Case: Cummings v. Premier Rehab, P.L.L.C.

4:18-cv-00649 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Filed Date: Aug. 7, 2018

Closed Date: April 28, 2022

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

An individual plaintiff brought this suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on August 7, 2018, against a physical therapy provider who declined to provide the plaintiff with an ASL interpreter. The complaint alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Texas Human Resources Code. The plaintiff sought injunctive relief and damages for the emotional distress she ex…

An individual plaintiff brought this suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on August 7, 2018, against a physical therapy provider who declined to provide the plaintiff with an ASL interpreter. The complaint alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Texas Human Resources Code. The plaintiff sought injunctive relief and damages for the emotional distress she experienced from not being able to receive treatment. The case was assigned to Judge John McBryde.

The defendant filed a motion to dismiss on November 16, 2018 for lack of standing and failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Judge McBryde granted the motion to dismiss on January 16, 2019 , finding that while the plaintiff had standing, damages for emotional distress were unrecoverable under the causes of action the plaintiff relied on. The court held that damages generally were not recoverable under Title III of the ADA and that emotional distress damages were unavailable under the Rehabilitation Act and ACA. 2019 WL 227411.

The plaintiff appealed to the Fifth Circuit on February 6, 2019  to review the issue of availability of emotional distress damages under the Rehabilitation Act and ACA. Writing for the court, Judge Edith Brown Clement affirmed the district court’s decision on January 24, 2020 and ordered the plaintiff to pay the defendant the costs on appeal. The court analogized the issues in the case to contract law and held that since emotional distress damages, like punitive damages, were traditionally unavailable in breach-of-contract actions, the defendant was not on notice that they could be liable for such damages. 948 F.3d 673 (5th Cir. 2020).

The Supreme Court granted certiorari on July 2, 2021 and heard oral argument on November 30, 2021. Chief Justice Roberts issued the opinion of the Court on April 28, 2022. The Court affirmed the lower courts and held that while the federal statutes the plaintiff relied on had an implied cause of action, funding recipients were not on notice that by accepting federal funding they were exposing themselves to liability for emotional distress claims since this relief was typically not available under contract law. Federal funding recipients therefore had not consented to be subject to such damages. 142 S.Ct. 1562. The plaintiff filed a petition for rehearing, which the Court denied on June 21, 2022.

This case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Robin Peterson (5/23/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/8507775/parties/cummings-v-premier-rehab-pllc/


Judge(s)

McBryde, John H. (Texas)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Jr, Thomas S (Texas)

Mahan, Grace Caroline (Texas)

Rozynski, Andrew (Texas)

Attorney for Defendant

Bradley, Brian Scott (Texas)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

4:18-cv-00649

Complaint

Aug. 7, 2018

Aug. 7, 2018

Complaint
11

4:18-cv-00649

Amended Complaint

Oct. 25, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

Complaint

4:18-cv-00649

Memorandum Opinion and Order

Jan. 16, 2019

Jan. 16, 2019

Order/Opinion

2019 WL 2019

19-10169

Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Jan. 24, 2020

Jan. 24, 2020

Order/Opinion

948 F.3d 948

20-00219

Opinion

Supreme Court of the United States

April 28, 2022

April 28, 2022

Order/Opinion

596 U.S. 596

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/8507775/cummings-v-premier-rehab-pllc/

Last updated March 9, 2024, 3:12 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND against Premier Rehab, P.L.L.C. filed by Jane Cummings. (Filing fee $400; Receipt number 0539-9367166) Clerk to issue summons(es). In each Notice of Electronic Filing, the judge assignment is indicated, and a link to the Judges Copy Requirements is provided. The court reminds the filer that any required copy of this and future documents must be delivered to the judge, in the manner prescribed, within three business days of filing. Unless exempted, attorneys who are not admitted to practice in the Northern District of Texas must seek admission promptly. Forms, instructions, and exemption information may be found at www.txnd.uscourts.gov, or by clicking here: Attorney Information - Bar Membership. If admission requirements are not satisfied within 21 days, the clerk will notify the presiding judge. (Attachments: # 1 Cover Sheet) (Mahan, Grace) (Entered: 08/07/2018)

1 Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Aug. 7, 2018

Aug. 7, 2018

Clearinghouse
2

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PERSONS/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Jane Cummings. (Mahan, Grace) (Entered: 08/07/2018)

Aug. 7, 2018

Aug. 7, 2018

RECAP
3

New Case Notes: A filing fee has been paid. File to Judge McBryde. Pursuant to Misc. Order 6, Plaintiff is provided the Notice of Right to Consent to Proceed Before A U.S. Magistrate Judge. Clerk to provide copy to plaintiff if not received electronically. (bdb) (Entered: 08/08/2018)

Aug. 7, 2018

Aug. 7, 2018

PACER
4

Standing ORDER Concerning Paper Filing in Cases Assigned to District Judge John McBryde...see order for specifics. (Ordered by Judge John McBryde on 8/7/2018) (bdb) (Entered: 08/08/2018)

Aug. 7, 2018

Aug. 7, 2018

PACER
5

Summons Issued as to Premier Rehab, P.L.L.C. (bdb) (Entered: 08/08/2018)

Aug. 8, 2018

Aug. 8, 2018

PACER
6

Judge McBryde's paper original and copy of 2 Cert. Of Interested Persons/Disclosure Statement, 1 Complaint received pursuant to standing order. (Attachments: # 1 COIP) (bdb) (Entered: 08/09/2018)

Aug. 9, 2018

Aug. 9, 2018

PACER
7

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Andrew Rozynski on behalf of Jane Cummings. (bdb) (Entered: 09/20/2018)

Sept. 19, 2018

Sept. 19, 2018

PACER
8

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney filed by Jane Cummings. (bdb) (Entered: 09/24/2018)

Sept. 21, 2018

Sept. 21, 2018

PACER
9

ORDER: The court ORDERS that Mahan's 8 motion to withdraw be, and is hereby, granted; that Mahan be, and is hereby, withdrawn as counsel for plaintiff; and that plaintiff continue to be represented by Andrew Rozynski. The court further ORDERS that by October 5, 2018, plaintiff file an appropriate designation of local counsel pursuant to Local Civil Rule LR 83.10 of the Rules of this court. (Ordered by Judge John McBryde on 9/24/2018) (tln) (Entered: 09/24/2018)

Sept. 24, 2018

Sept. 24, 2018

PACER
10

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE OF LOCAL COUNSEL by Thomas S Brandon, Jr on behalf of Jane Cummings. (tln) (Entered: 10/04/2018)

Oct. 4, 2018

Oct. 4, 2018

PACER
11

AMENDED COMPLAINT WITH JURY DEMAND against Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. filed by Jane Cummings. Unless exempted, attorneys who are not admitted to practice in the Northern District of Texas must seek admission promptly. Forms, instructions, and exemption information may be found at www.txnd.uscourts.gov, or by clicking here: Attorney Information - Bar Membership. If admission requirements are not satisfied within 21 days, the clerk will notify the presiding judge. (tln) (Entered: 10/25/2018)

Oct. 25, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

Clearinghouse
12

Summons Issued as to Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. (tln) (Entered: 10/25/2018)

Oct. 25, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

PACER
13

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C.; served on 10/26/2018. (tln) (Entered: 10/29/2018)

Oct. 29, 2018

Oct. 29, 2018

PACER
14

MOTION TO DISMISS PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT (DOCKET NO. 11 ) FOR LACK OF SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION AND FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM AND BRIEF IN SUPPORT filed by Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. (tln) (Entered: 11/16/2018)

Nov. 16, 2018

Nov. 16, 2018

RECAP
15

RESPONSE and Brief in Opposition filed by Jane Cummings re: 14 Motion to Dismiss. (tln) (Entered: 12/06/2018)

Dec. 6, 2018

Dec. 6, 2018

RECAP
16

MEMORANDUM OPINION and ORDER: The court ORDERS that Premier's 14 motion to dismiss be, and is hereby, granted, and Cummings's claims in the above-captioned action be, and are hereby, dismissed. (Ordered by Senior Judge John McBryde on 1/16/2019) (bdb) (Entered: 01/16/2019)

Jan. 16, 2019

Jan. 16, 2019

RECAP
17

FINAL JUDGMENT: The court ORDERS, ADJUDGES, and DECREES that the claims of plaintiff, Jane Cummings, against defendant, Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. d/b/a/ Premier Rehab, P.L.L.C., be, and are hereby, dismissed with prejudice. (Ordered by Senior Judge John McBryde on 1/16/2019) (bdb) (Entered: 01/16/2019)

Jan. 16, 2019

Jan. 16, 2019

PACER
18

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 17 Judgment, 16 Memorandum Opinion and Order, to the Fifth Circuit by Jane Cummings. T.O. form to appellant electronically at Transcript Order Form or US Mail as appropriate. Copy of NOA to be sent US Mail to parties not electronically noticed. IMPORTANT ACTION REQUIRED: Provide an electronic copy of any exhibit you offered during a hearing or trial that was admitted into evidence to the clerk of the district court within 14 days of the date of this notice. Copies must be transmitted as PDF attachments through ECF by all ECF Users or delivered to the clerk on a CD by all non-ECF Users. See detailed instructions here. (Exception: This requirement does not apply to a pro se prisoner litigant.) Please note that if original exhibits are in your possession, you must maintain them through final disposition of the case. (tle) (Entered: 02/06/2019)

Feb. 6, 2019

Feb. 6, 2019

PACER

ADI Receipt Entry

Feb. 13, 2019

Feb. 13, 2019

PACER

Confirmation of receipt of payment from Whitaker Chalk Swindle in the amount of $505.00. Transaction posted on 2/12/2019. Receipt number FW032171 processed by em. (ali) Lifted restriction on 2/13/2019 (ali).

Feb. 13, 2019

Feb. 13, 2019

PACER

USCA Case Number

Feb. 13, 2019

Feb. 13, 2019

PACER

USCA Case Number 19-10169 in United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit for 18 Notice of Appeal, filed by Jane Cummings. (tle)

Feb. 13, 2019

Feb. 13, 2019

PACER

Appeal Record Certified/Transmitted

March 8, 2019

March 8, 2019

PACER

Record on Appeal for USCA5 19-10169 (related to 18 appeal): Record consisting of: 1 ECF electronic record on appeal (eROA) is certified,. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Licensed attorneys must have filed an appearance in the USCA5 case and be registered for electronic filing in the USCA5 to access the paginated eROA in the USCA5 ECF system. (Take these steps immediately if you have not already done so. Once you have filed the notice of appearance and/or USCA5 ECF registration, it may take up to 3 business days for the circuit to notify the district clerk that we may grant you access to the eROA in the USCA5 ECF system.) To access the paginated record, log in to the USCA5 ECF system, and under the Utilities menu, select Electronic Record on Appeal. Pro se litigants may request a copy of the record by contacting the appeals deputy in advance to arrange delivery. (tle)

March 8, 2019

March 8, 2019

PACER

Notice (Other)

May 21, 2019

May 21, 2019

PACER

APPEARANCE FORM FILED at USCA5 by Attorney Brian Scott Bradley for Appellee Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. in 19-10169. Access to the EROA has been granted. (tle)

May 21, 2019

May 21, 2019

PACER
19

Record on Appeal for USCA5 19-10169 (related to 18 appeal): Record consisting of: 1 Volume(s) ECF electronic record on appeal (eROA), transmitted to USCA5. Shipped: Fed-Ex Tracking No.7755026238250 (tle) (Entered: 06/18/2019)

June 18, 2019

June 18, 2019

PACER
20

ORDER of USCA No. 19-10169 as to 18 Notice of Appeal, filed by Jane Cummings. IT IS ORDERED that the unopposed motion of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Incorporated, National Center for Youth Law, and Texas State Conference of NAACP Branches for leave to file brief as amicus curiae is GRANTED. (tle) (Entered: 03/16/2020)

March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020

PACER
21

Received letter from United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit No. 19-10169. Enclosed is an order entered in this case. (tle) (Entered: 03/16/2020)

March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020

PACER
22

ORDER of USCA No. 19-10169 as to 18 Notice of Appeal, filed by Jane Cummings. IT IS ORDERED that the unopposed motion of Disability Rights Texas, AARP, AARP Foundation, Center for Public Representation, Disability Rights Louisiana, and National Disability Rights Network, for leave to file brief as amicus curiae is GRANTED. (tle) (Entered: 03/16/2020)

March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020

PACER
23

Received letter from United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit No. 19-10169. Enclosed is an order entered in this case. (tle) (Entered: 03/16/2020)

March 16, 2020

March 16, 2020

PACER

APPEARANCE FORM FILED at USCA5 by Attorney Jason Paul Steed for Amicus Curiae Texas State Conference of NAACP Branches in 19-10169, Attorney Jason Paul Steed for Amicus Curiae National Center for Youth Law in 19-10169, Attorney Jason Paul Steed for Amicus Curiae Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Incorporated in 19-10169 Sufficient Brief deadline satisfied [19-10169]. Access to the EROA has been granted. (tle)

March 17, 2020

March 17, 2020

PACER

APPEARANCE FORM FILED at USCA5 by Attorney Claudia Center for Amicus Curiae Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in 19-10169, Attorney Claudia Center. Access to the electronic record has been granted. (tle)

March 23, 2020

March 23, 2020

PACER
24

JUDGMENT/MANDATE of USCA No. 19-10169 as to 18 Notice of Appeal, filed by Jane Cummings. It is ordered and adjudged that the judgment of the District Court is affirmed...IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that appellant pay to appellee the costs on appeal to be taxed by the Clerk of this Court. Issued as Mandate: 4/1/2020. (tle) (Entered: 04/01/2020)

April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020

PACER
25

Opinion of USCA No.19-10169 in accordance with USCA judgment re 18 Notice of Appeal, filed by Jane Cummings.We AFFIRM the district courts judgment. Because emotional distress damages are not available under the RA or the ACA, we AFFIRM the district courts dismissal of Cummingss claims. (tle) (Entered: 04/01/2020)

April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020

PACER
26

Received letter from United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit No. 19-10169. Enclosed is a copy of the judgment issued as the mandate and a copy of the court's opinion. Record/original papers/exhibits to be returned. (tle) (Entered: 04/01/2020)

April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 7, 2018

Closing Date: April 28, 2022

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Individual plaintiff with visual and hearing disabilities.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Premier Rehab, P.L.L.C., Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Any published opinion

U.S. Supreme Court merits opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Nature of Relief:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

Disability and Disability Rights:

Reasonable Accommodations

Hearing impairment

Visual impairment

Discrimination-basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Medical/Mental Health:

Medical care, general

Type of Facility:

Non-government for-profit