Mack v. Ona et al

Filing 103

ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Craig M. Kellison on 1/20/09 DENYING 96 Motion to Stay. (Dillon, M)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 vs. MARSHA ONA, et al., Defendants. / Plaintiff, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, brings this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Pending before the court is plaintiff's motion to stay these proceedings (Doc. 96). In his motion, plaintiff indicates he has fractured his hand and is requesting the court stay these proceedings for an undetermined amount of time. He indicates that due to his injury, he is not able to file responsive pleadings and/or respond to discovery requests. The court notes that there are no motions currently pending requiring plaintiff's response. Plaintiff has already filed objections to the pending findings and recommendations regarding the defendants' motion to dismiss. There are no other matters pending. /// 1 ANTHONY E. MACK, Plaintiff, ORDER No. CIV S-05-2134-MCE-CMK-P IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 is denied.

According to the current scheduling order, discovery is open until May 1, 2009. Plaintiff does not suggest that he has been served with any discovery requests requiring a response, nor that he is attempting to propound any. The parties then have 60 days after the close of discovery to file dispositive motions. No motions are pending. Therefore, the court finds no immediate need for plaintiff to use his injured hand. Plaintiff has not informed the court how much time is needed for his hand to heal enough for him to actively participate in this case. The court is unwilling to enter an indefinite stay in this matter. However, if something does arise requiring a response plaintiff feels he is unable to comply with in a timely manner, the court will be willing to entertain a request for an extension of time for plaintiff to comply. For instance, if plaintiff receives discovery requests to which he is unable to properly respond, he may request additional time to comply.1 Similarly, if the defendants file a motion requiring a response from plaintiff, and he finds he needs additional time to respond, he may file such a request with the court. Plaintiff is reminded, however, that if he files such a request, he must inform the court the reason why he needs additional time and how much additional time he needs. Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that plaintiff's motion to stay (Doc. 96)

DATED: January 20, 2009 ______________________________________ CRAIG M. KELLISON UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

The defendants are requested to work amicably with plaintiff in this matter. If plaintiff requires additional time to respond to discovery requests, he may request more time informally from the propounding defendant. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement as to the amount of time needed, plaintiff may file a request with the court. 2

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