired prior to commencement of the action. In reviewing a
motion under subrule (C)(7), a court accepts as true the plaintiff’s well-pleaded allegations of
fact, construing them in the plaintiff’s favor. Hanley v Mazda Motor Corp, 239 Mich App 596,
600; 609 NW2d 203 (2000). The Court must consider affidavits, pleadings, depositions,
admissions, and any other documentary evidence submitted by the parties, to determine whether
a genuine issue of material fact exists. Id. But these materials are considered only to the extent
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that they are admissible in evidence. In re Miltenberger Estate, 275 Mich App 47, 51; 737 NW
2d 513 (2007).
A motion for summary disposition under subrule (C)(8) tests the legal sufficiency of the
pleadings. Johnson-McIntosh v City of Detroit, 266 Mich App 318, 322; 701 NW2d 179 (2005).
The pleadings are considered alone, without consideration of evidence. MCR 2.116(G)(5).
Where the parties rely on documentary evidence, appellate courts proceed under the standards of
review applicable to a motion made under MCR 2.116(C)(10). The Healing Place at North
Oakland Med Ctr v Allstate Ins Co, 277 Mich App 51, 55; 744 NW2d 174 (2007).
A motion made under MCR 2.116(C)(10) tests the factual support for a claim, and should
be granted when there is no genuine issue of material fact, and the moving party is entitled to
judgment as a matter of law. The Healing Place at North Oakland Med Ctr, supra, 277 Mich
App at 56. When the burden of proof at trial would rest on the nonmoving party, the nonmovant
may not rest upon mere allegations or denials in the pleadings, but must, by documentary
evidence, set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Id. But such
evidence is only considered to the extent that it is admissible. MCR 2.116(G)(5). A genuine
issue of material fact exists when the record, drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of the
nonmoving party, leaves open an issue upon which reasonable minds could differ. The Healing
Place at North Oakland Med Ctr, supra, 277 Mich App at 56.
Where the timeliness of a tort action is at issue, we analyze when the claim accrued,
because the due date for commencing the action hinges on accrual. MCL 600.5805 (“a person
shall not bring or maintain an action . . . unless, after the claim first accrued . . . the action is
commenced within the periods prescribed in this section”) (emphasis added). A medical
malpractice claim accrues at the time of the acts or omissions that are the basis for the claim.
MCL 600.5838a(1).
Because plaintiff’s colon cancer was diagnosed in November 2005, that is the latest time
at which the claim accrued. MCL 600.5838a(1). Since the claim accrued, at the latest, in
November 2005, plaintiffs had, at the latest, until November 2007 to commence an action against
CCA. MCL 600.5805(6) (the statute of limitations for malpractice is two years). The first
amended complaint naming CCA was filed, and thus an action against CCA ostensibly2
commenced, in March 2007.
A medical malpractice claimant must give, to proposed defendants, notice of her intent to
sue, and this must be done at least 182 days before commencing an action. MCL 600.2912b(1).3
2
Below, we will see that a medical malpractice action is not legally commenced, unless the
claimants complied with the notice of intent period. Burton v Reed City Hosp Corp, 471 Mich
745, 753-754; 691 NW2d 424 (2005). Here, as to CCA, it is undisputed that plaintiffs did not
comply with the notice of intent waiting period (although plaintiffs maintain that such
compliance was not required; see below).
3
If the claimant does not receive the written response required by subsection (7) of the statute
from the defendant within 154 days after the defendant received the notice, the claimant may
(continued…)
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A notice of intent must also be separately provided to a professional corporation, if the plaintiff
wants to be able to sue the professional corporation for vicarious liability. Potter v McLeary,
484 Mich 397, 402-403; 774 NW2d 1 (2009).
If the claimant gives this notice of intent, she tolls the two-year limitations period of
MCL 600.5805(6), as against the persons who are sent the notice. MCL 600.5856(c). MCL
600.5856 states:
The statutes of limitations or repose are tolled in any of the following
circumstances:
(a) At the time the complaint is filed, if a copy of the summons and
complaint are served on the defendant within the time set forth in the supreme
court rules.
(b) At the time jurisdiction over the defendant is otherwise acquired.
(c) At the time notice is given in compliance with the applicable notice
period under section 2912b, if during that period a claim would be barred by the
statute of limitations or repose; but in this case, the statute is tolled not longer
than the number of days equal to the number of days remaining in the applicable
notice period after the date notice is given. [Emphasis added.]
Thus, the two-year limitations period is tolled, for a maximum of 182 days, if the plaintiff
provides, before the statute of limitations expires, a valid notice of intent. MCL 600.5856(c);
Waltz v Wyse, 469 Mich 642, 646; 677 NW2d 813 (2004); Farley v Advanced Cardiovascular
Health Specialists, PC, 266 Mich App 566, 573; 703 NW2d 115 (2005) (notice of intent cannot
toll the running of the statute of limitations, if the limitations period has already expired before
the notice was given). A claimant must then wait for the duration of the notice of intent period,
before she may file a complaint. Burton v Reed City Hosp Corp, 471 Mich 745, 753-754; 691
NW2d 424 (2005). As the highlighted language makes clear, the notice of intent tolling has a
maximum number of days equal to the number of days remaining in the notice period. MCL
600.58586(c).
Next, also at play in determining the timeliness of a medical malpractice action are,
obviously, the limitations periods. MCL 600.5838a provides the overall map of the limitations
periods applicable to medical malpractice actions. It states, in relevant part:
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an action involving a
claim based on medical malpractice may be commenced at any time within the
applicable period prescribed in section 5805 or sections 5851 to 5856, or within 6
(…continued)
commence a medical malpractice action upon the expiration of the 154-day period. MCL
600.2912b(8). Here, the shortening of the 182-day period to 154 days is irrelevant, because
plaintiffs only waited approximately 49 days, after giving their amended notice to CCA, to file
their first amended complaint.
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months after plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the existence of the
claim, whichever is later. . . . A medical malpractice action that is not
commenced within the time prescribed by this section is barred. [MCL 600.5838a
(emphasis added).]
There is no issue raised by the parties of discovery of the alleged malpractice. Therefore,
according to the highlighted language, § 600.5838a(2) points the analysis to § 600.5805, which
provides a two-year limitations period for medical malpractice actions. It states, in relevant
parts:
(1) A person shall not bring or maintain an action to recover damages for
injuries to persons or property unless, after the claim first accrued . . . the action is
commenced within the periods prescribed by this section.
***
(6) . . . the period of limitations is 2 years for an action charging
malpractice. . . . [MCL 600.5805.]
Thus, whether a claimant has complied with the statute of limitations depends on when she
commenced an action. Therefore, we turn to what actions constitute commencement of a
medical malpractice action.
If plaintiff files a complaint before the notice period has expired, she has not commenced
a medical malpractice action. Burton, supra, 471 Mich at 754. The Court in Burton made this
clear:
Each statute sets forth a prerequisite condition to the commencement of a
medical malpractice lawsuit. The filing of a complaint before the expiration of
the statutorily mandated notice period is no more effective to commence a lawsuit
than the filing of a complaint without the required affidavit of merit. In each
instance, the failure to comply with the statutory requirement renders the
complaint insufficient to commence the action. [Id.]
Here, plaintiffs provided their amended notice of intent, naming CCA, on February 1,
2007. Approximately 49 days later, plaintiffs filed their first amended complaint, naming CCA.
Because plaintiffs filed their first amended complaint before the notice period expired, they did
not commence a medical malpractice action as against CCA. Burton, supra, 471 Mich at 753754 (filing a premature complaint does not toll the statute of limitations). Because plaintiffs did
not properly commence an action against CCA, the statute of limitations continued to run as
against CCA (was not tolled by the filing of the premature complaint4), Burton, supra, 471 Mich
4
Even if the amended notice of intent tolled the limitations period, it only did so for a limited
number of days. MCL 600.5856(c). Because plaintiffs never effectively commenced an action
against CCA, Burton, supra, 471 Mich at 753-754, the clock began to run again after § 5856(c)
tolling expired.
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at 753-754,5 and plaintiffs’ claims against CCA are now time-barred, MCL 600.5805(6). This is
the end of the case, unless, as plaintiffs argue, their claim against CCA is timely under another
statute. They cite the notice of nonparty fault statute, MCL 600.2957.
In relevant part, the nonparty fault statute provides, in effect, that after the initial
defendants identified CCA as a nonparty potentially at fault, plaintiffs had 91 days to file and
serve an amended complaint naming CCA. MCL 600.2957(2). That subsection provides:
(2) Upon motion of a party within 91 days after identification of a
nonparty, the court shall grant leave to the moving party to file and serve an
amended pleading alleging 1 or more causes of action against that nonparty. A
cause of action added under this subsection is not barred by a period of limitation
unless the cause of action would have been barred by a period of limitation at the
time of the filing of the original action. [MCL 600.2957(2).]
Whether plaintiffs can rely on this statute, to render their claim against CCA timely, depends on
how this statute is interpreted.
Statutory construction discerns and gives effect to the Legislature’s intent. Id. at 410. In
determining that intent, the court first looks to the language of the statute. Id. The interpretation
of the language must accord with the legislative intent. Bush v Behrooz-Bruce, 484 Mich 156,
167; 772 NW2d 272 (2009). As far as possible, the court gives effect to every phrase, clause,
and word in the statute. Id. “The statutory language must be read and understood in its
grammatical context, unless it is clear that something different was intended.” Id. (internal
quotation marks and footnote omitted). Courts read a statute as a whole, and individual words
and phrases, while important, are read in the context of the entire legislative scheme. Id.
Applying these rules, we first note that a cause of action filed in accordance with this
subsection “is not barred by the period of limitations . . . .” MCL 600.2957(2). The only
exception is the “unless clause,” relied on by CCA here. Under the “unless clause,” that part of
plaintiffs’ claims that would have been time-barred, at the filing of the original complaint, on
October 2006, is not timely under subsection (2) of the nonparty fault statute. MCL
600.2957(2). Since plaintiffs claim that malpractice occurred up to and including November
2005 (which is within two years of October 2006), not all portions of plaintiffs’ claims against
5
In Mayberry v Gen Orthopedics, PC, 474 Mich 1, 3; 704 NW2d 69 (2005), the Court faced a
situation in which a first notice of intent did not need to toll the limitations period, because there
were more than 182 days remaining in the limitations period, and then the plaintiff filed a second
notice of intent, with fewer than 182 days remaining in the limitations period, thereby needing
the tolling. The Court held that because the first notice of intent did not result in any tolling, the
second notice of intent did result in tolling under MCL 600.5856(d) (which was amended to
become subsection (c)). In the case at bar, plaintiff only provided one notice of intent to CCA.
In addition, that notice of intent could only toll for a limited number of days, see MCL
600.5856(c), and since plaintiffs’ amended complaint, naming CCA, did not commence an
action, because it was premature, the tolling under MCL 600.5856(c), for a limited number of
days, ended long ago. MCL 600.5856(c).
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CCA would have been time-barred when the original complaint was filed. Only those portions
of the claims based on acts or omission occurring before October 23, 2004, would have been
time-barred, as against CCA, at that time. MCL 600.5805(2) (2-year limitations period); MCL
600.5838a(1) (a medical malpractice claim accrues at the time of the acts or omissions that are
the basis for the claim). Thus, the “unless exception” in subsection (2) of the nonparty fault
statute is not a total bar to plaintiffs’ claims against CCA.
Accordingly, given all of the above analysis, we must turn to the apparent conflict
between, on the one hand, the nonparty fault statute, (under which plaintiffs’ claims against CCA
are not totally barred), and, on the other hand, the notice of intent statute and the statute of
limitations (which, as discussed above, as interpreted in Burton, would result in plaintiffs’ claims
against CCA being untimely in toto). Therefore, we turn to the law applicable when statutes
touching the same area appear to conflict. In re Estate of Kostin, 278 Mich App 47, 57; 748
NW2d 583 (2008).
Apparently conflicting statutes should be construed, if possible, to give each full force
and effect. Michigan Good Roads Federation v Alger, 333 Mich 352, 361; 53 NW2d 481, 485
(1952); Beattie v Mickalich, 284 Mich App 564, 570; 773 NW2d 748 (2009). The object of the
in pari materia rule is to effectuate legislative purposes when statutes are harmonious. Walters v
Leech, 279 Mich App 707, 710; 761 NW2d 143 (2008). If two statutes lend themselves to a
harmonious construction, that construction controls. In re Project Cost & Special Assessment
Roll for Chappel Dam, 282 Mich App 142, 148; 762 NW2d 192 (2009). Statutes are in pari
materia when they relate to the same subject matter, and share a common purpose. In re Estate
of Kostin, supra, 278 Mich App at 57, citing Donkers v Kovach, 277 Mich App 366, 371; 745
NW2d 154 (2007). In other words, statutes that are in pari materia must be read together, as a
whole, to fully reveal the Legislature’s intent. Beattie, supra, 284 Mich App at 570. However,
to the extent the two statutes at issue are in actual conflict, and are in pari materia, the more
specific statute controls. In re Estate of Kostin, supra, 278 Mich App at 57, citing People v
Buehler, 477 Mich 18, 26; 727 NW2d 127 (2007).
Accordingly, we first consider whether the nonparty fault statute and the notice of intent
statute (together with the statute of limitations) can be read harmoniously. We are constrained to
hold that they are in unavoidable conflict. Hughes v Almena Twp, 284 Mich App 50, 66; 771
NW2d 453 (2009) (noting that statutes that are in pari materia must be read together as one law
and should be reconciled “if possible”). As discussed above, the nonparty fault statute
unavoidably results in only parts of plaintiffs’ claim against CCA being untimely. On the other
hand, as explained above, the notice of intent statute, as bindingly interpreted in Burton, supra,
471 Mich at 753-754, together with the statute of limitations, would result in all of plaintiffs’
claim against CCA being barred. We can see no interpretation of these statutes that can void the
conflicting result, while still being faithful to Burton, supra, 471 Mich at 753-754.
We also hold that, the nonparty fault statute, on one hand, and, on the other hand, the
notice of intent statute (in conjunction with the statute of limitations), relate to the same subject
matter, namely, the situation at bar, where there is, in a medical malpractice action, a notice of
nonparty fault, as well as a failure to wait the entire notice of intent waiting period. MCL
600.2912b; MCL 600.2957. Also, the statutes share a common purpose, namely, to provide rules
and limitations for when actions may be brought against persons alleged to be liable for medical
malpractice. MCL 600.2912b; MCL 600.5805(6); MCL 600.2957(2). Accordingly, these
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statutes are in pari materia. Compare In re Estate of Kostin, supra, 278 Mich App at 57 (holding
in pari materia a statute dealing with Totten6 trusts and a statute dealing with express trusts).
Because the statutes conflict, and are in pari materia, we must determine which is more
specific. In re Estate of Kostin, supra, 278 Mich App at 57. The notice of intent statute applies
only to medical malpractice actions. MCL 600.2912b(1). The nonparty fault statute, by
contrast, applies to a broader category of actions, namely any “action based on tort of another
legal theory seeking damages for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death,” in which
a defendant gives notice of a nonparty at fault. MCL 600.2957(1). Therefore, the notice of
intent statute controls. In re Estate of Kostin, supra, 278 Mich App at 57. Because plaintiffs
failed to comply with the notice of intent statute and did not commence an action against CCA,
their claim against CCA is barred by the statute of limitations. Burton, supra, 471 Mich at 753754.
Plaintiffs argue that Burton is no longer good law, based on Costa v Emergency Med
Services, 475 Mich 403; 716 NW2d 236 (2006). This argument lacks merit. Costa did not
overrule Burton. On the contrary, Costa cited, and relied upon, Burton. Costa, supra, 475 Mich
at 409. Therefore, Burton is still good law. Id.
Plaintiffs also argue that the notice of intent statute, and its mandatory waiting period, do
not apply to CCA, because it is a professional corporation. Our Supreme Court recently rejected
this position, holding that, where claims against a professional corporation are predicated on its
vicarious liability for a licensed health care provider rendering professional services, a notice of
intent must be provided to the professional corporation. Potter, supra, 484 Mich at 402-403.
Potter does not in any way contradict the result we reach today. On the contrary, it
supports it. Potter’s first holding is that “when claims alleged against a PC are predicated on its
vicarious liability for a licensed health care provider rendering professional services, an NOI
must be provided” to the professional corporation. Potter, supra, 484 Mich at 402. Potter’s
second holding is that the notice of intent statute does not require a claimant to set forth the legal
and employment relationship between the parties to be sued. Id. at 420. Potter’s third holding is
that a claimant is not required to set forth her legal theory of vicarious liability in her notice of
intent sent to a professional corporation, even when vicarious liability is the only claim asserted
against the professional corporation. Id. at 422. None of these Potter holdings contradicts our
holdings today, because the Potter holdings do not relate to whether claims are barred by reason
of a statute of limitations, where a claimant fails to wait the required notice period. Id.
Bush also does not contradict our result today. Bush dealt with a situation in which there
were defects in a notice of intent, not a situation in which a party was completely left-out of a
notice of intent (received no notice whatsoever). Bush, supra, 484 Mich at 160-161. Therefore,
Bush is distinguishable. The first (and only relevant) issue in Bush was whether defects in a
notice of intent would preclude tolling of the statute of limitations under MCL 600.5856. The
6
In re Totten, 179 NY 112; 71 NE 748 (1904); see also In re Estate of Kostin, supra, 278 Mich
App at 55-56.
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court held that defects in the notice of intent did not preclude notice tolling, because defects in
the notice of intent can be addressed under MCL 600.2301,7 which allows for amendment and
disregard of “any error or defect,” where the substantial rights of the parties are not affected, and
the cure is in furtherance of justice. Id. We hold that here, plaintiffs’ failure, in the original
notice of intent, to give any notice whatsoever to CCA, cannot be considered a mere defect in the
notice, subject to cure, and that, more, the substantial rights of CCA would be affected (indeed,
CCA, though a corporate person, has a due-process right to notice8), and such a drastic “cure”
(adding a new party) would not be in the furtherance of justice, if plaintiffs could obtain tolling
for a claim against CCA, though no notice whatsoever was provided to CCA in the original
notice of intent. See id. Therefore, Bush and MCL 600.2301 do not allow plaintiffs to leave
CCA out of the original notice of intent, toll the statute of limitations as against CCA, and then
“cure” the “error or defect” by giving CCA an amended notice.
Plaintiffs also argue that the correct action, in response to CCA’s motion, would be
dismissal without prejudice. This argument was not made to the circuit court. Therefore, we
decline to consider it. Kuznar v Raksha Corp, 481 Mich 169, 182 n 35; 750 NW2d 121 (2008);
Ligon v City of Detroit, 276 Mich App 120, 129; 739 NW2d 900 (2007).
Because we hold that plaintiffs’ claims against CCA are time-barred, CCA’s remaining
arguments are moot, and this Court is not obliged to decide moot questions, Mettler Walloon,
LLC v Melrose Twp, 281 Mich App 184, 221; 761 NW2d 293 (2008), even when they are
preserved, Ewing v Bolden, 194 Mich App 95, 104; 486 NW2d 96 (1992).
Reversed and remanded for entry of summary disposition in CCA’s favor. We do not
retain jurisdiction.
CCA, being the prevailing party, may tax costs pursuant to MCR 7.219.
/s/ Kurtis T. Wilder
/s/ Patrick M. Meter
/s/ Karen M. Fort Hood
7
MCL 600.2301 provides:
The court in which any action or proceeding is pending, has power to
amend any process, pleading or proceeding in such action or proceeding, either in
form or substance, for the furtherance of justice, on such terms as are just, at any
time before judgment rendered therein. The court at every stage of the action or
proceeding shall disregard any error or defect in the proceedings which do not
affect the substantial rights of the parties.
8
Greater Slidell Auto Auction, Inc v American Bank & Trust Co of Baton Rouge, La, 32 F3d
939, 942 (CA 5, 1994) (holding that a corporation had due process right to notice by mail of the
FDIC’s appointment as receiver).
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