ROBINSON, District Judge.
Plaintiff Dereck E. Stones ("plaintiff"), an inmate at the Sussex Correctional Institute ("SCI"), Georgetown, Delaware, filed this lawsuit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. (D.l.3) He proceeds pro se and has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis. Presently before the court are plaintiffs motions to compel (D.l.44, 49), request for counsel (D.l.64), and motion to appoint expert (D.l.65); State defendants' motion for judgment on the pleadings (D.l.37) and motion for summary judgment (D.l.70); and medical defendants' motion to strike (D.l.53) and motion for summary judgment (D.l.68). The court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331. For the following reasons, the court will: (1) deny as moot State defendants' motion for judgment on the pleadings (D.l.37) and medical defendants' motion to strike (D.l.53); (2) deny plaintiffs motions to compel (D.l.44, 49), request for counsel (D.l.64), and motion to appoint expert (D.l.65); and (3) grant medical defendants' motion for summary judgment (D.l.68) and State defendants' motion for summary judgment (D.l.70).
Plaintiff filed his complaint on June 5, 2012 alleging defendants deliberately delayed addressing a serious medical need and/or failed to address the condition. In addition, the complaint alleges that Delaware Department of Correction ("DOC") has a policy of entering into contracts for medical care with for-profit providers that place the bottom-line ahead of an inmate's medical needs. (D.l.3) Named as defendants are Dr. Lawrence McDonald ("Dr.McDonald") and Correct Care Solutions ("CCS") (together "medical defendants"), and Warden G.R. Johnson ("Johnson") and Carl C. Danberg ("Danberg"), former DOC Commissioner (together "State defendants").
CCS is the contract medical provider for the DOC. Plaintiff testified that in July or August 2010, he injured the nerves in his left ankle and foot when his foot slipped off a curb, and he rolled his ankle. (D.I. 3; D.I. 69, ex. A at 10) Plaintiff's medical records indicate that he presented to SCI medical on August 12, 2010 regarding the injury. (D.I. 69, ex. B at DOC 129) The injury caused permanent nerve damage to plaintiff's left lower extremity. (Id. at DOC436-437) Plaintiff submitted numerous
CCS progress notes indicate that plaintiff was either seen by medical personnel or had his medical records reviewed in: (1) 2010 on August 12 and 19, and November 4; (2) 2011 on January 27 and 29, February 7 and 22, March 28, April 27, June 1, 28, and 29, August 8 and 30, September 9 and 26, October 20, November 4, and December 9 and 13; (3) 2012 on February 9, 14, 15, March 8, June 21, and November 8; and (4) 2013 on January 23, February 22, May 2, and May 22. (D.I. 58 at DOC265, 280, 307, 307, 311-314, 567, 568, 572-78, 580-83) There were two physician's orders in 2010, and numerous other physician's orders in 2011, 2012, and 2013. (Id. at DOC255, 257, 258, 452, 453, 455-59, 463, 466, 467, 469, 470) Finally, Dr. McDonald, as well as other CCS medical personnel, submitted outpatient referral requests for plaintiff on numerous occasions throughout 2011. (Id. at DOC232, 237, 238, 243-245, 248, 249, 412, 418, 421, 422, 424, 427, 432, 440, 446)
Subsequent to the injury, plaintiff's left foot and ankle were x-rayed on August 19, 2010 and March 16, 2011, an EMG study was performed on June 29, 2011, and an MRI of the left ankle and left foot was conducted on August 30, 2011. (D.I. 69, ex. B at 119, 120, 129, 230, 439) X-ray findings were normal, the EMG studies of the left peroneal nerve were normal for latencies with moderate to severely diminished amplitudes distally and decrement in amplitude across the fibular head, and the MRI revealed nerve damage common peroneal nerve left — motor neuropathy and lateral ankle ligament tears. (Id.)
The first request for medical care following the injury occurred on October 19, 2010 when plaintiff complained of "having problems with my (left ankle) again. It keeps "`rolling/twisting' when I walk at times." (D.I. 72 at A50) Plaintiff was seen on November 4, 2010, and told to increase his exercises, avoid running and wear support boots, and he was scheduled for a follow-up in 90 days. (Id. at A65)
A CCS outpatient referral request dated February 17, 2011 states, "needs physical therapy for home progress for increased... strength." (D.I. 58 at DOC248) Dr. McDonald referred plaintiff to physical therapy at Tidewater Physical Therapy, an initial evaluation took place on February 28, 2011, and plaintiff was given a home exercise program. (D.I. 69, ex. B at DOC231, 241-42; D.I. 72 at A33-34) The plan included physical therapy two times per week for four weeks with a long term goal of independent home exercises. (D.I. 69, ex. B at DOC241-242) The off-site return progress note stated, "needs ongoing PT to correct deficits." (D.I. 58 at DOC246) A CCS consult sheet with the same date contains the name notation. (Id. at 247) A CCS consult sheet dated March 25, 2011, recommends physical therapy three times per week for four weeks at Old Town Physical Therapy. (D.I.75, ex. C) Medical records indicate
Dr. McDonald referred plaintiff to an outside neurologist. Prior to his visit with the neurologist, plaintiff was issued all ankle support from the medical department. (D.I.72, A127) Plaintiff was seen by neurologist Dr. William Thomas ("Dr.Thomas") on June 29, 2011, who performed an EMG. (D.I. 69, ex. B at DOC230, 239) Dr. Thomas reviewed medical testing that included motor nerve studies of the left peroneal nerve that indicated moderate to severely diminished amplitudes distally and decrement in amplitude across the fibular head. (Id. at DOC 230) Dr. Thomas' impression was "acute on chronic severe left peroneal mononeuropathy secondary to entrapment and/or traction injury proximally across the fibular head." (Id. at DOC230) Dr. Thomas recommended an orthopedic surgical evaluation and management of the problem peroneal nerve entrapment. (Id.)
On August 8, 2011, plaintiff was seen by outside orthopaedic physician Dr. Roman Orsini ("Dr.Orsini") of Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware. Dr. Orsini evaluated plaintiff and ordered an MRI. (D.I. 72 at A37) Dr. Orsini stated that "the peroneal nerve is clearly damaged" and "surgery may be impending." (Id. at A37-38) He also prescribed an AFO (i.e., ankle-foot orthotic) brace to be fabricated for plaintiff's left foot and ankle. (Id. at A43) When plaintiff saw Dr. Orsini on September 9, 2011, he told Dr. Orsini that he felt the prison should have diagnosed him sooner and sent him to the doctor. (D.I. 69, ex. B at DOC436) Plaintiff blamed the prison for his nerve damage. (Id.) Dr. Orsini's plan for that date states:
Id.
Plaintiff received his brace on November 1, 2011, but he did not like its height. (D.I. 72 at A102) Plaintiff was advised to try the brace for two weeks and to follow-up with Dr. McDonald. (Id. at A116) Although medical did not believe the height was an issue, it ordered another fabricated brace. (Id. at A102) In December, plaintiff received another brace but, again, did not like the fit and complained that the brace caused scarring. (Id. at A114) On December 28, 2011 plaintiff filed a grievance, complaining that the pain and discomfort he was experiencing was due to a delay in treatment. Plaintiff also requested that he "undergo immediate corrective surgery without further delay." (Id. at A56)
When Dr. Orsini evaluated plaintiff on August 6, 2012, he advised plaintiff that he could not fix the problem and that, while a peripheral nerve decompression could be performed, he doubted "it would be worth it." (D.I. 69, ex. B at DOC 121) Dr. Orsini
On February 22, 2013, plaintiff was seen by Dr. Orsini who evaluated him and issued a prescription for special shoes. (Id. at A45-47) As of March 19, 2013, Dr. Orsini assessed plaintiff with peroneal nerve damage left, drop foot left, left ankle instability, and burning neuropathy. (Id. at ex. B at DOC406-7) Dr. Orsini's notes state:
Id. at 407.
When plaintiff was deposed, he testified that his current regimen for treatment is medication (Neurontin and Meloxicam
According to Danberg, he "sought to provide inmates with healthcare that was at or above that required by the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare ("NCCHC"). (Id. at A21-22) During his tenure as Commissioner, the DOC did not adopt policies or practices that encouraged CCS to provide constitutionally deficient care. (Id. at A21) The NCCHC accreditation was important to the DOC because the NCCHC provides independent auditing and review of prison healthcare services. If the prison meets its standards, the NCCHC provides accreditation to the institution. (Id.) The contract between CCS and the DOC required that CCS maintain NCCHC accreditation (Id.) The actual expenditures of state funds on medical care increased by over 4 million dollars during the fiscal year 2012. (Id.)
Plaintiff requests counsel (D.I.64) on the grounds that he is unskilled in the law, no longer has assistance from other inmates, recently received his medical records,
After passing this threshold inquiry, the court considers a number of factors when assessing a request for counsel, including;
Tabron, 6 F.3d at 155-57; accord Parham v. Johnson, 126 F.3d 454, 457 (3d Cir. 1997); Montgomery v. Pinchak, 294 F.3d 492, 499 (3d Cir.2002).
To date, plaintiff's filings indicate that he possesses the ability to adequately pursue his claims. Upon consideration of the record, the court is not persuaded that representation by an attorney is warranted. In addition, as will be discussed, the evidence of record indicates that plaintiff cannot prevail on his claim. Therefore, the court will deny the request for counsel.
Plaintiff filed two motions to compel defendants to produce certain discovery. (D.I.44, 49) The court has reviewed the discovery provided to plaintiff and finds that, with regard to the first motion to compel (D.I.44), he was provided the documents requested. With regard to the second motion to compel (D.I.49), CCS has adequately responded to all discovery requests.
CCS moves to strike (D.I.53) requests for admissions (D.I.50) served upon it by plaintiff. CCS, however, responded to the requests for admissions. (See D.I. 61) Accordingly, the motion to strike is moot.
For the above reasons, the court will deny the motions to compel and the motion to strike.
Plaintiff requests appointment of a medical expert witness (D.I.65) on the grounds that Dr. Orsini provided inconsistent reports, defendants failed to provide him with recommended physical therapy, and due to the serious and permanent nature of his injury. Although the court has broad discretion to appoint an independent expert under Rule 706, "[t]he policy behind the rule is to promote the jury's factfinding ability." Ford v. Mercer Cnty. Corr. Ctr., 171 Fed.Appx. 416, 420 (3d Cir.2006) (unpublished). "`The most important factor in favor of appointing an expert is that the case involves a complex or esoteric subject beyond the trier-of-fact's ability to adequately understand without expert assistance.'" Id. (citation omitted). Thus, "[a] trial judge does not abuse his [or her] discretion in declining to appoint an independent expert" if it determines
Given that an expert witness is not presently required to assist in the jury's role as factfinder, the court will deny plaintiff's motion for appointment of a medical expert witness.
"The court shall grant summary judgment if the movant shows that 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). The moving party bears the burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586 n. 10, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986). "Facts that could alter the outcome are `material,' and disputes are `genuine' if evidence exists from which a rational person could conclude that the position of the person with the burden of proof on the disputed issue is correct." Horowitz v. Federal Kemper Life Assurance Co., 57 F.3d 300, 302 n. 1 (3d Cir. 1995) (citations omitted). In determining whether a genuine issue of material fact exists, "the court must draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the nonmoving party, and it may not make credibility determinations or weigh the evidence." Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., 530 U.S. 133, 150, 120 S.Ct. 2097, 147 L.Ed.2d 105 (2000) (citing Lytle v. Household Mfg., Inc., 494 U.S. 545, 554-55, 110 S.Ct. 1331, 108 L.Ed.2d 504 (1990)).
If the moving party has demonstrated an absence of material fact, the nonmoving party then "must come forward with `specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.'" Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348 (quoting Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e)). The court will "view the underlying facts and all reasonable inferences therefrom in the light most favorable to the party opposing the motion." Pennsylvania Coal Ass'n v. Babbitt, 63 F.3d 231, 236 (3d Cir.1995). The mere existence of some evidence in support of the nonmoving party, however, will not be sufficient for denial of a motion for summary judgment; there must be enough evidence to enable a jury reasonably to find for the nonmoving party on that issue. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 249, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). If the nonmoving party fails to make a sufficient showing on an essential element of its case with respect to which it has the burden of proof, the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. See Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986).
Medical defendants move for partial summary judgment on the grounds that plaintiff failed to: (1) develop any evidence to support the necessary elements
Plaintiff names State defendants in their official capacities. The Eleventh Amendment of the United States Constitution protects an unconsenting State or state agency from a suit brought in federal court by one of its own citizens, regardless of the relief sought. See Seminole Tribe of Fla. v. Florida, 517 U.S. 44, 54, 116 S.Ct. 1114, 134 L.Ed.2d 252 (1996); Pennhurst State Sch. & Hosp. v. Halderman, 465 U.S. 89, 104 S.Ct. 900, 79 L.Ed.2d 67 (1984); Edelman v. Jordan, 415 U.S. 651, 94 S.Ct. 1347, 39 L.Ed.2d 662 (1974). "[A] suit against a state official in his or her official capacity is not a suit against the official but rather is a suit against the official's office. As such, it is no different from a suit against the State itself." Will v. Michigan Dept of State Police, 491 U.S. 58, 71, 109 S.Ct. 2304, 105 L.Ed.2d 45 (1989) (internal citations omitted); Ali v. Howard, 353 Fed.Appx. 667, 672 (3d Cir.2009) (unpublished). Accordingly, § 1983 claims for monetary damages against a State, state agency, or a state official in his official capacity are barred by the Eleventh Amendment. See id. However, the Eleventh Amendment permits suits for prospective injunctive relief against state officials acting in violation of federal law. See Ex parte Young, 209 U.S. 123, 28 S.Ct. 441, 52 L.Ed. 714 (1908). "This standard allows courts to order prospective relief, as well as measures ancillary to appropriate prospective relief." Frew v. Hawkins, 540 U.S. 431, 437, 124 S.Ct. 899, 157 L.Ed.2d 855 (2004) (internal citations omitted).
The State of Delaware has neither consented to plaintiff's suit nor waived its immunity. Further, as will be discussed, the record does not support a finding that either Johnson or Danberg acted in violation of federal law to warrant injunctive relief. Therefore, the court will grant State defendants' motion for summary judgment as to the claims raised against them in their official capacities.
All defendants move for summary judgment on the grounds that plaintiff cannot establish an Eighth Amendment claim against them. Plaintiff argues that medical defendants delayed and denied him medical care and that there remain genuine
The Eighth Amendment proscription against cruel and unusual punishment requires that prison officials provide inmates with adequate medical care. Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 103-105, 97 S.Ct. 285, 50 L.Ed.2d 251 (1976). In order to set forth a cognizable claim, an inmate must allege (i) a serious medical need and (ii) acts or omissions by prison officials that indicate deliberate indifference to that need. Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. at 104, 97 S.Ct. 285. Serious medical needs are those that have been diagnosed by a physician as requiring treatment or are so obvious that a lay person would recognize the necessity for medical attention, and those conditions which, if untreated, would result in a lifelong handicap or permanent loss. See Monmouth Cnty. Corr. Inst. Inmates v. Lanzaro, 834 F.2d 326, 347 (3d Cir. 1987). Deliberate indifference requires more than mere negligence or lack of due care. See Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 835, 114 S.Ct. 1970, 128 L.Ed.2d 811 (1994). To demonstrate deliberate indifference, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant was "subjectively aware of the risk" of harm to the plaintiff. See Farmer, 511 U.S. at 828, 114 S.Ct. 1970. The plaintiff must allege acts or omissions that are sufficiently harmful to offend "evolving standards of decency." Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. at 106, 97 S.Ct. 285.
"Mere medical malpractice cannot give rise to a violation of the Eighth Amendment." White v. Napoleon, 897 F.2d 103, 108 (3d Cir.1990). In addition, an inmate's claims against members of a prison medical department are not viable under § 1983 where the inmate receives continuing care but believes that more should be done by way of diagnosis and treatment and maintains that options available to medical personnel were not pursued on the inmate's behalf. Id. at 107.
The record reflects that plaintiff has a serious medical need, having been diagnosed with peroneal nerve damage left, drop foot left, left ankle instability, and burning neuropathy. The record further demonstrates that plaintiff has been provided with ongoing care. Plaintiff was injured in August 2010 and was seen within a very short time-frame by medical personnel. The record reflects that plaintiff first sought additional treatment for his foot/ankle on October 19, 2010. Subsequent to that date, the medical record is replete with documentation showing that plaintiff was provided with medical care at the prison, referrals to outside specialists, treatment by outside specialists, diagnostic testing, and medical devices.
There were recommendations that plaintiff undergo outside physical therapy, but there is no indication in the record that it was provided. Nonetheless, the record reflects that when plaintiff was referred to physical therapy, he was given a regimen of exercises to perform. At most, medical defendants were negligent in not sending plaintiff for physical therapy outside the prison. Negligence, however, does not rise to the level of a constitutional violation. Moreover, in light of the other extensive medical care provided plaintiff, no reasonable jury could find that defendants were deliberately indifferent to plaintiff's medical needs. Finally, plaintiff contends that surgery is required to correct his medical problems. However, Dr. Orsini stated on at least three occasions, the last time on March 19, 2013, that surgery is an option, but is not recommended at this juncture. Although plaintiff disagrees, and believes that surgery is necessary, "mere disagreement as to the proper medical treatment" is insufficient to state a constitutional violation. See Spruill v. Gillis,
The record indicates that plaintiff received continual medical care for the medical conditions at issue. The record does not support a finding that defendants were deliberately indifferent to plaintiff's medical needs or that they violated plaintiff's constitutional rights. Instead, the record indicates that steps were taken to see that plaintiff received adequate medical care. Therefore, the court will grant defendants' motion for summary judgment on the medical needs issue.
With regard to CCS, In order to establish that CCS is directly liable for any alleged constitutional violations, plaintiff "must provide evidence that there was a relevant [CCS] policy or custom, and that the policy caused the constitutional violation[s] [plaintiff] allege[s]." Natale v. Camden Cnty. Corr. Facility, 318 F.3d 575, 584 (3d Cir.2003) (because respondeat superior or vicarious liability cannot be a basis for liability under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a corporation under contract with the state cannot be held liable for the acts of its employees and agents under those theories).
Plaintiff failed to identify a policy that allegedly violated his constitutional rights. Moreover, because the court has concluded that there was no violation of plaintiffs constitutional rights under the Eighth Amendment, CCS cannot be liable based on the theory that it established or maintained an unconstitutional policy or custom responsible for violating plaintiff's rights. See Goodrich v. Clinton Cnty. Prison, 214 Fed.Appx. 105, 113 (3d Cir. 2007) (unpublished) (policy makers not liable in prison medical staff's alleged deliberate indifference to prisoner's serious medical needs where, given that there was no underlying violation of prisoner's rights, policy makers did not establish or maintain an unconstitutional policy or custom responsible for violating prisoner's rights). In light of the foregoing, the court will grant medical defendants' motion for summary judgment as to CCS.
State defendants move for summary judgment on the grounds that they had no personal involvement in the alleged constitutional violations and they cannot be held liable under a theory of respondeat superior. Plaintiff alleges that State defendants are responsible for ensuring that inmates at SCI received adequate medical care and that there is a policy of delaying medical care for serious medical needs. He opposes the motion for summary judgment on the grounds that there remain genuine issues of material fact. In addition, plaintiff contends that State defendants failed to produce all required discovery.
The record reflects that State defendants had no personal involvement with regard to plaintiff's medical care. A defendant in a civil rights action must have personal involvement in the alleged wrongs to be liable, and cannot be held responsible for a constitutional violation which he or she neither participated in nor approved." Baraka v. McGreevey, 481 F.3d 187, 210 (3d Cir.2007). "Personal involvement can be shown through allegations of personal direction or of actual knowledge and acquiescence." Rode v. Dellarciprete,
Facts showing personal involvement of the defendant must be asserted; such assertions may be made through allegations of specific facts showing that a defendant expressly directed the deprivation of a plaintiff's constitutional rights or created such policies where the subordinates had no discretion in applying the policies in a fashion other than the one which actually produced the alleged deprivation; e.g., supervisory liability may attach if the plaintiff asserts facts showing that the supervisor's actions were "the moving force" behind the harm suffered by the plaintiff. See Sample v. Diecks, 885 F.2d 1099, 1117-118 (3d Cir.1989); see also Iqbal, 556 U.S. at 677-686.
The evidence of record is that neither Johnson nor Danberg had any involvement in plaintiff's medical care. Nor was plaintiff able to identify any policies that produced any alleged constitutional violation. There is no evidence of record that Johnson or Danberg violated plaintiffs constitutional rights, that they expressly directed the deprivation of his constitutional rights, or that they created policies wherein subordinates had no discretion in applying them in a fashion other than the one which actually produced the alleged deprivation.
In addition, although plaintiff believed that he may have written to Johnson about his medical condition, he did know the time-frame when he sent the letter. It is well-established that non-medical prison staff may not be "considered deliberately indifferent simply because they failed to respond directly to the medical complaints of a prisoner who was already being treated by the prison doctor." Durmer v. O'Carroll, 991 F.2d 64, 69 (3d Cir.1993). The rationale for this rule has been aptly explained by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in the following terms:
Spruill v. Gillis, 372 F.3d 218, 236 (3d Cir.2004). Courts have repeatedly held that, absent some reason to believe that prison medical staff are mistreating prisoners, non-medical corrections staff who refer inmate medical complaints to physicians may not be held personally liable for medically-based Eighth Amendment claims. See Spruill, 372 F.3d 218; Durmer, 991 F.2d 64.
Applying the law and the undisputed facts, no reasonable jury could find in favor of plaintiff. Therefore, the court will grant State defendants' motion for summary judgment.
Plaintiff alleges that defendants' actions were not motivated by medical necessity but were motivated by the desire to cut cost and maximize profit, or other improper purposes unrelated to medical necessity. Plaintiff makes broad generalizations, but failed to identify specific policies or practices to support his claims. Nor is there evidence of record that there were any cost containment practices or, assuming arguendo there were, evidence indicating that officials knew or had any reason to believe that prison medical staff were not treating or were mistreating inmate, or that officials were indifferent to known risks caused by their cost containment practices. See Estate of Chance v. First Corr. Med., 329 Fed.Appx. 340 (3d Cir. 2009) (unpublished) (State prison officials were not deliberately indifferent to inmate's serious medical condition, in violation of Eighth Amendment, as result of their cost containment practices, where there was no evidence indicating that officials knew or had any reason to believe that prison medical staff were not treating or were mistreating inmate, or that officials were indifferent to known risks caused by their cost containment practices.) Notably, the evidence of record indicates that DOC medical costs increased during fiscal year 2012.
For the above reasons, the court will grant State defendants' motion for summary judgment on this issue.
For the above reasons, the court will: (1) deny as moot State defendants' motion for judgment on the pleadings (D.I.37)
An appropriate order will issue.
At Wilmington this 2nd day of January, 2014, for the reasons set forth in the memorandum opinion issued this date;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
2. Plaintiff's motions to compel (D.I.44, 49) are
3. Medical defendants' motion to strike (D.I.53) is
4. Plaintiff's request for counsel (D.I.64) is
5. Plaintiff's motion to appoint expert (D.I.65) is
6. Medical defendants' motion for summary judgment (D.I.68) is
7. State defendants' motion for summary judgment (D.I.70) is
8. The clerk of court is directed to enter judgment in favor of defendants and against plaintiff and to close the case.
