Ex Parte Larry Webber. (in Re Donald Sherrod v. Larry Webber)

Summary

The court granted mandamus relief and directed the circuit court to vacate its denial of Webber's motion and enter summary judgment for him. It held that the prior small-claims judgment barred the later action because the claims arose from the same property damage, the small-claims court had competent jurisdiction over the claim despite its damages limit, and the parties were substantially identical or in privity. The court further held that State Farm, as a subrogee, possessed no greater rights than the Sherrods and was likewise barred.