Opinion
21-CV-04445 (LTS)
02-09-2022
KEITH S. MORRIS, Plaintiff, v. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, et al., Defendants.
ORDER
LAURA TAYLOR SWAIN, Chief United States District Judge:
Plaintiff brought this complaint pro se, asserting claims in connection with (1) the failure of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs in 2017, to renew his license to act as a towing operator based on his criminal history; and (2) problems with his unemployment insurance and social security benefits. By order dated June 1, 2021, the Court held, among other things, that many of the federal defendants were immune from suit; that Plaintiff's claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 appeared to be time-barred; and that, if Plaintiff was seeking review of the denial of social security benefits, he had not alleged facts showing that he had exhausted his administrative remedies. The Court granted Plaintiff leave to amend his complaint within 60 days. On August 3, 2021, the Court dismissed the action for Plaintiff's failure to file an amended complaint and entered judgment. (ECF 7-8.)
On August 4, 2021, after the order of dismissal and judgment were entered, the Clerk docketed Plaintiff's letter, in which he asks for more time to file an amended complaint. (ECF 9.) Plaintiff also filed a notice of appeal. (ECF 10.)
The Court liberally construes Plaintiff's letter (ECF 9) as a motion to alter or amend the judgment, under Rule 59(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See Triestman v. Fed. Bureau of Prisons, 470 F.3d 471, 474 (2d Cir. 2006). For the following reasons, the Court grants the motion and directs the Clerk of Court to vacate the order of dismissal and judgment and reopen this matter. The Court directs Plaintiff to file an amended complaint, within 60 days of the date of this order, as set forth in the June 1, 2021, order to amend.
DISCUSSION
A. Motion for Reconsideration Under Rule 59(e)
The standards governing motions under Rule 59(e) and Local Civil Rule 6.3 are the same. R.F.M.A.S., Inc. v. Mimi So, 640 F.Supp.2d 506, 509 (S.D.N.Y. 2009). The movant must demonstrate that the Court overlooked “controlling law or factual matters” that had been previously put before it. Id. at 509 (discussion in the context of both Local Civil Rule 6.3 and Fed.R.Civ.P. 59(e)); see Padilla v. Maersk Line, Ltd., 636 F.Supp.2d 256, 258-59 (S.D.N.Y. 2009). “Such motions must be narrowly construed and strictly applied in order to discourage litigants from making repetitive arguments on issues that have been thoroughly considered by the court.” Range Road Music, Inc. v. Music Sales Corp., 90 F.Supp.2d 390, 391-92 (S.D.N.Y. 2000).
If a party files a timely motion under Rule 59(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or files a Rule 60 motion within 28 days of the entry date of the challenged judgment, see Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(4)(A)(iv), (vi), a notice of appeal does not become “effective” until after the district court rules on that motion, see Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(4)(B)(i). Here, Plaintiff's submission is timely as a Rule 59(e) motion, and the Court can therefore rule on the motion notwithstanding Plaintiff's subsequent filing of a notice of appeal.
In Plaintiff's Rule 59(e) motion, he sought more time to file his amended complaint because of his responsibilities caring for his elderly mother and his lack of legal expertise. (ECF 9.) Although Plaintiff's letter was not docketed until after the action was closed, the Court received it while this matter was still pending. Moreover, Plaintiff's application shows valid reasons why he needed more time to file an amended complaint. Accordingly, Plaintiff's motion under Rule 59(e) is granted, and the Court will vacate the order of dismissal and judgment and allow Plaintiff to amend his complaint.
B. Leave to Amend
As set forth in the June 2021 order to amend, Plaintiff cannot bring a claim for damages against Social Security Commissioner Saul or Administrative Law Judge Fuller, but the Social Security Act does permit claimants to seek review in federal court of a “final decision of the Commissioner of Social Security made after a hearing to which [the claimant] was party.” 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). To exhaust the administrative review process for a claim for social security benefits, a plaintiff must: (1) receive an initial determination concerning the computation of benefits; (2) seek reconsideration; (3) request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ); and (4) request that the Appeals Council review the ALJ's decision. 42 U.S.C. § 405(g); 20 C.F.R. § 404.900(a)(1)-(5). Once the Appeals Council issues a final decision, the plaintiff may seek review of the decision in a federal district court. The Court attaches to this order an amended complaint form for social security cases, for Plaintiff to use if he seeks review of a final decision of the Social Security Administration.
“[I]f . . . the [Appeals] Council denies the request for review, the ALJ's opinion becomes the final decision.” Sims v. Apfel, 530 U.S. 103, 107 (2000). “If a claimant fails to request review from the Council, there is no final decision and, as a result, no judicial review in most cases.” Id.
If Plaintiff seeks to assert a claim against an individual defendant, he must plead facts showing what each individual personally did or failed to do that violated his rights. If Plaintiff includes in his amended complaint his claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, arising from the 2017 denial of his towing license, he must also plead facts showing why the three-year limitations period did not bar his claim when he filed his original complaint on May 14, 2021, including any facts that would establish equitable tolling. A general amended complaint form is also attached to this order. Plaintiff's amended complaint will completely replace, not supplement, his original complaint.
Plaintiff may wish to contact the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) for assistance in drafting an amended complaint. An informational flyer provided by NYLAG is attached to this order.
CONCLUSION
The Court liberally construes Plaintiff's letter (ECF 9) as a motion to alter or amend the judgment, under Rule 59 (e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and grants the motion. The Court directs the Clerk of Court to vacate the order of dismissal and judgment (ECF 7-8) and reopen this matter.
The Court directs Plaintiff to file an amended complaint, within 60 days of the date of this order, as set forth in the June 1, 2021, order to amend. If Plaintiff chooses to file an amended complaint, it must be submitted to this Court's Pro Se Intake Unit within 60 days of the date of this order, captioned as an “Amended Complaint, ” and labeled with docket number 21-CV-4445 (LTS). An Amended Social Security Complaint form and a general Amended Complaint form, either of which Plaintiff could choose to use, are attached to this order. No summons will issue at this time.
If Plaintiff fails to comply within the time allowed, the complaint will be dismissed in its entirety for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
The Court certifies under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(3) that any appeal from this order would not be taken in good faith, and therefore in forma pauperis status is denied for the purpose of an appeal. Cf. Coppedge v. United States, 369 U.S. 438, 444-45 (1962) (holding that an appellant demonstrates good faith when he seeks review of a nonfrivolous issue).
The Clerk of Court is directed to mail a copy of this order to Plaintiff and note service on the docket.
SO ORDERED.
AMENDED COMPLAINT
Do you want a jury trial? [] Yes [] No
Write the full name of each defendant. If you need more space, please write “see attached” in the space above and attach an additional sheet of paper with the full list of names. The names listed above must be identical to those contained in Section II.
NOTICE
The public can access electronic court files. For privacy and security reasons, papers filed with the court should therefore not contain: an individual's full social security number or full birth date; the full name of a person known to be a minor; or a complete financial account number. A filing may include only: the last four digits of a social security number; the year of an individual's birth; a minor's initials; and the last four digits of a financial account number. See Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2.
I. BASIS FOR JURISDICTION
Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction (limited power). Generally, only two types of cases can be heard in federal court: cases involving a federal question and cases involving diversity of citizenship of the parties. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, a case arising under the United States Constitution or federal laws or treaties is a federal question case. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, a case in which a citizen of one State sues a citizen of another State or nation, and the amount in controversy is more than $75,000, is a diversity case. In a diversity case, no defendant may be a citizen of the same State as any plaintiff.
What is the basis for federal-court jurisdiction in your case?
[] Federal Question
[] Diversity of Citizenship
A. If you checked Federal Question
Which of your federal constitutional or federal statutory rights have been violated?
_________________
B. If you checked Diversity of Citizenship
1. Citizenship of the parties
Of what State is each party a citizen?
The plaintiff, _________________, is a citizen of the State of
(Plaintiff's name)
(State in which the person resides and intends to remain.)
or, if not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, a citizen or subject of the foreign state of .
If more than one plaintiff is named in the complaint, attach additional pages providing information for each additional plaintiff.
If the defendant is an individual:
The defendant, _________________, is a citizen of the State of
(Defendant's name)
_________________or, if not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, a citizen or subject of the foreign state of .
If the defendant is a corporation:
The defendant, _________________, is incorporated under the laws of the State of _________________ and has its principal place of business in the State of or is incorporated under the laws of (foreign state) _________________
and has its principal place of business in _________________.
If more than one defendant is named in the complaint, attach additional pages providing information for each additional defendant.
II. PARTIES
A. Plaintiff Information
Provide the following information for each plaintiff named in the complaint. Attach additional pages if needed.
B. Defendant Information
To the best of your ability, provide addresses where each defendant may be served. If the correct information is not provided, it could delay or prevent service of the complaint on the defendant. Make sure that the defendants listed below are the same as those listed in the caption. Attach additional pages if needed.
Defendant 1: _________________
Defendant 2: _________________
Defendant 3: _________________
Defendant 4: _________________
III. STATEMENT OF CLAIM
Place(s) of occurrence:
Date(s) of occurrence:
FACTS:
State here briefly the FACTS that support your case. Describe what happened, how you were harmed, and what each defendant personally did or failed to do that harmed you. Attach additional pages if needed.
INJURIES:
If you were injured as a result of these actions, describe your injuries and what medical treatment, if any, you required and received.
IV. RELIEF
State briefly what money damages or other relief you want the court to order.
V. PLAINTIFF'S CERTIFICATION AND WARNINGS
By signing below, I certify to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief that: (1) the complaint is not being presented for an improper purpose (such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation); (2) the claims are supported by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument to change existing law; (3) the factual contentions have evidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likely have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery; and (4) the complaint otherwise complies with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11.
I agree to notify the Clerk's Office in writing of any changes to my mailing address. I understand that my failure to keep a current address on file with the Clerk's Office may result in the dismissal of my case.
Each Plaintiff must sign and date the complaint. Attach additional pages if necessary. If seeking to proceed without prepayment of fees, each plaintiff must also submit an IFP application.
I have read the Pro Se (Nonprisoner) Consent to Receive Documents Electronically:
[] Yes [] No
If you do consent to receive documents electronically, submit the completed form with your complaint. If you do not consent, please do not attach the form.
AMENDED
COMPLAINT FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A FINAL DECISION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY
The plaintiff respectfully alleges:
1. This is an action under section 205(g) of the Social Security Act, 42 u.S.c. § 405(g), or section 1631(c)(3) of the Social Security Act, 42 u.S.c. § 1383(c)(3), for review of a final decision of the commissioner of Social Security.
2. This case is properly brought in the Southern District of New York because the plaintiff is a resident of the county of _________________ and the State of _________________
or (optional)
has a principal place of business in the county of _________________
and the State of _________________
3. The plaintiff's social security number is
4. The defendant is the commissioner of the Social Security Administration and has full power and responsibility over Social Security and Supplemental Security income benefit determinations under the Social Security Act.
5. The Social Security Administration issued an unfavorable decision regarding the plaintiff's application for, or eligibility to receive, benefits under Title XVi of the Social
Security Act (SSI - Supplemental Security Income) or Title II of the Social Security Act (Disability Insurance, Retirement, or Survivors benefits).
6. The plaintiff requested a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, a hearing was held, and the Administrative Law Judge issued a decision denying the plaintiff's claim, by decision dated (date of Administrative Law Judge decision) _________________
7. The plaintiff requested a review, and the Appeals Council denied the plaintiff's request, or otherwise issued an unfavorable decision, on (date of Appeals Council letter) _________________, making the Administrative
Law Judge's decision the “final decision” of the Commissioner, subject to judicial review under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) or § 1383(c)(3).
8. The plaintiff received the letter from the Appeals Council on (date of receipt of letter) _________________
IMPORTANT
Please attach a copy of the Appeals Council's letter to this complaint.
You may file this complaint even if you do not have the Appeals Council letter or cannot answer all of the questions, but you may be required later to provide the missing information.
9. The Commissioner's decision was not supported by substantial evidence in the record, or was based on legal error.
WHEREFORE, the plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court:
a) direct the defendant to appear before the Court;
b) order the defendant to submit a certified copy of the administrative record, including the evidence upon which the findings and decisions complained of are based;
c) upon such record, modify or reverse the decision of the defendant and grant the plaintiff maximum monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits as allowable under the Social Security Act; and d) grant such other relief as may be just and proper.
PLAINTIFF'S CERTIFICATION
By signing below, I certify to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief that: (1) the complaint is not being presented for an improper purpose (such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation); (2) the claims are supported by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument to change existing law; (3) the factual contentions have evidentiary support; and (4) the complaint otherwise complies with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11.
I agree to provide the Clerk's Office with any changes to my address. I understand that my failure to keep a current address on file with the Clerk's Office may result in the dismissal of my case.
You must sign and date the complaint. Attach additional pages if necessary. You must also either pay the filing fee or submit an application to proceed without prepayment of fees.
Telephone Number Email Address (if available)
I have read the attached Pro Se (Nonprisoner) Consent to Receive Documents Electronically:
[] Yes [] No
If you do consent to receive documents electronically, submit the completed form with your complaint. If you do not consent, please do not attach the form.
Pro Se (Nonprisoner) Consent to Receive Documents Electronically
Parties who are not represented by an attorney and are not currently incarcerated may choose to receive documents in their cases electronically (by e-mail) instead of by regular mail. Receiving documents by regular mail is still an option, but if you would rather receive them only electronically, you must do the following:
1. Sign up for a PACER login and password by contacting PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov or 1-800-676-6856;
2. Complete and sign this form.
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) (www.pacer.uscourts.gov) is an electronic public access service that allows users to obtain case and docket information from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts, and the PACER Case Locator over the internet.
If you consent to receive documents electronically, you will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing by e-mail each time a document is filed in your case. After receiving the notice, you are permitted one “free look” at the document by clicking on the hyperlinked document number in the e-mail. Once you click the hyperlink and access the document, you may not be able to access the document for free again. After 15 days, the hyperlink will no longer provide free access. Any time that the hyperlink is accessed after the first “free look” or the 15 days, you will be asked for a PACER login and may be charged to view the document. For this reason, you should print or save the document during the “free look” to avoid future charges.
You must review the Court's actual order, decree, or judgment and not rely on the description in the email notice alone. See ECF Rule 4.3
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Under Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Local Civil Rule 5.2, and the Court's Electronic Case Filing Rules & Instructions, documents may be served by electronic means. If you register for electronic service:
1. You will no longer receive documents in the mail;
2. If you do not view and download your documents during your “free look” and within 15 days of when the court sends the e-mail notice, you will be charged for looking at the documents;
3. This service does not allow you to electronically file your documents;
4. It will be your duty to regularly review the docket sheet of the case.
The docket sheet is the official record of all filings in a case. You can view the docket sheet, including images of electronically filed documents, using PACER or you can use one of the public access computers available in the Clerk's Office at the Court.
CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC SERVICE
I hereby consent to receive electronic service of notices and documents in my case(s) listed below. I affirm that:
1. I have regular access to my e-mail account and to the internet and will check regularly for Notices of Electronic Filing;
2. I have established a PACER account;
3. I understand that electronic service is service under Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule 5.2 of the Local Civil Rules, and that I will no longer receive paper copies of case filings, including motions, decisions, orders, and other documents;
4. I will promptly notify the Court if there is any change in my personal data, such as name, address, or e-mail address, or if I wish to cancel this consent to electronic service;
5. I understand that I must regularly review the docket sheet of my case so that I do not miss a filing; and
6. I understand that this consent applies only to the cases listed below and that if I file additional cases in which I would like to receive electronic service of notices of documents, I must file consent forms for those cases.
Civil case(s) filed in the Southern District of New York:
Note: This consent will apply to all cases that you have filed in this court, so please list all of your pending and terminated cases. For each case, include the case name and docket number (for example, John Doe v. New City, 10-CV-01234).
To all individuals who have Social Security or Supplemental Security Income cases:
The New York County Lawyers Association has provided free legal assistance to thousands of people who cannot afford lawyers. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for free legal representation in your appeal in the Southern District of New York.
If you would like to consult with a lawyer, please call Carolyn A. Kubitschek, at (212) 349-0900. We cannot promise that everyone who calls will get a lawyer, but we are committed to providing as many individuals as possible with free legal representation in their federal appeals.
Sincerely, Anthe Maria Bova
General Counsel & Director of Pro Bono Programs
Notice For
Pro Se Litigants
As a public health precaution, the New York Legal Assistance Group's Legal Clinic for Pro Se Litigants has temporarily suspended all inperson client meetings as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Limited scope legal assistance will continue to be provided, but only by appointment and only over the phone. During this time, we cannot assist walk-in visitors to the clinic.
If you need the assistance of the clinic, please call 212-659-6190 and leave a message, including your telephone number, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. If you do not leave a message with your telephone number, we cannot call you back.
Please be patient because our responses to your messages may be delayed while we transition to phone appointments.