EVANS v. Commissioner of Social Security Administration, Defendant. (2018)

Reginald Evans appeals the district court's order adopting the magistrate judge's recommendation and granting summary judgment in favor of Exel Inc. (“Exel”) on the ground that Evans released any claims against Exel in a prior settlement agreement. We reject Evans’ contention that the district court lacked jurisdiction over his federal claim, 28 U.S.C. § 1331 (2012), and perceive no abuse of discretion in the district court's decision to grant Exel's motions for extensions of time, see Lovelace v. Lee, 472 F.3d 174, 203 (4th Cir. 2006) (reviewing grant of motion for extension of time under Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b) for abuse of discretion). Finally, the district court did not abuse its discretion in granting summary judgment without allowing further discovery. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(d) (requiring nonmovant to show “by affidavit or declaration that, for specified reasons, it cannot present facts essential to justify its opposition” to summary judgment); Ingle ex rel. Estate of Ingle v. Yelton, 439 F.3d 191, 195 (4th Cir. 2006) (sanctioning reversal of Rule 56(d) denial only where there is “a clear abuse of discretion or ․ a real possibility the party was prejudiced by the denial of” more discovery time (internal quotation marks omitted) ).

We have reviewed the record and find no reversible error. Accordingly, we affirm for the reasons stated by the district court. Evans v. Exel Inc., No. 1:15-cv-04953-RMG (D.S.C. Dec. 7, 2017). We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

PER CURIAM:

Affirmed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.