Case: Seitz v. Allegheny County

2:16-cv-01879 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Filed Date: Dec. 19, 2016

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On December 19, 2016, five pregnant women in Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) brought this suit against Allegheny County and jail officers in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Suing under § 1983, they alleged violations of their Eighth Amendment rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment and their Fourteenth Amendment right to notice and opportunity to be heard via the Due Process Clause. Represented by the ACLU of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Institutiona…

On December 19, 2016, five pregnant women in Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) brought this suit against Allegheny County and jail officers in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Suing under § 1983, they alleged violations of their Eighth Amendment rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment and their Fourteenth Amendment right to notice and opportunity to be heard via the Due Process Clause. Represented by the ACLU of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, the Abolitionist Law Center, and private counsel, the plaintiffs requested declaratory and injunctive relief, equitable damages, and attorneys' fees and costs.

These plaintiffs alleged that they were subject to solitary confinement for up to 24 hours per day for minor rule infractions. For example, one plaintiff was subjected to solitary confinement because she had three pairs of shoes when she was only allowed two. While in solitary confinement, the plaintiffs alleged that they were not given an opportunity to shower or exercise, and that they were not allowed any recreational materials such as books, papers, pens, or magazines. Finally, the amount of time spent in solitary confinement ranged from six to twenty-two days. The plaintiffs also alleged that they were not receiving the proper pre-natal nutrition. The plaintiffs stated that because of the lack of nutrition, they were forced to supplement meals with food purchased from the commissary and, moreover, feared for the health of their fetuses. the plaintiffs explained that this was especially problematic for those inmates. This concern was especially problematic for pregnant women placed in solitary confinement.

On February 14, 2017 the plaintiffs sought class certification on behalf of all women at ACJ now, and in the future, who were pregnant or post partum. The suit was referred to a magistrate for mediation on May 15, 2017. That mediation was scheduled for July 7, 2017.

On November 8, 2017 the parties reached a settlement. The agreement stipulated that for three years, Allegheny County jail would provide plaintiffs' counsel with a list of pregnant women detained or incarcerated upon plaintiffs' counsel's request. Additionally, the Allegheny County jail would provide plaintiffs' counsel with quarterly discovery: copies of documents related to the placement of any pregnant women in restrictive housing, and the total number of misconducts and informal resolutions issued to pregnant women resulting in loss of privileges.

Additionally, the agreement stipulated that Allegheny County jail would adopt a new policy that would require the jail to provide counseling, health assessments, and adequate nutrition and supplements to pregnant women, women post partum, and lactating women in the jail. The new policy required that pregnant women be seen by a qualified healthcare professional at least once per month, and that medical care will be provided regardless of the woman's disciplinary status. The new policy also required that women who qualify receive the pregnant/nursing diet regardless of where they are housed in the jail. The new policy further required that pregnant women receive the opportunity to exercise for at least two hours per day and that women be given access to showers and hygiene supplies.

The case was voluntarily dismissed as a result of the settlement agreement on November 15, 2017. The court retains jurisdiction to enforce the settlement until November 2020.

Summary Authors

Cianan Lesley (2/24/2019)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7110239/parties/seitz-v-allegheny-county/


Judge(s)

Eddy, Cynthia Reed (Pennsylvania)

Lenihan, Lisa Pupo (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Fawcett, David B. (Pennsylvania)

Grote, Bret D. (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant

Bacharach, John A. (Pennsylvania)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2:16-cv-01879

Docket [PACER]

Nov. 15, 2017

Nov. 15, 2017

Docket
1

2:16-cv-01879

Class Action Complaint

Seitz, Tuzlic, Depasse, Hendricks, and Day v. Allegheny County

Dec. 19, 2016

Dec. 19, 2016

Complaint
43

2:16-cv-01879

Stipulated Order of Dismissal & Settlement Agreement Between Plaintiffs and Allegheny County

Nov. 9, 2017

Nov. 9, 2017

Settlement Agreement
46

2:16-cv-01879

Stipulated Order of Dismissal

Nov. 15, 2017

Nov. 15, 2017

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/7110239/seitz-v-allegheny-county/

Last updated Feb. 6, 2025, 5:51 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link

Summons Issued

Dec. 19, 2016

Dec. 19, 2016

PACER

Summons Issued

Dec. 19, 2016

Dec. 19, 2016

PACER
1

Complaint

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Exhibit A

View on PACER

3 Summons Allegheny County

View on PACER

4 Summons Orlando Harper

View on PACER

5 Summons Simon Wainwright

View on PACER

6 Summons Monica Long

View on PACER

7 Summons Jesse Andrasckik

View on PACER

Dec. 19, 2016

Dec. 19, 2016

PACER
1

Complaint

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Exhibit A

View on PACER

3 Summons Allegheny County

View on PACER

4 Summons Orlando Harper

View on PACER

5 Summons Simon Wainwright

View on PACER

6 Summons Monica Long

View on PACER

7 Summons Jesse Andrasckik

View on PACER

Dec. 19, 2016

Dec. 19, 2016

PACER
2

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
2

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
3

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
3

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
4

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
4

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
5

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
5

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
6

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
6

Waiver of Service Executed

Dec. 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

PACER
7

Notice of Appearance

Jan. 11, 2017

Jan. 11, 2017

PACER
7

Notice of Appearance

Jan. 11, 2017

Jan. 11, 2017

PACER
8

Motion to Certify Class

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 14, 2017

Feb. 14, 2017

PACER
8

Motion to Certify Class

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 14, 2017

Feb. 14, 2017

PACER
9

Brief in Support of Motion

Feb. 14, 2017

Feb. 14, 2017

PACER
9

Brief in Support of Motion

Feb. 14, 2017

Feb. 14, 2017

PACER
10

Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER
10

Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Deadlines AND Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Deadlines AND Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Hearings AND Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Hearings AND Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER
11

Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER
11

Order

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER
12

Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER
12

Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Feb. 15, 2017

Feb. 15, 2017

PACER
13

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer

Feb. 16, 2017

Feb. 16, 2017

PACER
13

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer

Feb. 16, 2017

Feb. 16, 2017

PACER
14

Consent to Trial/Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge OR District Judge Option

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER
14

Consent to Trial/Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge OR District Judge Option

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Hearings AND Order

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Hearings AND Order

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER
15

Consent to Trial/Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge OR District Judge Option

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER
15

Consent to Trial/Jurisdiction by US Magistrate Judge OR District Judge Option

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER
16

Order

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER
16

Order

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

PACER
17

Status Conference

Feb. 23, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

PACER
17

Status Conference

Feb. 23, 2017

Feb. 23, 2017

PACER
18

Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

March 14, 2017

March 14, 2017

PACER
18

Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

March 14, 2017

March 14, 2017

PACER
19

Proposed Order

March 14, 2017

March 14, 2017

PACER
19

Proposed Order

March 14, 2017

March 14, 2017

PACER
20

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

March 15, 2017

March 15, 2017

PACER
20

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

March 15, 2017

March 15, 2017

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

March 15, 2017

March 15, 2017

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

March 15, 2017

March 15, 2017

PACER
21

Order

March 30, 2017

March 30, 2017

PACER
21

Order

March 30, 2017

March 30, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Hearings AND Order

March 30, 2017

March 30, 2017

PACER

~Util - Set Hearings AND Order

March 30, 2017

March 30, 2017

PACER
22

Status Conference

April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017

PACER
22

Status Conference

April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017

PACER
23

Report of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting

May 9, 2017

May 9, 2017

PACER
23

Report of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting

May 9, 2017

May 9, 2017

PACER
24

Status Conference

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER
24

Status Conference

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER

Order on Motion to Certify Class

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER

Order on Motion to Certify Class

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER
25

Order on Motion to Certify Class

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER
25

Order on Motion to Certify Class

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER
26

Case Management Order

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER
26

Case Management Order

May 12, 2017

May 12, 2017

PACER
27

Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge

May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017

PACER
27

Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge

May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017

PACER

Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge

May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017

PACER

Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge

May 15, 2017

May 15, 2017

PACER
28

Order

June 9, 2017

June 9, 2017

PACER
28

Order

June 9, 2017

June 9, 2017

PACER
29

Telephone Conference

July 5, 2017

July 5, 2017

PACER
29

Telephone Conference

July 5, 2017

July 5, 2017

PACER
30

Settlement Conference

July 10, 2017

July 10, 2017

PACER
30

Settlement Conference

July 10, 2017

July 10, 2017

PACER
31

Order

July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017

PACER
31

Order

July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017

PACER

1 - Terminate Hearings AND Order

July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017

PACER

1 - Terminate Hearings AND Order

July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017

PACER
32

Settlement Conference

July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017

PACER
32

Settlement Conference

July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017

PACER
33

Order

July 27, 2017

July 27, 2017

PACER
33

Order

July 27, 2017

July 27, 2017

PACER

Order

July 27, 2017

July 27, 2017

PACER

Order

July 27, 2017

July 27, 2017

PACER
34

Telephone Conference

Aug. 4, 2017

Aug. 4, 2017

PACER
34

Telephone Conference

Aug. 4, 2017

Aug. 4, 2017

PACER
35

Settlement Conference

Aug. 23, 2017

Aug. 23, 2017

PACER
35

Settlement Conference

Aug. 23, 2017

Aug. 23, 2017

PACER
36

Order

Aug. 24, 2017

Aug. 24, 2017

PACER
36

Order

Aug. 24, 2017

Aug. 24, 2017

PACER

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

Aug. 24, 2017

Aug. 24, 2017

PACER

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

Aug. 24, 2017

Aug. 24, 2017

PACER
37

Motion to Continue

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Aug. 25, 2017

Aug. 25, 2017

PACER
37

Motion to Continue

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Aug. 25, 2017

Aug. 25, 2017

PACER
38

Order on Motion to Continue

Aug. 28, 2017

Aug. 28, 2017

PACER
38

Order on Motion to Continue

Aug. 28, 2017

Aug. 28, 2017

PACER

Order on Motion to Continue

Aug. 28, 2017

Aug. 28, 2017

PACER

Order on Motion to Continue

Aug. 28, 2017

Aug. 28, 2017

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Pennsylvania

Case Type(s):

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Solitary confinement

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 19, 2016

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Five pregnant women at Allegheny County Jail who were subject to solitary confinement conditions and allegedly poor nutrition.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Abolitionist Law Center

Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Mooted before ruling

Defendants

Allegheny County, County

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Required disclosure

Amount Defendant Pays: $90,000

Order Duration: 2017 - 2020

Issues

General/Misc.:

Bathing and hygiene

Conditions of confinement

Disciplinary procedures

Food service / nutrition / hydration

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Female

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Grievance procedures

Recreation / Exercise

Solitary confinement/Supermax (conditions or process)

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medical care, general