Burley v. Abedellatif et al

Filing 141

ORDER adopting in part 135 Report and Recommendation; sustaining 138 Plaintiff's Objections; overruling 139 Defendant's Objections and granting in part and denying in part 117 Motion for Summary Judgment;. Signed by District Judge Arthur J. Tarnow. (MLan)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
SOUTHERN DIVISION
EDWARD BURLEY,
Case No. 16-12256
Plaintiff,
SENIOR U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE
ARTHUR J. TARNOW

v.
BADAWI ABDELLATIF, ET AL.,

U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE
DAVID R. GRAND

Defendants.

/

ORDER ADOPTING IN PART REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION [135]; SUSTAINING
PLAINTIFF’S OBJECTIONS TO REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION [138];
OVERRULING DEFENDANT’S OBJECTIONS TO REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
[139]; GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR
SUMMARY JUDGMENT [117]
On June 17, 2016, Plaintiff Edward Burley filed this prisoner civil rights
action against Defendants Dr. Badawi Abdellatif, Erin Parr-Mirza, Heather Cooper,
Corizon Health, Kim Farris, and Joanne Sheldon alleging, inter alia, First, Fifth,
Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment violations. On August 15, 2017 and March 19,
2018, the Court issued orders dismissing all defendants except Defendant Dr.
Abdellatif. (See Dkt. #60 & 78). On June 14, 2019, Defendant Dr. Abdellatif filed a
Motion for Summary Judgment [117] on the following remaining claims: First
Amendment retaliation, Eighth Amendment deliberate indifference, Fourteenth
Page 1 of 19

Amendment equal protection, gross negligence and intentional infliction of
emotional distress. On July 22, 2019, Plaintiff filed a Response [126]. On August 5,
2019, Defendant filed a Reply [133]. On January 16, 2020, the Magistrate Judge
issued a Report and Recommendation (“R&R”) [135] recommending that the Court
grant in part and deny in part Defendant’s motion. Plaintiff filed Objections [138] to
the R&R on February 12, 2020. Defendant filed Objections [139] to the R&R on
February 13, 2020 and a Response [140] to Plaintiff’s objections on February 26,
2020.
For the reasons stated below, the R&R [135] is ADOPTED in part;
Plaintiff’s Objections [138] are SUSTAINED; Defendant’s Objections [139] are
OVERRULED; and Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment [117] is
GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
The Court adopts the facts of this case as set forth in the R&R:
At all times relevant to this action, Burley was an inmate at the Macomb
Correctional Facility (“MRF”), a prison operated by the Michigan
Department of Corrections (“MDOC”). Burley’s claims center around
a June 23, 2015 chronic care visit he had scheduled with Dr. Abdellatif
regarding issues Burley was having with his feet and stomach.1 (ECF
No. 118, PageID.1256-57.) Burley alleges that Dr. Abdellatif took his
vitals, but then, after Burley mentioned that he “was on the Vegan line
1
At his deposition (ECF No. 117-3 (“Burley dep.”)), Burley testified that at the beginning of the appointment he
attempted to explain to Abdellatif that he was also having difficulties with his breathing. (Burley dep. at 14.)
However, the medical records leading up to the visit with Abdellatif make no mention of this issue. (ECF No. 118,
PageID.1256-57.) And, when Burley filed a grievance against Abdellatif about the issues giving rise to this civil
action, Burley wrote, “I grieve Dr. Abdellatif for denying medical treatment for my heel spurs and acid reflux,”
again making no mention of a breathing issue. (ECF No.1, PageID.12.)

Page 2 of 19

and was Jewish,” Abdellatif abruptly terminated the appointment, and
canceled “accommodations for foot soaks, bottom bunk, [] ground
floor, and heel pads” that had been previously ordered for Burley. (ECF
No. 117, PageID.1032.) More specifically, Burley testified:
When I told the doctor this he became very
irate. Very condescending stating -- I was
sitting on the table -- that I could not see you,
I could not see you, you Jew, and he asked
me to leave. Then he proceeded to open the
door.
I recall him opening the door and he was
holding his hand out for me to depart, making
gestures for me to get out of the office. I was
very bewildered, in shock.
(Burley dep. at 14-15.).
While it seems quite unthinkable that a prison doctor would
refuse to treat a prisoner because the prisoner mentioned that he
practiced a particular religion, Burley provided an affidavit and
declaration of two fellow inmates, Paul Ayotte and Richard Crowell2,
who confirm Burley’s version of events. Ayotte avers that he was
present in medical at the time in question, and that he “personally
observed Dr. Abdellatif tell prisoner Burley that he could not treat him
because ‘you are a Jew.’” (ECF No. 126-3, PageID.1380.) Ayotte also
noted that Corrections Officer Tregumbo was present at the time and
“appeared to be startled by Dr. Abdellatif’s statement.” (Id.) Crowell
avers that he “personally [saw] Dr. Abdellatif usher [Burley], using
sweeping motions, out of his office on June 23, 2015, stating ‘I am not
able to see you because you are a Jew.’ I directly observed this on
6/23/15 while up at medical getting my medications.” (ECF No. 1,
PageID.23.)3
2

In his response brief, Burley references Crowell’s deposition testimony, but the exhibit Burley cited to was a
transcript of Ayotte’s deposition. (ECF No. 126, PageID.1357.) At any rate, Abdellatif does not argue that Crowell
testified contrary to the averments in his affidavit.
3
While Abdellatif characterizes Ayotte’s and Crowell’s averments as “unreliable” (ECF No. 133, PageID.1444), it
is not clear why that is so. Abdellatif did not show that Ayotte and Crowell were not at medical during the time in
question, and he did not submit an affidavit or deposition testimony from Officer Tregumbo. At any rate, the Court
may not make credibility determinations in ruling on a summary judgment motion. Schreiber v. Moe, 596 F.3d 323,

Page 3 of 19

The medical records include one from the date in question in
which Dr. Abdellatif wrote:
Comments: Normal dry clean feet, no edema
or swelling any where, he came in limping
badly but when exam done and asked to buy
OTC meds he walked out fine, he claimed
sever unbearable tenderness at heel when I
was palpating them.
Assessment/Plan
Spur, calcaneal (726.73)
Plan comments: Stated long Hx of heel pain
increased in last year, note that he injured his
hand few months ago playing BB, note that
he came in to my office limping badly and
when examination done and asked to buy
OTC meds he left walking fine and left
saying you not a real doctor and you have
hundred [sic] of law suits against you, Patient
said the salking [sic] tubs ordered by the PA
didnt [sic] at all, will DC, his hearing was fine
too today occasionally I had to repeat my
words but mostly he heared [sic] me in my
regularl [sic] low voice very well. [sic] As for
BB will DC details and [accommodations]
for that , he does 1000 pushups a day same
for situps, he plays BB , no need for these
[accommodations]
(ECF No. 118, PageID.1260.) Abdellatif testified consistent with the
medical record. (ECF No. 117-2, PageID.1068.)
Burley disputes Abdellatif’s version of the events, and insists that
Abdellatif did not perform any examination whatsoever of his feet.
(E.g., Burley dep. at 19-20; ECF No. 1, PageID.17.) Burley also claims
333 (6th Cir. 2010). Obviously, this principle applies equally with respect to Burley’s attempt to impugn
Abdellatif’s credibility at this stage of the proceedings by referencing a July 2017 “Stop Order” issued against him
by the MDOC, although the circumstances giving rise to that Stop Order are clearly relevant to Abdellatif’s
credibility. (Sealed ECF No. 121, PageID.1326; Sealed ECF No. 121-4.)

Page 4 of 19

he never told Abdellatif that he played basketball or did sit ups, and that
in fact, he did not engage in those activities at all. (Burley dep., at 22,
38.) He presents the affidavit of his cellmate, Leo Zuniga, who avers
that he and Burley spend approximately 23 hours a day together and
that “[a]t no time [has he] ever seen Mr. Burley do any type of exercises
whatsoever.” (ECF No. 126-3, PageID.1379.)
Thereafter, Burley continued to receive some treatment for his
feet. (ECF No. 118, PageID.1264-1274, 1279-1285.) This included
Abdellatif ordering an x-ray of Burley’s feet on July 28, 2015. (Id.,
PageID.1282.) On July 30, 2015, the x-rays were reviewed by a
different doctor who found Burley to have “normal feet.” (Id.,
PageID.1285.) Just two days later, though, apparently based only on
complaints by Burley, a nurse reinstated his accommodation for twice
daily “foot soaks.” (Id., PageId.1289-91.) At a September 29, 2015
appointment, the nurse’s “objective” findings included that Burley’s
feet were swollen. (Id., PageID.1293.) However, just two days later, on
October 1, 2015, Abdellatif examined Burley’s feet, found they were
not swollen, and again canceled the foot soak accommodation. (Id.,
PageID.1296.)
A number of months later, Burley transferred to a different
prison, and he has not been receiving any treatment for his feet at that
facility as his pain has essentially resolved. (Burley dep. at 20-21.)
STANDARD OF REVIEW
The Court’s review of objections to a Magistrate Judge’s R&R on a
dispositive motion is de novo. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(c). “‘[O]bjections disput[ing]
the correctness of the magistrate’s recommendation but fail[ing] to specify the
findings . . . believed in error’ are too general.” Novak v. Prison Health Services,
Inc., No. 13-11065, 2014 WL 988942, at *3 (E.D. MICH. Mar. 13, 2014) (quoting
Miller v. Currie, 50 F.3d 373, 380 (6th Cir. 1995)). Ordinarily, objections that lack
specificity do not receive de novo review. Mira v. Marshall, 806 F.2d 636, 637 (6th

Page 5 of 19

Cir. 1986). In addition, the Court may accept, reject, or modify any or all of the
Magistrate Judge’s findings or recommendations. FED. R. CIV. P. 72(b)(3).
A party is entitled to summary judgment when “there is no genuine dispute as
to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” FED.
R. CIV. P. 56(a). A fact is material if it “might affect the outcome of the suit under
the governing law.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986).
Additionally, the Court views all of the facts in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party and draws all reasonable inferences in the non-moving party’s favor.
Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 587 (1986);
Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255.
ANALYSIS
I.

Plaintiff’s Objections [138]

Objection 1: The Magistrate Judge “erred in finding that Defendant was not
deliberately indifferent to Plaintiff Burley’s medical needs amounting to cruel and
unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment.” (Dkt. 138, pg. 4).
Objection 2: The Magistrate Judge “erred in failing to consider Plaintiff Burley’s
other serious medical conditions, such as stomach and respiratory ailments.” (Dkt.
138, pg. 9).
Because Objection 1 and 2 both pertain to the R&R’s analysis of Plaintiff’s
deliberate indifference claim, the Court analyzes them together, starting with
Page 6 of 19

Objection 2. In Objection 2, Plaintiff argues that R&R did not consider his ailments
other than heel spurs. Finding that the R&R only addresses Plaintiff’s heel spurs and
concludes that Plaintiff’s deliberate indifference claim fails because of his heel spurs
do not constitute a serious medical need (See Dkt, 135, pg. 7-8), the Court sustains
this objection and conducts a de novo deliberate indifference analysis which includes
Plaintiff’s complaints of stomach pain, hearing loss, breathing problems and heel
spurs.
Proving deliberate indifference under the Eighth Amendment requires a twoprong inquiry: objective and subjective. Henry v. Michigan Dep't of Corr., 27 F.
App'x 573, 575–76 (6th Cir. 2001). The objective component requires evidence of a
sufficiently serious medical need. Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 834 (1994);
Phillips v. Roane Cty., Tenn., 534 F.3d 531, 539 (6th Cir. 2008). For the medical
need to be sufficiently serious, “a prison official's act or omission must result in the
denial of ‘the minimal civilized measure of life's necessities.’” Farmer, 511 U.S. at
834 (quoting Rhodes v. Chapman, 452 U.S. 337, 347 (1981)). Additionally, a serious
medical need can be shown “where a plaintiff's claims arise from an injury ‘so
obvious that even a layperson would easily recognize the necessity for a doctor's
attention’.” Blackmore v. Kalamazoo County, 390 F.3d 890, 899–900 (6th Cir. 2004)
(citation omitted).

Page 7 of 19

The subjective component requires evidence that a plaintiff’s medical
provider acted with a sufficiently culpable state of mind to inflict “unnecessary and
wanton” pain. Durham v. Nu'Man, 97 F.3d 862, 869 (6th Cir. 1996); Estelle v.
Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104–05 (1976). This infliction need not be purposeful;
reckless disregard of a known risk of serious harm will suffice. Farmer, 511 U.S. at
835; Wright v. Taylor, 79 Fed. Appx. 829, 831 (6th Cir. 2003). However, “mere
negligence, or even gross negligence, will not suffice.” Wright, 79 Fed. Appx. at
831. Plaintiff claims that Defendant was deliberately indifferent to his hearing loss,
stomach problems, breathing problems and heel spurs. (Dkt. 138, pg. 4-10). The
Court will address each of Plaintiff’s conditions in turn.
a. Hearing Loss
Plaintiff claims that he suffers from chronic hearing loss and has a special
accommodation for a hearing aid. (Compl. pg. 25-26; Dkt. 118, pg. 32). Defendant
noted that although he “had to repeat [his] words” to Plaintiff during their meeting,
“mostly [Plaintiff] heared [sic] [Defendant] fine with [his] regularl [sic] low voice
very well.” (Dkt. 118, pg. 33). Plaintiff argues that although he did not specifically
ask Defendant for treatment regarding his hearing, Defendant’s notation about his
ability to hear and communicate prevented and/or delayed him from being able to
access the care he requested in the future, such as a replacement or repaired hearing
aid and an appointment with an audiologist. (Dkt. 117-3, pg. 25). Although severe
Page 8 of 19

hearing loss may be a serious medical need, Plaintiff has failed to show that
Defendant was subjectively aware of this need. See Cooper v. Johnson, 255 Fed.
Appx. 891, 892 (5th Cir. 2007); Wheeler v. Butler, 209 Fed. Appx. 14, 15 (2d Cir.
2006); Large v. Wash. Cnty. Det. Ctr., 915 F.2d 1564 (4th Cir. 1990); Gilmore v.
Hodges, 738 F.3d 266, 275–76 (11th Cir. 2013) (all finding severe hearing loss to
be a serious medical need under the Eighth Amendment).
Neither Plaintiff nor Defendant state that Plaintiff went to see Defendant for
the purpose of receiving treatment for his hearing. However, Plaintiff claims that he
told Defendant that he was hearing impaired and asked him to speak louder or
approach him so he could read Defendant’s lips. (Dkt. 117-3, pg. 15). Plaintiff was
then able to communicate either by hearing or reading Defendant’s lips. Either way,
from Defendant’s subjective point of view, Plaintiff was able to communicate with
him without too many problems. Furthermore, there was no evidence that reflecting
these observations in Plaintiff’s medical records, would potentially place Plaintiff in
substantial risk of harm at the hands of a different medical provider at some point in
the future. There is also no evidence that Defendant himself failed to respond to
Plaintiff’s hearing need, in fact, Plaintiff claims that different providers failed to
respond—not Defendant. (Dkt. 117-3, pg. 23-25). Additionally, there is no evidence
that Defendant intentionally denied, delayed or had any involvement in the medical
care that Plaintiff later requested. Moreover, there is no evidence that Defendant
Page 9 of 19

intentional interfered with Plaintiff’s prescribed treatment—his hearing aid—either
on June 23, 2015 or at a later date. Therefore, Defendant’s actions regarding
Plaintiff’s hearing loss do not constitute unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain
proscribed by the Eighth Amendment. Plaintiff’s complaints of stomach pain,
breathing problems, and heel spurs, however, do constitute deliberate indifference.
b. Stomach Pain, Breathing Problems, and Heel Spurs
Plaintiff claims that he suffers from stomach problems relating to
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (“GERD”) and acid reflux. (Compl. pg 22; Dkt.
117-3, pg. 9-10). His cell mate, Leo M. Zuniga, claims he has heard Plaintiff wake
up at night and complain about his stomach pain. (Compl. pg. 24). On June 22, 2015,
Plaintiff sent a kite seeking medical care for his “bowels.” (Dkt. 118, pg. 30). On
June 23, 2015, Plaintiff met with Defendant for what he believed to be a chronic care
visit. (Dkt. 117-3 pg. 19). Plaintiff claims that during the visit he tried to tell
Defendant that he was having stomach pain but Defendant refused to treat him when
he discovered that Plaintiff was Jewish. (Id. at 15).
Under the objective prong, Plaintiff’s stomach problems constitute a “serious
medical need.” See, e.g., Bell v. Jendell, 980 F. Supp. 2d 555, 560 (S.D.N.Y. 2013)
(finding that plaintiff’s acid-reflux symptoms which included “ ‘vommitting [sic]
acid’ while sleeping” are extreme and/or serious); Lane v. Corizon Healthcare, No.
13–CV–519, 2013 WL 5348489, at *2 (N.D. Ind. Sept. 23, 2013) (finding that
Page 10 of 19

plaintiff with acid reflux “ha[d] alleged a serious medical need”); Dobbey v. Randle,
No. 10–CV–3965, 2012 WL 3544769, at *2–3 (N.D. Ill. Aug. 16, 2012) (finding
that plaintiff with GERD symptoms, such as abdominal pain and blood in his stool,
“[met] the objective standard, at least at the pleading stage”); See generally Brock v.
Wright, 315 F.3d 158, 163 (2d Cir. 2003) (“We do not . . . require an inmate to
demonstrate that he or she experiences pain that is at the limit of human ability to
bear, nor do we require a showing that his or her condition will degenerate into a
life-threatening one.”).
Plaintiff claims that, on the day he visited Defendant, he was having problems
with his asthma. (Dkt. 117-3, pg. 19). Breathing problems, such as the chronic
asthma that Plaintiff complains of, also constitute a serious medical need. See
Harrison v. Ash, 539 F.3d 510, 518 (6th Cir. 2008) (finding that “asthma satisfies
the ‘objective’ requirement of [a] deliberate indifference claim.”); Adams v. Poag,
61 F.3d 1537, 1539–41, 1543 (11th Cir. 1995) (asthma, with continual breathing
problems, can constitute a serious medical need); Rogers v. Ryan, No. CV 16-12735,
2019 WL 4145980, at *11 (E.D. MICH. July 31, 2019), report and recommendation
adopted, No. CV 16-12735, 2019 WL 4139302 (E.D. MICH. Aug. 30, 2019) (finding
a serious medical need when plaintiff complained, inter alia, of having trouble
breathing). Refusing to treat a breathing problem does not just prove a denial of “the

Page 11 of 19

minimal civilized measure of life's necessities,” it deprives a human of life’s very
necessity. Rhodes, 452 U.S. at 347.
Like many ailments, heel spurs range in severity, but looking at the evidence
in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, Plaintiff’s heel spurs also
constituted a serious medical need. Plaintiff claimed that he experienced “very, very
painful, very excruciating pain” that forced him to even walk on his toes at times.
(Dkt. 117-3, pg. 19; 118, pg. 28). Further, on June 22, 2015, Plaintiff sent a kite
complaining of the “sharp pain in [his] feet.” (Dkt. 118, pg. 30). These complaints
are “not a mere discomfort or inconvenience” as the R&R states. (R&R at 8).
Additionally, Plaintiff’s pain was also evident to people around him. See
Blackmore, 390 F.3d at 899–900 (“where a plaintiff's claims arise from an injury ‘so
obvious that even a layperson would easily recognize the necessity for a doctor's
attention,’ . . . it is sufficient to show that he actually experienced the need for
medical treatment.”) (citation omitted). Plaintiff’s cell mate, Zuniga, claimed he
heard Plaintiff wake up at night and complain about the pain in his feet. (Compl. pg.
24). Another inmate, Richard Crowell, noted that although Plaintiff does not attend
the yard on a daily basis, because of the pain in his feet, when he did attend, he was
unable to walk an entire lap, which is about a quarter of a mile. (Id. at 23).
Defendant’s refusal to treat Plaintiff’s serious medical needs also constitute
deliberate indifference because he consciously disregarded Plaintiff’s complaints
Page 12 of 19

and refused to treat him. The record, looked at in the light most favorable to Plaintiff,
shows that Defendant was aware of Plaintiff’s ailments. Plaintiff states that he tried
to tell Defendant that he was having problems breathing, had foot pains and stomach
pains. (Dkt. 117-3, pg. 15). Additionally, Defendant noted the following about
Plaintiff’s heel spurs in his medical records: “Severity level is Severe (10). The
problem is worsening . . . The pain is aching. Context: there was no injury.
Additional information: Stated bilateral heel pains for years worse in last year or so
rated at almost 10, nothing helps according to him, stated doesnt go to chow due to
pain and losing Wt from that.” (Dkt. 118, pg. 32). However, despite these
observations, Defendant not only to refused to treat Plaintiff’s needs, he intentionally
cancelled on-going treatment. Under Estelle, such an intentional interference with
prescribed treatment constitutes “unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain.”
Estelle, 429 U.S. at 104–05; see also Burgess v. Fischer, 735 F.3d 462, 476 (6th Cir.
2013).
It is important to note that the Court does not opine on whether or not
Plaintiff’s medical needs were serious or whether or not Defendant’s response to
them was deliberately indifferent; it only holds that where there is evidence that
Plaintiff complained of having serious stomach pain, breathing problems and
excruciating 10 out of 10 pain in his feet that made it difficult for him to walk and
the attending physician literally ushered him out of the door—a reasonable jury may
Page 13 of 19

conclude that this rises to the level of deliberate indifference under the Eighth
Amendment. The Court therefore finds that the Magistrate Judge erred both in
concluding that no reasonable jury could find deliberate indifference and in failing
to incorporate all of Plaintiff’s ailments in his analysis. Objections 1 and 2 are
sustained.
Objection 3: “The Report and Recommendation erred in rejecting Plaintiff Burley’s
claim premised on the Equal Protection of the Fourteenth Amendment claim.” (Dkt.
138, pg. 10).
Plaintiff argues that the R&R erred in dismissing his Fourteenth Amendment
equal protection claim. The Court agrees. The R&R incorrectly analyzed Plaintiff’s
claim under due process rather than equal protection. (R&R at 13-14). Under equal
protection analysis, Plaintiff’s claim survives summary judgment.
Courts strictly scrutinize allegations of discrimination against discrete and
insular minorities, such as those of the Jewish faith. See United States v. Carolene
Prod. Co., 304 U.S. 144, 152 n.4 (1938). “Conduct subject to strict scrutiny is
presumptively invalid; only official action that is narrowly tailored to meet a
compelling state interest will survive.” In re Flint Water Cases, 384 F. Supp. 3d 802,
846 (E.D. MICH. 2019). If narrow tailoring to a compelling state interest in the
challenged conduct can be shown, the conduct passes strict scrutiny. Grutter v.
Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306, 327 (2003). However, “[w]hen there is…proof that a
Page 14 of 19

discriminatory purpose has been a motivating factor in the decision, this judicial
deference is no longer justified.” Vill. of Arlington Heights v. Metro. Hous. Dev.
Corp., 429 U.S. 252, 265–66 (1977). The touchstones of invidious racial
discrimination are disproportionate impact and discriminatory intent. Id. at 265
Additionally, “[d]etermining whether invidious discriminatory purpose was a
motivating factor demands a sensitive inquiry into such circumstantial and direct
evidence of intent as may be available.” Id. at 266.
Here, Plaintiff presents direct evidence of Defendant’s alleged discrimination:
He commented that my -- something about my skin and that's
when I proceeded to tell the doctor that it was probably in my
diet because I was on a vegan diet and that I was practicing
Judaism. When I told the doctor this he became very irate. Very
condescending stating -- I was sitting on the table -- that I could
not see you, I could not see you, you Jew, and he asked me to
leave. Then he proceeded to open the door.
(Dkt. 117-3 pg. 15). Two witnesses also corroborate Plaintiff’s allegations. (See
Compl. pg. 23; see also Dkt. 117-4 pg. 15). When crediting Plaintiff’s evidence, no
guess work is necessary to determine if a “invidious discriminatory purpose was a
motivating factor.” Vill. of Arlington Heights, 429 U.S. at 266. By showing the
discriminatory intent required to show a violation of the Equal Protection Clause,
Plaintiff has met his burden of showing a genuine dispute of fact. Objection 3 is
sustained.
I.

DEFENDANT’S OBJECTIONS [139]
Page 15 of 19

Objection 1: “The Magistrate erred in concluding a material question of fact exists
regarding whether Dr. Abdellatif would have taken the same action absent Plaintiff’s
protected conduct on June 23, 2015.” (Dkt. 139, pg. 4).
Defendant argues that he would have taken the same action absent Plaintiff’s
protected conduct under the First Amendment and that the Magistrate Judge erred in
concluding otherwise. However, the R&R, correctly did not credit Defendant’s
version of events and instead credited Plaintiff’s as the non-moving party. (See R&R
at 12-13). Plaintiff claims that when he mentioned being Jewish, Defendant became
irate and asked him to leave. (Dkt. 117-3, pg. 15). Further, several witnesses
corroborate Plaintiff’s claims: Crowell claims that he observed Defendant usher
Plaintiff out of his office (Compl. pg. 23) and say “I am not able to see you because
you are a jew;” Ayotte also claims to have heard Defendant say “I can’t treat you.
You’re Jewish. I’m a Syrian. You’re Jewish. You must leave. I’m ordering you to
leave.” (Dkt. 117-4, pg. 15).
Plaintiff’s version shows that Defendant took adverse action against him
because of Plaintiff’s faith, not in spite of it. Therefore, just as the Court has done
for all of Plaintiff’s claims, it credits Plaintiff’s version of events, not Defendant’s
and finds that there is a material question of fact as to whether Defendant would
have refused to treat Plaintiff and cancel his treatments if Plaintiff did not mention
he was Jewish. Objection 1 is overruled.
Page 16 of 19

Objection 2: “The Magistrate erred in not dismissing Plaintiff’s Gross negligence
claims.” (Dkt. 139, pg. 6).
Under Michigan law, medical malpractice requires a showing that
Defendant’s actions fell below the standard of care, while gross negligence does not.
See Bryant v. Oakpointe Villa Nursing Ctr., 471 MICH. 411, 422 (2004). The R&R
concluded that Plaintiff’s claims sound in negligence rather than medical
malpractice because “[i]f the medical appointment transpired consistent with
Burley’s evidence, then the jury would not need the help of an expert witness to
decide whether Abdellatif exercised any medical judgment whatsoever, let alone
whether he exercised that judgment reasonably. See Jones v. Corr. Med. Servs., Inc.,
845 F. Supp. 2d at 846 (‘ . . . a claim that defendant did nothing in response to a
known risk is a matter of negligence, not malpractice.’).” (R&R at 15). Defendant
argues that this conclusion was erroneous because the Magistrate Judge found that
Defendant was not deliberately indifferent and therefore exercised medical judgment
in deciding not to treat Plaintiff. (Dkt. 139, pg. 6-7). However, in light of the Court’s
decision not to adopt the R&R’s conclusion’s regarding deliberate indifference, this
logical inconsistency no longer exists.
Gross negligence “is defined as ‘conduct so reckless as to demonstrate a
substantial lack of concern for whether an injury results.’” Tarlea v. Crabtree, 263
Mich. App. 80, 90 (2004) (quoting Maiden v. Rozwood, 461 MICH. 109, 123 (1999)).
Page 17 of 19

Since deliberate indifference inherently encompasses gross negligence, the Court
finds that there is a material question of fact as to whether Defendant acted
reasonably in refusing to treat Defendant. Objection 2 is overruled.

CONCLUSION
For the reasons stated above, the Court ADOPTS

IN PART

the R&R [135];

SUSTAINS Plaintiff’s Objections [138]; OVERRULES Defendant’s Objections
[139]; and GRANTS

IN PART AND

DENIES

IN PART

Defendant’s Motion for

Summary Judgment [117].
This ruling has the effect of dismissing Plaintiff’s intentional infliction of
emotional distress claim. Remaining in this action are the following claims: gross
negligence, Eighth Amendment deliberate indifference, First Amendment
retaliation, and Fourteenth Amendment equal protection.
Accordingly,
IT IS ORDERED that the R&R [135] is ADOPTED in part.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Objections [138] are
SUSTAINED.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant’s Objections [139] are
DENIED.

Page 18 of 19

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant’s Motion for Summary
Judgment [117] is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.
SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 26, 2020

s/Arthur J. Tarnow
Arthur J. Tarnow
Senior United States District Judge

Page 19 of 19