Walls v. Kerr et al
Filing
7
MERIT REVIEW OPINION (See Written opinion): Pursuant to a review of the Complaint, the Court finds that Plaintiff states a claim for excessive restraint. This case proceeds solely on the claims identified in this paragraph. Any additional claims sha ll not be included in the case, except at the Court's discretion on motion by a party for good cause shown or pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15. Plaintiff did not sign his petition to proceed in forma pauperis. By February 10, 2014, Plaintiff is directed to submit a signed petition to proceed in forma pauperis.. Entered by Judge Sue E. Myerscough on 1/29/2014. (VM, ilcd)
E-FILED
Wednesday, 29 January, 2014 11:17:03 AM
Clerk, U.S. District Court, ILCD
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
WILLIAM WALLS,
Plaintiff,
v.
STA KERR, et al.,
Defendants.
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14-CV-3028
MERIT REVIEW OPINION
Plaintiff, proceeding pro se and detained in the Rushville
Treatment and Detention Center, seeks leave to proceed in forma
pauperis.
The "privilege to proceed without posting security for costs
and fees is reserved to the many truly impoverished litigants who,
within the District Court's sound discretion, would remain without
legal remedy if such privilege were not afforded to them." Brewster
v. North Am. Van Lines, Inc., 461 F.2d 649, 651 (7th Cir. 1972).
Additionally, a court must dismiss cases proceeding in forma
pauperis "at any time" if the action is frivolous, malicious, or fails to
state a claim, even if part of the filing fee has been paid. 28 U.S.C.
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§ 1915(d)(2). Accordingly, this Court grants leave to proceed in
forma pauperis only if the complaint states a federal claim.
In reviewing the complaint, the Court accepts the factual
allegations as true, liberally construing them in Plaintiff's favor.
Turley v. Rednour, 729 F.3d 645, 649 (7th Cir. 2013). However,
conclusory statements and labels are insufficient. Enough facts
must be provided to "'state a claim for relief that is plausible on its
face.'" Alexander v. U.S., 721 F.3d 418, 422 (7th Cir. 2013)(quoted
cite omitted).
Plaintiff alleges that his hand restraints were placed so tightly
on him during his transport to and from a court hearing that he
suffered gratuitous pain, bruising, swelling, and permanent injury.
He further alleges that Defendants refused to loosen the restraints
despite Plaintiff's repeated pleas. These allegations are sufficient to
state a claim for excessive restraint under the Fourteenth
Amendment. The case will accordingly be sent for service.
IT IS ORDERED:
1.
Pursuant to a review of the Complaint, the Court finds
that Plaintiff states a claim for excessive restraint. This case
proceeds solely on the claims identified in this paragraph. Any
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additional claims shall not be included in the case, except at the
Court’s discretion on motion by a party for good cause shown or
pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15.
2.
Plaintiff did not sign his petition to proceed in forma
pauperis. By February 10, 2014, Plaintiff is directed to submit a
signed petition to proceed in forma pauperis.
3.
An order assessing a partial filing fee will enter separately.
Failure to pay the filing fee will result in dismissal of this case,
without prejudice.
4.
This case is now in the process of service. Plaintiff is
advised to wait until counsel has appeared for Defendants before
filing any motions, in order to give Defendants notice and an
opportunity to respond to those motions. Motions filed before
Defendants' counsel has filed an appearance will generally be
denied as premature. Plaintiff need not submit any evidence to the
Court at this time, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
5.
The Court will attempt service on Defendants by sending
each Defendant a waiver of service. Defendants have 60 days from
the date the waiver of service is sent to file an Answer. If
Defendants have not filed Answers or appeared through counsel
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within 90 days of the entry of this order, Plaintiff may file a motion
requesting the status of service. After counsel has appeared for
Defendants, the Court will enter a scheduling order setting
deadlines for discovery and dispositive motions.
6.
With respect to a Defendant who no longer works at the
address provided by Plaintiff, the entity for whom that Defendant
worked while at that address shall provide to the Clerk said
Defendant's current work address, or, if not known, said
Defendant's forwarding address. This information shall be used
only for effectuating service. Documentation of forwarding
addresses shall be retained only by the Clerk and shall not be
maintained in the public docket nor disclosed by the Clerk.
7.
Defendants shall file an answer within 60 days of the day
the waiver of service is sent by the Clerk. A motion to dismiss is
not an answer. The answer should include all defenses appropriate
under the Federal Rules. The answer and subsequent pleadings
shall be to the issues and claims stated in this Opinion.
8.
Once counsel has appeared for a Defendant, Plaintiff need
not send copies of his filings to that Defendant or to that
Defendant's counsel. Instead, the Clerk will file Plaintiff's document
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electronically and send a notice of electronic filing to defense
counsel. The notice of electronic filing shall constitute service on
Defendants pursuant to Local Rule 5.3. If electronic service on
Defendants is not available, Plaintiff will be notified and instructed
accordingly.
9.
Counsel for Defendants is hereby granted leave to depose
Plaintiff at Plaintiff's place of confinement. Counsel for Defendants
shall arrange the time for the deposition.
10. Plaintiff shall immediately notify the Court, in writing, of
any change in his mailing address and telephone number.
Plaintiff's failure to notify the Court of a change in mailing address
or phone number will result in dismissal of this lawsuit, with
prejudice.
11.
If a Defendant fails to sign and return a waiver of service
to the clerk within 30 days after the waiver is sent, the Court will
take appropriate steps to effect formal service through the U.S.
Marshal's service on that Defendant and will require that Defendant
to pay the full costs of formal service pursuant to Federal Rule of
Civil Procedure 4(d)(2).
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12. The Clerk is directed to enter the standard qualified
protective order pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act.
13. The Clerk is directed to attempt service on Defendants
pursuant to the standard procedures.
ENTERED: January 29, 2014
FOR THE COURT:
s/Sue E. Myerscough
SUE E. MYERSCOUGH
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
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