Default Judgment

May 11, 2026

Lacking explanation for delay, default judgment can’t be set aside

The Southern District reinstates default judgment in a tax sale dispute, ruling the defendants failed to justify a 365-day filing delay.

Feb 12, 2026

Commentary: Recent pitfalls in default judgment litigation

Missouri courts clarify how default judgments may be set aside, holding Rule 74.05 or 74.06 applies and denials must be directly appealed timely.

Jan 21, 2026

Multimillion judgment reached in wrongful death suit

A Barton County judge entered a wrongful death judgment after a fatal motorcycle crash, awarding $6M in damages following the defendant’s failure to appear.

Dec 30, 2025

Judgment awarded to motorcyclist injured in crash with minivan

A 47-year-old Texas County motorcyclist injured in a 2021 collision with a minivan on U.S. Highway 63 South has been awarded a $2 million default judgment in his personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.

Jul 9, 2025

Missouri appeals court rules motion to set aside is independent action

The Eastern District ruled a motion to set aside default judgment is an independent action, affirming dismissal of a third-party custody petition.

Mar 20, 2020

Arbitration: Award-Default Judgment-Appointment of Receiver

Defendant appealed from the district court’s appointment of a receiver after the district court entered default judgment on an arbitration award entered in favor of plaintiff. Defendant further argued that […]

Mar 4, 2020

Civil Practice: Ejectment Action-Failure to Appear-Default Judgment

Where appellant did not timely appear in an ejectment action and the district court entered a default judgment based on a finding that he willfully refused to appear, the court […]

Dec 17, 2019

Civil Practice: Failure to State Claim-Default Judgment-Products Liability

Where a plaintiff, who brought claims against the maker and seller of a neck brace alleging it caused or failed to protect him from serious injury, challenged the grant of […]

Nov 18, 2019

Civil Practice: Default Judgment-Personal Jurisdiction-Expired Summons

Where appellant challenged the denial of his motion to set aside a default judgment entered against him, the appellant met his burden to show that the summons relied on for […]

Oct 7, 2019

Civil Practice: Default Judgment-Garnishment Proceeding-Lack of Verification

Where appellant challenged a judgment setting aside a default judgment in her favor and arising from a garnishment proceeding, the trial court erred in setting aside the default judgment in […]

Jul 29, 2019

Bankruptcy: Dischargeability Of Claims-Default Judgment-Preclusive Effect

Where creditors challenged an order directing the entry of summary judgment in favor of the debtors on a motion to determine the dischargeability of their claims, the judgment is affirmed […]

May 13, 2019

Civil Practice: Default Judgment-Notice-Quitclaim Deed

Where appellants in a dispute arising from the ownership of real property challenged a default judgment entered against them, arguing that they were entitled to notice of the respondents’ motion […]