Case: Baker v. Campbell

4:03-cv-01114 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

Filed Date: May 13, 2003

Closed Date: 2004

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 13, 2003, a group of prisoners filed a 42 U.S.C. §1983 class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in order to challenge the constitutional adequacy of medical care provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), Naphcare, Inc., and St. Clair Correctional Facility (St. Clair) to inmates housed at St. Clair. Plaintiffs requested declaratory and injunctive relief as well as class certification.On May 23, 2003, Plaintiffs filed a motion fo…

On May 13, 2003, a group of prisoners filed a 42 U.S.C. §1983 class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in order to challenge the constitutional adequacy of medical care provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), Naphcare, Inc., and St. Clair Correctional Facility (St. Clair) to inmates housed at St. Clair. Plaintiffs requested declaratory and injunctive relief as well as class certification.

On May 23, 2003, Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction. On June 26, 2003, the parties entered into a court-enforceable "Preliminary Injunction Settlement Agreement" in order to resolve Plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction. The agreement provided that Defendants would, without admitting liability, work to cure any existing violation of federal rights by: (a) hiring and maintaining additional staff, (b) timely providing all necessary medical treatment, and (c) keeping Plaintiffs' counsel apprised of efforts to engage in good faith compliance with the agreement. The parties also provided that the agreement would terminate upon final resolution of the case.

On March 18, 2004, the District Court (Chief Judge U.W. Clemon) issued an order granting Defendant Naphcare's Motion to be dismissed from the suit on grounds that Naphcare no longer provided medical services to inmates of Alabama correctional facilities. The court ordered that the case proceed against the remaining Defendants.

On June 2, 2004, the parties entered into a Settlement Agreement in order to resolve the litigation. The agreement provided for the certification of a plaintiff-class (consisting of "all present and future inmates who are or will be incarcerated at St. Clair Correctional Facility and who are in need of medical care") for purposes of settlement only. Defendants agreed to undertake a number of reform efforts elaborated in a separate "Agreement of Experts", including: (a) providing adequate and timely medical treatment, (b) providing adequate levels and types of staffing, (c) developing and implementing performance measures, and (d) adopting an oversight and quality management program.

The Settlement Agreement also required Defendants to undertake specific courses of care and treatment for four of the named plaintiffs.

To ensure Defendants' compliance, the agreement further provided for the appointment of an independent consultant charged with overseeing the implementation of the agreement. The consultant was required to periodically visit and audit St. Clair during the period between July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2006, and to submit written reports to ADOC and Plaintiffs' counsel for the purpose of tracking Defendant ADOC's progress toward achieving "substantial compliance" with the terms of the Settlement Agreement.

The Settlement Agreement specified, however, that it was not a consent decree and was not enforceable in federal court. It provided that, in the event of non-compliance with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Plaintiffs would be entitled to enforce the agreement in state court only, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §3626(c)(2)(B). Alternatively, Plaintiffs would be entitled to bring a new action in federal court.

After notice of the proposed settlement was issued to the class, several individual class-members submitted their objections. Nevertheless, on August 31, 2004, after holding a fairness hearing, the District Court (Judge Clemon) approved the consent settlement and finally dismissed the case.

We have no further information on this case.

Summary Authors

Vidhya Reddy (2/26/2008)

People


Judge(s)

Clemon, U. W. (Alabama)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Brownstein, Rhonda C. (Alabama)

Bruner, Kelley McNair (Alabama)

Dees, Morris S. Jr. (Alabama)

Attorney for Defendant

Addison, William F. (Alabama)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:03-cv-01114

Docket [PACER]

Aug. 31, 2004

Aug. 31, 2004

Docket
1

4:03-cv-01114

Complaint

May 13, 2003

May 13, 2003

Complaint
5

4:03-cv-01114

Amended Complaint

May 23, 2003

May 23, 2003

Complaint
15

4:03-cv-01114

Preliminary Injunction Settlement Agreement

June 27, 2003

June 27, 2003

Settlement Agreement

4:03-cv-01114

Agreement of Experts [Exhibit]

Jan. 21, 2004

Jan. 21, 2004

Monitor/Expert/Receiver Report
35

4:03-cv-01114

Order Granting Motion to Dismiss [Defendant NAPHCARE]

March 19, 2004

March 19, 2004

Order/Opinion

4:03-cv-01114

Settlement Agreement

June 2, 2004

June 2, 2004

Settlement Agreement

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 15, 2024, 3 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT filed (DWC) (Entered: 05/14/2003)

May 13, 2003

May 13, 2003

Clearinghouse

SUMMONS and complaint issued returned to pla (DWC) (Entered: 05/14/2003)

May 13, 2003

May 13, 2003

2

SUMMONS and complaint returned executed: upon dfts Donal Campbell, Ralph Hooks, NAPHCARE, Inc on 5/13/03 filed (DWC) (Entered: 05/14/2003)

May 14, 2003

May 14, 2003

3

MOTION by plas for preliminary injunction , for expedited discovery , for expedited hearing w/exhs atta filed cs (DWC) (Entered: 05/28/2003)

May 23, 2003

May 23, 2003

4

MOTION by plas for class certification w/exhs atta filed cs (DWC) (Entered: 05/28/2003)

May 23, 2003

May 23, 2003

5

AMENDED complaint filed by plas [1-1]; adding plas Anthony Cable, James Freeman, Bruce Strickland, Roosevelt Youngblood filed cs (DWC) Modified on 05/28/2003 (Entered: 05/28/2003)

May 23, 2003

May 23, 2003

Clearinghouse
6

OBJECTIONS by misc Ernest Hubbard to class certification on behalf of absent class member engaged in pending cases [4-1] filed cs (DWC) (Entered: 06/03/2003)

June 2, 2003

June 2, 2003

7

OBJECTIONS by misc Terry Little to motion for class certification [4-1] filed cs (DWC) (Entered: 06/09/2003)

June 6, 2003

June 6, 2003

8

MOTION by defendant NAPHCARE, Inc to dismiss claims against Naphcare , or to stay all proceedings with memo in support thereon filed cs (MAA) (Entered: 06/13/2003)

June 12, 2003

June 12, 2003

9

ORDER, ; In-court hearing set for 10:00 am 7/1/03 Courthouse, Bham, AL; parties to exchange witness lists by 6/25/03 filed ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (DWC) (Entered: 06/19/2003)

June 19, 2003

June 19, 2003

10

ORDER, granting pla's motion for expedited discovery [3-2], certain documents as listed are to be made available to the plas for inspection & copying not later than 6/25/03;when documents have been provided, the plas' expert pertmitted to tour the med facilities at St Clair Corr Fac, review documents as set out & meet w/ designated inmates including plas filed ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (DWC) (Entered: 06/20/2003)

June 20, 2003

June 20, 2003

11

MOTION by dft NAPHCARE, Inc to dismiss all claims against dft NAPHCARE , or in the alternative to stay all proceedings against dft NAPHCARE filed cs (DWC) (Entered: 06/23/2003)

June 20, 2003

June 20, 2003

12

ORDER (WritHCadT) that Tony Dexter, James Freeman, Ted McGinnis, Darrell Mullins, Roosevelt Youngblood, Johnny Defriese appear before the USDC ALN 7/1/03 10:00am, Bham, AL filed ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (DWC) (Entered: 06/24/2003)

June 24, 2003

June 24, 2003

13

MOTION by defendant NAPHCARE, Inc to continue hearing on class certification filed cs (KAM) (Entered: 06/25/2003)

June 25, 2003

June 25, 2003

14

OPPOSITION by plas to dft NAPHCARE's motion to dismiss all claims against dft NAPHCARE [11-1], motion to stay all proceedings against dft NAPHCARE [11-2] filed cs (DWC) (Entered: 06/27/2003)

June 27, 2003

June 27, 2003

15

STIPULATION of parties of Preliminary Injunction Settlement Agreement filed (DWC) (Entered: 06/27/2003)

June 27, 2003

June 27, 2003

Clearinghouse
16

MOTION by potential class member, Terry Little, for judicial notice and intent to appeal with exh att, filed cs (Former Employee) (Entered: 06/30/2003)

June 30, 2003

June 30, 2003

17

MOTION by movant Alvin H Daniels, potential class member, for continuance of class certification and preliminary injunction hearing, and opp to class counsel, filed cs (Former Employee) Modified on 06/30/2003 (Entered: 06/30/2003)

June 30, 2003

June 30, 2003

18

11 - ORDER dft NAPHCARE's motion to dismiss all claims against dft or in the alternative motion to stay all proceedings against dft NAPHCARE is OVERRULED w/o prej [11-1] [11-2] ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (DWC) (Entered: 07/02/2003)

July 1, 2003

July 1, 2003

DOCKET modification (utility event), terminating motion to dismiss claims against Naphcare [8-1], terminating motion to stay all proceedings [8-2] pursuant to 7/1/03 Order doc 18 (DWC) (Entered: 07/02/2003)

July 1, 2003

July 1, 2003

19

17 - ORDER finding the motion for continuance of class certification and preliminary injunction hearing, [17-1] moot ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (DWC) (Entered: 07/02/2003)

July 1, 2003

July 1, 2003

20

13 - ORDER granting motion to continue hearing on class certification [13-1] ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (DWC) (Entered: 07/02/2003)

July 1, 2003

July 1, 2003

21

ORDER the parties' Preliminary Injunction Settlement Agreement is APPROVED [15-1] filed ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (DWC) (Entered: 07/02/2003)

July 2, 2003

July 2, 2003

23

ORDER (Scheduling) that the dates agreed to by the parties in their Planning Meeting are ADOPTED & binding on the parties; discovery cutoff 1/31/04 ; dispositive motions ddl 2/23/04 by Chief Judge U W. Clemon entered cm (DWC) (Entered: 08/11/2003)

Aug. 11, 2003

Aug. 11, 2003

24

ANSWER by dfts Donal Campbell, Ralph Hooks w/appear by atty(s) Andrew W Redd filed cs (DWC) (Entered: 08/12/2003)

Aug. 12, 2003

Aug. 12, 2003

25

ANSWER by defendant NAPHCARE, Inc filed cs (DRR) Modified on 08/13/2003 (Entered: 08/13/2003)

Aug. 13, 2003

Aug. 13, 2003

26

MOTION by defendant NAPHCARE, Inc to dismiss all claims against Naphcare filed cs (KWC) (Entered: 10/23/2003)

Oct. 23, 2003

Oct. 23, 2003

27

RESPONSE by plaintiffs to Naphcare's motion to dismiss all claims against Naphcare [26-1] filed cs (KWC) (Entered: 11/07/2003)

Nov. 7, 2003

Nov. 7, 2003

28

REPLY by defendant NAPHCARE, Inc to plas' response [27-1] to Naphcare's motion to dismiss filed cs (KWC) (Entered: 11/18/2003)

Nov. 17, 2003

Nov. 17, 2003

29

Joint MOTION by plaintiff, defendant to revise scheduling order to submit expert report on 02/28/04, to extend disc until 03/31/04, and move all other ddls accordingly filed cs (KWC) (Entered: 02/19/2004)

Feb. 19, 2004

Feb. 19, 2004

30

29 - ORDER granting motion to revise scheduling order [29-1] ; dfts to submit expert report on 02/28/04; Discovery cutoff 3/31/04 ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (KWC) (Entered: 02/24/2004)

Feb. 24, 2004

Feb. 24, 2004

31

STIPULATION of parties regarding release of health information filed cs (MAA) (Entered: 02/26/2004)

Feb. 26, 2004

Feb. 26, 2004

REMARK -order doc #30 returned by USPS as to Ernest Hubbard marked "unclaimed - deceased" (KWC) (Entered: 03/03/2004)

March 3, 2004

March 3, 2004

32

16 - ORDER overruling without prejudice motion for judicial notice and intent to appeal [16-1] ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (KWC) (Entered: 03/11/2004)

March 10, 2004

March 10, 2004

33

3 - ORDER finding the motion for preliminary injunction [3-1] moot, finding the motion for expedited discovery [3-2] moot, finding the motion for expedited hearing [3-3] moot ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (KWC) (Entered: 03/11/2004)

March 10, 2004

March 10, 2004

34

4 - ORDER overruling without prejudice plas' motion for class certification [4-1] ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (KWC) (Entered: 03/11/2004)

March 10, 2004

March 10, 2004

35

ORDER granting motion to dismiss all claims against Naphcare [26-1] without prejudice; case should proceed against remaining dfts filed ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (KWC) (Entered: 03/19/2004)

March 19, 2004

March 19, 2004

Clearinghouse

DOCKET modification (utility event) terminating party NAPHCARE, Inc per order doc #35 (KWC) (Entered: 03/19/2004)

March 19, 2004

March 19, 2004

36

NOTICE of parties settlement & mediation not necessary filed by plaintiff cs (SRJ) (Entered: 06/02/2004)

June 2, 2004

June 2, 2004

37

MOTION (JOINT) by plaintiffs & defendents for order approving attached settlement agreement and to approve attached notice to the class filed cs (SRJ) Additional attachment(s) added on 9/15/2005 (SRJ, ). (Entered: 06/02/2004)

June 2, 2004

June 2, 2004

38

37 - ORDER granting parties' joint motion for order to approve attached settlement agreement and to approve attached notice to the class [37-1] ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) entered cm (SRJ) (Entered: 06/07/2004)

June 4, 2004

June 4, 2004

39

OBJECTIONS to proposed medical care settlement by Montez McGowan filed (SRJ) (Entered: 06/15/2004)

June 14, 2004

June 14, 2004

40

OBJECTION to proposed medical care settlement by Samuel Williams at SCCF filed (SRJ) (Entered: 06/16/2004)

June 15, 2004

June 15, 2004

41

OBJECTION to proposed medical care settlement by James Edwards at St Clair Correctional Facility (SCCF) filed (SRJ) (Entered: 06/16/2004)

June 15, 2004

June 15, 2004

DOCKET modification (utility event) to dismiss movant party Ernest Hubbard pursuant to returned envelope recvd 06/15/04 from US Postmaster marked "Returned to Sender DECEASED" (SRJ) (Entered: 06/17/2004)

June 17, 2004

June 17, 2004

42

OBJECTIONS by James Van Noy of SCCF to proposed medical care settlement [37-1], [36-1] filed cs (SRJ) (Entered: 06/21/2004)

June 17, 2004

June 17, 2004

43

OBJECTIONS to Proposed Medical Care Settlement by inmate Michael Christianson deem filed 06/16/04 (SRJ) (Entered: 06/22/2004)

June 22, 2004

June 22, 2004

44

OBJECTIONS to Proposed Medical Care Settlement by inmate Anthony Crook deem filed 6/14/04 (SRJ) (Entered: 06/22/2004)

June 22, 2004

June 22, 2004

45

OBJECTIONS to Proposed Medical Care Settlement by Carl A Perry, Jr., filed cs (SRJ) (Entered: 06/22/2004)

June 22, 2004

June 22, 2004

46

OBJECTIONS to granting of joint motion for preliminary approval of proposed settlement agreement & court's approval of the motion for notice to the class by movant Alvin H Daniels to filed (SRJ) (Entered: 06/25/2004)

June 24, 2004

June 24, 2004

47

OBJECTIONS by Antonio Rudolph to Proposed Medical Care Settlement filed (SRJ) (Entered: 06/30/2004)

June 29, 2004

June 29, 2004

48

OBJECTION by George Brown, Jr., to Medical Care Settlement filed (SRJ) (Entered: 07/08/2004)

July 7, 2004

July 7, 2004

49

OBJECTION by Kevin McCarty to proposed Medical Care Settlement filed (SRJ) (Entered: 07/08/2004)

July 7, 2004

July 7, 2004

50

ORDER ; Fairness Hearing is hereby SET for Fri 8/27/04 2:00pm at Hugo Black Courthouse, Bham., AL filed (by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (SRJ) (Entered: 07/27/2004)

July 27, 2004

July 27, 2004

COURTROOM NOTES: FAIRNESS HEARING (UWC) - before the Honorable U. W. Clemo, CUSDJ - opening remarks of the court - testimony of plaintiffs - plaintiffs rest - no testimony by defendants - written order to be entered by the court - (Penny Enoch, rptr.) (DGS) (Entered: 08/27/2004)

Aug. 27, 2004

Aug. 27, 2004

52

ORDER APPROVING CONSENT SETTLEMENT; the Court hereby finds that the Proposed Settlement Agreement is FAIR, REASONABLE, and ADEQUATE; filed ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (SRJ) (Entered: 08/31/2004)

Aug. 31, 2004

Aug. 31, 2004

53

ORDER of DISMISSAL based on Court Approving Settlement Agreement [52-1]; Case is hereby DISMISSED without prejudice w/costs taxed as paid and satisfied, filed ( by Chief Judge U W. Clemon ) cm (SRJ) (Entered: 08/31/2004)

Aug. 31, 2004

Aug. 31, 2004

Case Details

State / Territory: Alabama

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 13, 2003

Closing Date: 2004

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All present and future inmates who are or will be incarcerated at St. Clair Correctional Facility and who are in need of medical care

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Southern Poverty Law Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

Naphcare, Inc., Private Entity/Person

Alabama Department of Corrections, State

St. Clair Correctional Facility, None

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief request withdrawn/mooted

Issues

Disability and Disability Rights:

Hearing impairment

Affected Sex or Gender:

Male

Medical/Mental Health:

Hepatitis

Medical care, general

Medication, administration of

Type of Facility:

Government-run