2013 QCCQ 11569, 2013 QCCQ 11569

Jerry Cohen Forwarders Ltd. (All Type Transport) c. Importation Frameworx Inc. 2013 QCCQ 11569 COURT OF QUEBEC Small Claims Division CANADA PROVINCE OF QUEBEC DISTRICT OF MONTREAL Civil Division No: 500-32-128303-114 DATE: September 18, 2013 ______________________________________________________________________ BY THE HONOURABLE SCOTT HUGHES, J.C.Q. ______________________________________________________________________ JERRY COHEN FORWARDERS LTD (ALL TYPE TRANSPORT) , 5203 Fairway, Lachine (Quebec) H8T 3K8 Plaintiff v.

IMPORTATION FRAMEWORX INC. , 7200 Route Transcanadienne, Saint-Laurent (Quebec) H4T 1A3 Defendant ______________________________________________________________________ JUDGMENT ______________________________________________________________________ [ 1 ] Jerry Cohen Forwarders Ltd (All Type Transport) [1] is claiming payment of its account (December 2010) in the amount of $536.31. [ 2 ] Importation Frameworx Inc. (Frameworx) does not deny owing this sum, but alleges a right of compensation for damages suffered during a transport that took place in June 2010. [ 3 ] All Type Transport responds that according to

article 2050 of the Civil Code of Québec , Frameworx's claim is unfounded in absence of prior notice. The preponderant evidence [ 4 ] In June 2010, ATT was hired to move office furniture from Frameworx's offices to its new premises. Although this is not ATT's speciality, Mr. McHugh, an officer of Frameworx is not contradicted as to this mandate. [ 5 ] During this move, a granite desktop was dropped by ATT's representative and destroyed. The desk was allegedly damaged as well. [ 6 ] Frameworx notified ATT verbally of the damage but neglected to do so in writing. A written claim was made in January 2011.

At this time, Frameworx's claim was for an entirely new desk and accessories. Analysis [ 7 ] The bill of lading, signed by Frameworx for the June 2010, reproduces in its

article 12, the content of

article 2050 of the Civil Code of Québec . [ 8 ] This

article states: 2050. Prescription of any action in damages against a carrier runs from the delivery of the property or from the date on which it should have been delivered. The action is not admissible unless a notice of the claim is priorly given to the carrier in writing within 60 days after the delivery of the property , whether or not the loss is apparent, or if the property is not delivered, within nine months after the date on which it was sent. No notice is required if the action is brought within that time. [Emphasis added] 2050.

Le délai de prescription de l'action en dommages-intérêts contre un transporteur court à compter de la délivrance du bien ou de la date à laquelle il aurait dû être délivré.

L'action n'est pas recevable à moins qu'un avis écrit de réclamation n'ait été préalablement donné au transporteur, dans les 60 jours à compter de la délivrance du bien , que la perte survenue au bien soit apparente ou non, ou, s'il n'est pas délivré, dans les neuf mois à compter de la date de son expédition. Aucun avis n'est nécessaire si l'action est intentée dans ce délai. [Soulignements ajoutés] [ 9 ] Frameworx neglected to send a written notice (as required in the French version of

article 2050 of the Civil Code of Quebec ). Such prior written notice is compulsory, according to the Code and jurisprudence [2] . [ 10 ] Moreover, the evidence of the damages claimed is not preponderant. The desk was more than ten (10) years old. No evidence was made as to its value at the time of the events. No documentary evidence was adduced to estimate the cost of repairs. Claiming a brand new desk, as well as the granite top would constitute an unjustified enrichment for Frameworx.

FOR THESE REASONS, THE COURT: GRANTS the application; CONDEMNS Importation Frameworx Inc. to pay to Jerry Cohen Forwarders Ltd (All Type Transport) the sum of $536.41, plus interest at a legal rate as well as the additional indemnity provided for by

article 1619 of the Civil Code of Quebec as of April 27, 2011; DISMISSES the contestation and counterclaim; CONDEMNS Importation Frameworx Inc. to pay judicial costs in the amount of $118. __________________________________ SCOTT HUGHES, J.C.Q. Date of hearing: May 30, 2013