Case: Joseph v. Signal International, LLC

1:13-cv-00324 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Filed Date: May 21, 2013

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case is part of the series of Signal International cases. It is stayed during defendant's bankruptcy and settlement proceedings. On May 21, 2013, 33 Indian guestworkers filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas for harm suffered as a result of an allegedly fraudulent and coercive employment recruitment scheme. Plaintiffs filed this suit after District Judge Jay Zainey denied class certification on January 3, 2012 in a related case, David v. Signal Inte…

This case is part of the series of Signal International cases. It is stayed during defendant's bankruptcy and settlement proceedings.

On May 21, 2013, 33 Indian guestworkers filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas for harm suffered as a result of an allegedly fraudulent and coercive employment recruitment scheme. Plaintiffs filed this suit after District Judge Jay Zainey denied class certification on January 3, 2012 in a related case, David v. Signal International.

Plaintiffs were allegedly brought into the United States to provide labor and services to Defendant Signal International at its Orange, Texas site. Signal is based in Pascagoula, Mississippi and is in the business of providing repairs to offshore oil rigs in the Gulf Coast region. The complaint alleges that plaintiffs paid defendant Signal's recruiters as much as $25,000 for travel, visa, and recruitment fees, but upon arrival in the United States found out they would not receive the green cards promised to them. Instead, plaintiffs were forced to pay additional fees to live in racially segregated labor camps ($1050 per month), and were subject to squalid living conditions and threats of both legal and physical harm if they complained about the conditions or decided not to provide labor. Plaintiffs also alleged that the fear and coercion plaintiffs they experienced were exacerbated upon learning of abuses occurring at Signal's Pascagoula, Mississippi site.

The amended complaint, filed on behalf of 47 individuals, asserted claims under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (18 U.S.C. §1589 (forced labor) and 18 U.S.C. §1590 (trafficking)), the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (18 U.S.C. §1962), the Civil Rights Act of 1866 (42 U.S.C. §1981), the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 (42 U.S.C. §1985), the Thirteenth Amendment, as well as claims of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of contract. Plaintiffs were represented by a private law firm.

In February 2014, Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn denied Signal's motion to transfer this case to the Eastern District of Louisiana. The plaintiffs in this case only overlapped with the David case insofar as their FLSA claims in the David case were concerned. Additionally, the plaintiffs in this case sued based on events at Signal's Orange, Texas site, whereas plaintiffs in cases pending in the Eastern District of Louisiana sued based on events at Signal's Pascagoula, Mississippi site. Although the Court declined to transfer this case, in May 2014, Magistrate Judge Hawthorn entered a consent order that discovery from the cases in the Eastern District of Louisiana would be allowed to be used here. Additionally, in Dec. 2014, Magistrate Judge Hawthorn severed and transferred Signal's cross-claims against co-defendants (immigration attorneys, recruiters, and labor brokers) to the Eastern District of Louisiana.

In Oct. 2014, Magistrate Judge Hawthorn granted Signal's motion to compel production of plaintiffs' T- and U-visas and applications for such visas. Although a similar motion had already been denied for the cases pending in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the court found that the materials' relevance outweighed any potential in terrorem effect. The Court warned that it would reconsider if Signal sought discovery that was clearly aimed at harassment. Plaintiffs did not comply with this order until Mar. 4, 2015, but the court denied Signal's motion for sanctions, saying its lack of diligence in pursuing the documents rendered it ineligible for relief.

In March 2015, the Court held that Texas laws should apply in the breach of contract and fraud claims, because it did not find that a true conflict existed between Texas and other jurisdictions.

In July 2015, the court stayed the case after Signal filed for bankruptcy. In re Signal Int’l, Inc, et al., No. 15-11498 (Bankr. D. Del. July 12, 2015). As a part of the bankruptcy filings, the plaintiffs entered into a plan support agreement (PSA) which contemplated a settlement of the claims of this lawsuit against Signal entities through a consensual Chapter 11 plan proposed by Signal. The PSA, with a liquidation trust for distribution of settlement proceeds, became effective on Dec. 14, 2015.

In Dec. 2015, in the related EEOC case, the EEOC announced that the parties had reached a settlement for all cases, approved by the bankruptcy court. Signal would pay $5 million to 476 guestworkers through a claims process. All aggrieved individuals included in the litigation could receive relief in spite of the bankruptcy proceedings. Signal's CEO also issued an apology for its conduct.

In this case, Joseph, the parties are updating the court every 120 days as to the status of the bankruptcy proceedings. As of the parties' most recent Feb. 27, 2020 update to the Court, this settlement process remains ongoing.

The stay remains effective in light of Signal's ongoing bankruptcy case.

Summary Authors

Anna Dimon (5/14/2015)

Soojin Cha (11/20/2016)

Ava Morgenstern (12/2/2017)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2011)

Achari v. Signal International, LLC, Eastern District of Louisiana (2013)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4386274/parties/joseph-v-signal-international-llc/

Judge(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Adams, Daniel D. (New York)

Barnett, Keith (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bollman, Patricia Anne F. (Louisiana)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Arvelo, Jose E. (District of Columbia)

Birnbaum, Timothy H. (New York)

Judge(s)

Clark, Ron (Texas)

Crone, Marcia A. (Texas)

Hawthorn, Zack (Texas)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Adams, Daniel D. (New York)

Barnett, Keith (Georgia)

Coco, Nathan F. (Texas)

Colby, Eben P. (Massachusetts)

Dorris, William E. (Georgia)

Duffle, Kara D. (Georgia)

Faulkner, Jaliya S. (Georgia)

Fleming, John Howard (Georgia)

Ford, Kara D. (Georgia)

Kinsella, Steven R. (Minnesota)

Landers, Daniella (Texas)

Lentz, Kurt (Georgia)

Martinez, Mary Beth (New York)

Mendel, Gabriel Adam (Georgia)

Mock, Travis J. (New York)

Nair, Anjali (Alabama)

Niemeyer, Heather M. (New York)

Ramsey, Shane G (New York)

Sandler, Bradford J. (Delaware)

Shiu, Gary Ka-Kui (Texas)

Stewart, Meredith B. (Louisiana)

Sulmers, Teresa L. (Georgia)

Ward, Bryan M. (Georgia)

Werner, Daniel (Georgia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bollman, Patricia Anne F. (Louisiana)

Bowness, Matthew J. (Georgia)

Cerniglia, Timothy W. (Louisiana)

Cornblatt, James L. (Louisiana)

Davis, Lauren Masur (Louisiana)

Gianna, Dominic Joseph (Louisiana)

Hangartner, Erin Casey (Louisiana)

Hasenkampf, Mitchell P. (Louisiana)

Herman, Jonathan Marc (Texas)

Keller, Robert Louis (Louisiana)

Maney, Kevin P. (Louisiana)

Masur Davis, Lauren C. (Louisiana)

Rabbani, Elham (Louisiana)

Roux, Brian C. (Louisiana)

Rydberg, Lance R. (Louisiana)

Shapiro, Stephen H. (Louisiana)

Ungar, Hal D. (Louisiana)

Weinberger, Alan Dean (Louisiana)

Wilks, Billy R. (Texas)

Other

Arvelo, Jose E. (District of Columbia)

Birnbaum, Timothy H. (New York)

Mintz, Benjamin W. (District of Columbia)

Raptis, Stephen T. (District of Columbia)

Sabourian, Kayvon (Texas)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1:13-cv-00324	Docket Joseph v. Signal International LLC	Oct. 30, 2019	Oct. 30, 2019 Docket
1 1:13-cv-00324	Complaint Joseph v. Signal International LLC	May 21, 2013	May 21, 2013 Complaint
74 1:13-cv-00324	Order Denying Signal Defendants' Motion to Transfer Joseph v. Signal International LLC	Feb. 11, 2014	Feb. 11, 2014 Order/Opinion
99 1:13-cv-00324	Report and Recommendation Denying Defendant Signal's Motion to Dismiss (Doc. No. 70). Joseph v. Signal International LLC	June 17, 2014	June 17, 2014 Magistrate Report/Recommendation
100 1:13-cv-00324	Report and Recommendation of United States Magistrate Joseph v. Signal International LLC	June 18, 2014	June 18, 2014 Magistrate Report/Recommendation 2014 U.S.Dist.LEXIS 127486
115 1:13-cv-00324	Order Denying Burnett Defendants' Motion To Transfer Joseph v. Signal International LLC	July 14, 2014	July 14, 2014 Order/Opinion
124 1:13-cv-00324	Report and Recommendation Denying the Burnett Defendants' Motion to Dismiss (Doc. No. 32)	Aug. 4, 2014	Aug. 4, 2014 Magistrate Report/Recommendation
148 1:13-cv-00324	Memorandum and Order on Signal's Motion to Compel (Doc. No. 127)	Oct. 15, 2014	Oct. 15, 2014 Order/Opinion
205 1:13-cv-00324	Order Severing and Transferring Signal's Cross-Claims to the Eastern District of Lousiana	Dec. 8, 2014	Dec. 8, 2014 Order/Opinion
208 1:13-cv-00324	Third Amended Complaint	Dec. 23, 2014	Dec. 23, 2014 Complaint

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4386274/joseph-v-signal-international-llc/

Last updated June 19, 2026, 6:08 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
	May 21, 2013	Case Assigned to Judge Ron Clark. (aam, )
	May 21, 2013	***FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore document #2, Order Governing Proceedings. This order was entered prematurely by the Court. (tkd, )
1	May 21, 2013	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0540-4146745.), filed by Biju Makrukkattu Joseph. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Summons(es), *FILED IN ERROR. SUMMONS(ES) ARE NOT FILED AS ATTACHMENTS. THEY NEED TO BE EMAILED TO THE CLERK'S OFFICE FOR ISSUANCE. PLEASE IGNOR.* # 4 Summons(es), # 5 Summons(es), # 6 Summons(es), # 7 Summons(es), # 8 Summons(es), # 9 Summons(es), # 10 Summons(es), # 11 Summons(es), # 12 Summons(es), # 13 Summons(es), # 14 Summons(es), # 15 Summons(es), # 16 Summons(es), # 17 Summons(es), # 18 Summons(es), # 19 Summons(es), # 20 Summons(es))(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 05/21/2013) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Exhibit View on PACER 3 Summons(es) View on PACER 4 Summons(es) View on PACER 5 Summons(es) View on PACER 6 Summons(es) View on PACER 7 Summons(es) View on PACER 8 Summons(es) View on PACER 9 Summons(es) View on PACER 10 Summons(es) View on PACER 11 Summons(es) View on PACER 12 Summons(es) View on PACER 13 Summons(es) View on PACER 14 Summons(es) View on PACER 15 Summons(es) View on PACER 16 Summons(es) View on PACER 17 Summons(es) View on PACER 18 Summons(es) View on PACER 19 Summons(es) View on PACER 20 Summons(es) View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	May 21, 2013	FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore.ORDER GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS. Rule 26(f) attorney conference must occur by 6/11/13. Rule 16 Management/Scheduling Conference set for 8/28/2013 at 9:00 AM in Ctrm 2 (Beaumont) before Judge Ron Clark. Signed by Judge Ron Clark on 5/21/13. (tkd, ) Modified on 5/21/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 05/21/2013)	RECAP
3	May 22, 2013	SUMMONS Issued as to All Defendants and emailed to plas' atty for service. (aam, ) (Entered: 05/22/2013)	RECAP
4	May 22, 2013	ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn for all pretrial proceedings. Signed by Judge Ron Clark on 5/22/13. (tkd, ) (Entered: 05/23/2013)	RECAP
5	May 28, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Keith Barnett on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4155821. (Barnett, Keith) (Entered: 05/28/2013)	RECAP
6	May 30, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by John H Fleming on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4159980. (Fleming, John) (Entered: 05/30/2013)	RECAP
7	June 3, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Kurt Lentz on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4163747. (Lentz, Kurt) (Entered: 06/03/2013)	RECAP
8	June 17, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Gabriel Adam Mendel on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4182522. (Mendel, Gabriel) (Entered: 06/17/2013)	RECAP
9	June 17, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Teresa L Sulmers on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4182825. (Sulmers, Teresa) (Entered: 06/17/2013)	RECAP
10	June 17, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Kara D Duffle on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4182854. (Duffle, Kara) (Entered: 06/17/2013)	RECAP
11	July 12, 2013	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Biju Makrukkattu Joseph. Gulf Coast Immigration Law Center, LLC. waiver sent on 6/25/2013, answer due 8/26/2013. (pkb, ) (Entered: 07/12/2013)	RECAP
12	July 12, 2013	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Biju Makrukkattu Joseph. Malvern C. Barnett waiver sent on 6/25/2013, answer due 8/26/2013. (pkb, ) (Entered: 07/12/2013)	RECAP
13	July 12, 2013	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Biju Makrukkattu Joseph. Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C. waiver sent on 6/25/2013, answer due 8/26/2013. (pkb, ) (Entered: 07/12/2013)	RECAP
14	July 15, 2013	Defendant's Unopposed First Application for Extension of Time to Answer Complaint re Signal International, LLC.( Herman, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/15/2013)	RECAP
15	July 15, 2013	Defendant's Unopposed First Application for Extension of Time to Answer Complaint re Signal International, Inc..( Herman, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/15/2013)	RECAP
16	July 15, 2013	Defendant's Unopposed First Application for Extension of Time to Answer Complaint re Signal International Texas, G.P..( Herman, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/15/2013)	RECAP
17	July 15, 2013	Defendant's Unopposed First Application for Extension of Time to Answer Complaint re Signal International Texas, L.P..( Herman, Jonathan) (Entered: 07/15/2013)	RECAP
	July 16, 2013	Defendants' Unopposed First Applications for Extension of Time to Answer Complaint are GRANTED pursuant to Local Rule CV-12 for Signal International, Inc, Signal International Texas G.P., Signal International Texas L.P. and Signal International LLC to 8/19/2013. 30 Days Granted for Deadline Extension.( tkd, )
	July 31, 2013	***FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore document #18, First Amended Complaint. Attorney will refile to add the new plaintiffs to the docket sheet.(tkd, )
18	July 31, 2013	FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore.AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 8/1/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 07/31/2013) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER	RECAP
19	Aug. 1, 2013	FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by All Plaintiffs, Pankajakshan Madhavan, Ravi Rowthu, Gijo John, Suresh Kokkoth, Sebastian George Pananijkal, Varghese Kannampuzha Devassy, Joy Kallachiyil Varkey, Biju Potrayil, Abraham Varghese, Vasavan Babu, Iju James, Omanakuttan Govindan Kakkanthara. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 8/2/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 08/01/2013) 1 Exhibit A View on RECAP	RECAP
20	Aug. 1, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Jaliya S Faulkner on behalf of All Plaintiffs. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4248408. (Faulkner, Jaliya) (Entered: 08/01/2013)	RECAP
21	Aug. 6, 2013	ADVISORY to the Parties. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 8/6/13. (tkd, ) (Entered: 08/07/2013)	RECAP
22	Aug. 6, 2013	ORDER GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS. Rule 26(f) attorney conference must occur by 9/5/13 with a joint report due 10/10/13. Rule 16 Management/Scheduling Conference set for 10/17/2013 at 10:15 AM in Ctrm 4 (Beaumont) before Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 8/6/13. (tkd, ) (Entered: 08/07/2013)	RECAP
23	Aug. 19, 2013	MOTION to Transfer Action Pursuant to First Filed Rule by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Text of Proposed Order)(Herman, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/19/2013) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 6 View on PACER 7 Exhibit 7 View on PACER 8 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
24	Aug. 19, 2013	MOTION to Dismiss Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Herman, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/19/2013) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
25	Aug. 20, 2013	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. J&M Marine & Industrial, L.L.C. waiver sent on 6/25/2013, answer due 8/26/2013. (pkb, ) (Entered: 08/20/2013)	RECAP
26	Aug. 20, 2013	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. J&M Associates, Inc. of Mississippi waiver sent on 6/25/2013, answer due 8/26/2013. (pkb, ) (Entered: 08/20/2013)	RECAP
27	Aug. 20, 2013	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. Billy R. Wilks waiver sent on 6/25/2013, answer due 8/26/2013. (pkb, ) (Entered: 08/20/2013)	RECAP
28	Aug. 21, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Erin Casey Hangartner on behalf of Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4277134. (Hangartner, Erin) (Entered: 08/21/2013)	RECAP
	Aug. 26, 2013	***FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore documents # 29 and 30, Motions to Dismiss. The wrong PDF documents were attached. Attorney will refile. (tkd, )
29	Aug. 26, 2013	FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore. MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. Responses due by 9/23/2013 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Cerniglia, Timothy) Modified on 8/26/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 08/26/2013) 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
30	Aug. 26, 2013	FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore. MOTION to Dismiss by Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 2, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Cerniglia, Timothy) Modified on 8/26/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 08/26/2013) 1 Exhibit Exhibit 2 View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
31	Aug. 26, 2013	MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1-Defendant Affidavit, # 2 Proposed Text - Rule 12(b)(2) Order)(Cerniglia, Timothy) (Entered: 08/26/2013) 1 Exhibit 1-Defendant Affidavit View on PACER 2 Proposed Text - Rule 12(b)(2) Order View on PACER	RECAP
32	Aug. 26, 2013	MOTION to Dismiss by Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 2 - La. Complaint, # 2 Proposed Text - Rule 12(b)(6) Order)(Cerniglia, Timothy) (Entered: 08/26/2013) 1 Exhibit 2 - La. Complaint View on PACER 2 Proposed Text - Rule 12(b)(6) Order View on PACER	RECAP
33	Aug. 26, 2013	ANSWER to 1 Complaint by Billy R. Wilks, J&M Associates, Inc. of Mississippi, J&M Marine & Industrial, L.L.C. (Attachments: # 1 Letter from Pltf's Atty, # 2 Letter from Billy Wilks)(tkd, ) (Entered: 08/27/2013) 1 Letter from Pltf's Atty View on PACER 2 Letter from Billy Wilks View on PACER	RECAP
34	Aug. 27, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Hal D Ungar on behalf of Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4285873. (Ungar, Hal) (Entered: 08/27/2013)	RECAP
35	Aug. 30, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Elham R Rabbani on behalf of Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4291435. (Rabbani, Elham) (Entered: 08/30/2013)	RECAP
36	Aug. 30, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Dominic J Gianna on behalf of Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4291466. (Gianna, Dominic) (Entered: 08/30/2013)	RECAP
37	Aug. 30, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Patricia Bollman on behalf of Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4291488. (Bollman, Patricia) (Entered: 08/30/2013)	RECAP
38	Aug. 30, 2013	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Alan Dean Weinberger on behalf of Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-4291539. (Weinberger, Alan) (Entered: 08/30/2013)	RECAP
39	Sept. 3, 2013	MOTION Transfer Venue by Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Cerniglia, Timothy) (Entered: 09/03/2013) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
40	Sept. 4, 2013	MOTION of Plaintiffs First Named in the Amended Complaint to Dismiss Without Prejudice Their Claims Against Defendant Michael Pol by Vasavan Babu, Varghese Kannampuzha Devassy, Iju James, Gijo John, Omanakuttan Govindan Kakkanthara, Suresh Kokkoth, Pankajakshan Madhavan, Sebastian George Pananijkal, Biju Potrayil, Ravi Rowthu, Abraham Varghese, Joy Kallachiyil Varkey. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 9/5/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 09/04/2013) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	Sept. 5, 2013	***FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore document #41, Response to Motion to Transfer Action. Per attorney, there was an error in the document. Attorney will refile. (tkd, )
41	Sept. 5, 2013	FILED IN ERROR per attorney. Please ignore.RESPONSE in Opposition re 23 MOTION to Transfer Action Pursuant to First Filed Rule filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 9/5/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 09/05/2013) 1 Appendix A View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
42	Sept. 5, 2013	RESPONSE in Opposition re 23 MOTION to Transfer Action Pursuant to First Filed Rule filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/05/2013) 1 Appendix A View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
43	Sept. 5, 2013	RESPONSE in Opposition re 24 MOTION to Dismiss Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 9/6/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 09/05/2013) 1 Appendix A View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
44	Sept. 12, 2013	RESPONSE in Opposition re 31 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Appendix, # 4 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/12/2013) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Exhibit B View on PACER 3 Appendix View on PACER 4 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
45	Sept. 12, 2013	REPLY to Response to Motion re 23 MOTION to Transfer Action Pursuant to First Filed Rule filed by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Hangartner, Erin) (Entered: 09/12/2013)	RECAP
46	Sept. 12, 2013	REPLY to Response to Motion re 24 MOTION to Dismiss Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) filed by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Hangartner, Erin) (Entered: 09/12/2013)	RECAP
47	Sept. 12, 2013	RESPONSE in Opposition re 32 MOTION to Dismiss filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Appendix, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/12/2013) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Appendix View on PACER 3 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	Sept. 18, 2013	***FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore document #48, Motion for Extension of Time for Service on Defendants. Motion is missing the required certificate of conference and must be refiled. (tkd, )
48	Sept. 18, 2013	FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore. MOTION For Extension Of Time For Service On Defendants by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 9/19/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 09/18/2013) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
49	Sept. 19, 2013	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time for Service on Defendants by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 9/20/2013 (tkd, ). (Entered: 09/19/2013) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
50	Sept. 19, 2013	REPLY to Response to Motion re 31 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Malvern C. Barnett, Gulf Coast Immigration Law Center, LLC., Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Cerniglia, Timothy) (Entered: 09/19/2013)	RECAP
51	Sept. 19, 2013	REPLY to Response to Motion re 30 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Malvern C. Barnett, Gulf Coast Immigration Law Center, LLC., Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Cerniglia, Timothy) (Entered: 09/19/2013) 1 Exhibit View on PACER	RECAP
52	Sept. 20, 2013	RESPONSE to Motion re 39 MOTION Transfer Venue filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/20/2013) 1 Appendix A View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	Sept. 23, 2013	ORAL ORDER granting 49 Motion for Extension of Time for Service on Defendants. Deadline extended to 1/17/2014. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 9/23/13. (zjh1)
53	Sept. 23, 2013	REPLY to Response to Motion re 39 MOTION Transfer Venue filed by Malvern C. Barnett, Gulf Coast Immigration Law Center, LLC., Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Cerniglia, Timothy) (Entered: 09/23/2013)	RECAP
54	Sept. 23, 2013	SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response to Motion re 23 MOTION to Transfer Action Pursuant to First Filed Rule filed by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/23/2013)	RECAP
55	Sept. 23, 2013	SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response to Motion re 24 MOTION to Dismiss Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 12(b)(6) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/23/2013)	RECAP
56	Sept. 27, 2013	SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response to Motion re 31 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/27/2013)	RECAP
57	Sept. 27, 2013	SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response to Motion re 32 MOTION to Dismiss filed by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 09/27/2013)	RECAP
58	Oct. 1, 2013	SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response to Motion re 39 MOTION Transfer Venue filed by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 10/01/2013)	RECAP
59	Oct. 10, 2013	REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A: Proposed Scheduling Order Deadlines, # 2 Exhibit B: Signal Defendants' Supplemental Contentions of Fact)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 10/10/2013) 1 Exhibit A: Proposed Scheduling Order Deadlines View on PACER 2 Exhibit B: Signal Defendants' Supplemental Contentions of Fact View on PACER	RECAP
60	Oct. 11, 2013	NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by All Plaintiffs (Notice of Service of Plaintiffs' Initial Disclosures) (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 10/11/2013)	RECAP
	Oct. 17, 2013	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn: 10:20 am - 10:38 am Scheduling Conference held on 10/17/2013. Appearances: Daniella Landers & John Fleming, Pla counsel; Patricia Bollman & Erin Hangartner, Def counsel. (Courtroom Deputy & DCR Op: Piper.) (ttp, )
61	Oct. 17, 2013	SCHEDULING ORDER setting various deadlines. Final Pretrial Conference set for 4/9/2015 at 9:00 AM and Jury Selection/ Trial set for 4/13/2015 at 9:00 AM in Ctrm 2 (Beaumont) before Judge Ron Clark. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 10/17/13. (tkd, ) (Entered: 10/18/2013)	RECAP
62	Oct. 25, 2013	Certified Mail GREEN CARD showing receipt of 61 Scheduling Order by Billy R. Wilks on 10/21/13 (tkd, ) (Entered: 10/28/2013)	RECAP
63	Nov. 18, 2013	PROTECTIVE ORDER. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 11/18/13. (tkd, ) (Entered: 11/19/2013)	RECAP
64	Dec. 19, 2013	AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by All Plaintiffs, Paulose Chirackal Airookaran Joseph, Subburaj Rengasamy. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 12/19/2013) 1 Exhibit View on PACER	RECAP
65	Dec. 19, 2013	SUMMONS Issued as to Sachin Dewan and Dewan Consultants PVT.LTD and sent by FedEX to plas' atty for service(aam, ) (Entered: 12/19/2013)	RECAP
66	Jan. 2, 2014	NOTICE of Change of Address by Erin Casey Hangartner (Hangartner, Erin) (Entered: 01/02/2014)	RECAP
67	Jan. 16, 2014	ORDER denying without prejudice the following motions: 24 Motion to Dismiss; 31 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction; 32 Motion to Dismiss; 40 Motion to Dismiss without prejudice the claims against deft Michael Pol. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 1/16/14. (tkd, ) (Entered: 01/16/2014)	RECAP
	Jan. 17, 2014	ORAL ORDER granting 68 Motion for Extension of Time to File. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 1/17/14. (zjh1)
68	Jan. 17, 2014	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Service on Foreign Defendants by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 01/17/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
69	Jan. 23, 2014	MOTION to Reassert 31 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction and 32 Motion to Dismiss by Malvern C. Barnett, Gulf Coast Immigration Law Center, LLC., Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Cerniglia, Timothy) Modified on 1/24/2014 (tkd, ). Modified on 1/24/2014 (tkd, ). (Entered: 01/23/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
70	Jan. 30, 2014	MOTION to Dismiss (Partially) Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6) by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hangartner, Erin) (Entered: 01/30/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
71	Jan. 30, 2014	SUMMONS Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. Kurella Rao served on 1/4/2014, answer due 1/27/2014. (tkd, ) (Entered: 01/31/2014)	RECAP
72	Jan. 30, 2014	SUMMONS Returned Executed by All Plaintiffs. Indo-Ameri Soft, L.L.C. served on 1/4/2014, answer due 1/27/2014. (tkd, ) (Entered: 01/31/2014)	RECAP
73	Feb. 10, 2014	RESPONSE to Motion re 69 MOTION to Reassert 31 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction and 32 Motion to Dismiss filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Landers, Daniella) Modified on 2/11/2014 (tkd, ). (Entered: 02/10/2014) 1 Exhibit 1 View on RECAP 2 Exhibit 2 View on RECAP	RECAP
74	Feb. 11, 2014	ORDER denying 23 Motion to Transfer Action Pursuant to First Filed Rule. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 2/11/14. (tkd, ) (Entered: 02/11/2014)	Clearinghouse
75	Feb. 18, 2014	RESPONSE in Opposition re 70 MOTION to Dismiss (Partially) Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 02/18/2014)	RECAP
76	Feb. 21, 2014	MOTION for Reconsideration re 74 Order denying motion to transfer by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hangartner, Erin) Modified on 2/24/2014 (tkd, ). (Entered: 02/21/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
77	March 3, 2014	RESPONSE in Opposition re 76 MOTION for Reconsideration re 74 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief filed by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 03/03/2014)	RECAP
78	March 7, 2014	REPLY to Response to Motion re 76 MOTION for Reconsideration re 74 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief filed by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Hangartner, Erin) (Entered: 03/07/2014)	RECAP
79	March 11, 2014	NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Gary Ka-Kui Shiu on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Shiu, Gary) (Entered: 03/11/2014)	RECAP
80	March 17, 2014	SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response to Motion re 76 MOTION for Reconsideration re 74 Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) (Entered: 03/17/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
81	March 17, 2014	MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney of Record (Dominic J. Gianna) by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hangartner, Erin) (Entered: 03/17/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	March 19, 2014	ORAL ORDER granting 81 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Dominic J Gianna terminated. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 3-19-14. (Hawthorn, Zack)
82	March 25, 2014	Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Supplemental Response To Burnett's Reasserted Motion To Dismiss [ECF-69] by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) (Additional attachment(s) added on 3/31/2014: # 1 Proposed Order) (tkd, ). (Entered: 03/25/2014) 1 Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
83	March 25, 2014	RESPONSE to Motion re 69 MOTION to Reassert 31 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction and 32 Motion to Dismiss filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Landers, Daniella) (Additional attachment(s) added on 3/31/2014: # 2 Revised Proposed Order) (tkd, ). (Entered: 03/25/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER 2 Revised Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
84	April 3, 2014	MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney Jonathan M. Herman and Middleberg Riddle Group by Signal International Texas, G.P., Signal International Texas, L.P., Signal International, Inc., Signal International, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Herman, Jonathan) (Entered: 04/03/2014) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	April 4, 2014	ORAL ORDER granting 84 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Jonathan Marc Herman terminated. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 4/4/14. (zjh1)
	April 7, 2014	***FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore documents # 85-86, Requests for Production by plaintiffs. This court does not accept discover requests for filing. (tkd, )
85	April 7, 2014	FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore.First MOTION for Discovery Plaintiffs' First Requests For Production of Documents To Defendants Signal International, L.L.C., Signal International, Inc., Signal International Texas L.P., and Signal International Texas, G.P. by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) Modified on 4/7/2014 (tkd, ). (Entered: 04/07/2014)	RECAP
86	April 7, 2014	FILED IN ERROR. Please ignore.First MOTION for Discovery Plaintiffs' First Requests For Production of Documents To Defendants Malveryn C. Burnett, Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett, A.P.C., and Gulf Coast Immigration Law Center, L.L.C. by All Plaintiffs. (Landers, Daniella) Modified on 4/7/2014 (tkd, ). (Entered: 04/07/2014)	RECAP
	April 9, 2014	ORAL ORDER granting 82 Motion for Leave to File. Signed by Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on 4/9/14. (zjh1)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Texas

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Signal International Guest Worker Cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 21, 2013

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

47 Indian guestworkers fraudulently recruited to work in the U.S.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Southern Poverty Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Dewan Consultants

Global Resources, Inc.

Gulf Coast Immigration Law Center

Indo-Amerisoft, L.L.C.

J & M Marine & Industrial LLC

J&M Associates of Mississippi, Inc.

Law Offices of Malvern C. Burnett

Signal International, Inc.

Other

Billy R. Wilks

Kurella Rao

Malvern C. Burnett

Michael Pol

Sachin Dewan

Facility Type(s):

Non-government for-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1981

42 U.S.C. § 1985

State law

Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), 18 U.S.C. § 1589

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Texas 1:13-cv-00324

District of Delaware 15-11498

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Non-settlement Outcome

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Amount Defendant Pays: 5,000,000

Issues

General/Misc.:

Bathing and hygiene

Fines/Fees/Bail/Bond

Food service / nutrition / hydration

Housing

Loss or damage to property

Racial segregation

Retaliation

Sanitation / living conditions

Totality of conditions

Discrimination Area:

Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc.)

Discipline

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Pay / Benefits

Discrimination Basis:

Immigration status

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Indian

Affected Race(s):

Asian/Pacific Islander

Immigration/Border:

Employer sanctions

Employment

Immigration lawyers

Temporary foreign workers program

U.S. citizenship - acquiring

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Joseph v. Signal International, LLC, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/14389/ (last updated 12/2/2017).

Case: Joseph v. Signal International, LLC

1:13-cv-00324 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Case Summary

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People

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Docket

Case Details