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Diabetic Sues for Meals
Prisoners with medical conditions are entitled to special diets if needed to avoid illness. Robert Taylor is a diabetic and an Illinois state prisoner. His medical condition requires that he receive a special diet to insure that he receives the proper amount of sugars and carbohydrates. He was receiving the proper diet at the Joliet Correctional Center until the prison's food service contract was given to Service America Corporation (SAC), after which he never received the special diet. Taylor filed administrative grievances to receive the special medical diet and prison officials claimed they were working with SAC to ensure that he received a proper diet, however, nothing was done to ensure that he actually received the diet. Taylor filed suit pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983 claiming that prison officials were deliberately indifferent to his serious medical needs by not providing him with a special diet. He claimed this failure violated the eighth amendment. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, which the district court denied.
In a brief ruling the court held that Taylor had adequately set forth a claim because he had informed prison officials of his need for special meals yet they did nothing to correct the problem. The court held that when prison officials are aware of a diabetic's need for a special diet and fail to provide it, they show deliberate indifference to the prisoner's serious medical needs. Readers will note this is not a ruling on the merits, the court simply stated that Taylor had set forth a claim to which he would be entitled to relief if the facts he claims are proven to be true. See: Taylor v. Anderson, 868 F. Supp. 1024 (ND ILL. 1994).
In a brief ruling the court held that Taylor had adequately set forth a claim because he had informed prison officials of his need for special meals yet they did nothing to correct the problem. The court held that when prison officials are aware of a diabetic's need for a special diet and fail to provide it, they show deliberate indifference to the prisoner's serious medical needs. Readers will note this is not a ruling on the merits, the court simply stated that Taylor had set forth a claim to which he would be entitled to relief if the facts he claims are proven to be true. See: Taylor v. Anderson, 868 F. Supp. 1024 (ND ILL. 1994).
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Related legal case
Taylor v. Anderson
| Year | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Cite | 868 F. Supp. 1024 (ND IL 1994) |
| Level | District Court |
ROBERT TAYLOR, A-10803, Plaintiff, v. JACKIE ANDERSON, Defendant.
Case No. 94 C 1618
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, EASTERN DIVISION
868 F. Supp. 1024; 1994 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16346
November 7, 1994, Decided
November 15, 1994, Docketed
COUNSEL: [**1] For ROBERT TAYLOR, plaintiff: Robert Taylor, Joliet - JOL, Joliet Correctional Center, Joliet, IL.
For JACKIE ANDERSON, M.S.,R.D. Service America Corporation, defendant: Susan Takata O'Leary, Illinois Department of Corrections, Chicago, IL. Gary W. Fresen, Baker & McKenzie, One Prudential Plaza, Chicago, IL.
JUDGES: ASPEN
OPINIONBY: MARVIN E. ASPEN
OPINION:
[*1025] MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
MARVIN E. ASPEN, District Judge:
Plaintiff Robert Taylor brings this pro se complaint against Jackie Anderson, Dietician of the Joliet Correctional Center where he is incarcerated, alleging infringement of his Eighth Amendment rights in contravention of 42 U.S.C. ç 1983. Presently before us is defendant's motion to dismiss the complaint. For the reasons set forth below, the motion is denied.
I. Background
Plaintiff was diagnosed as a diabetic in 1990 while at the Menard Correctional Center. This condition requires him to control his blood sugar level by taking insulin injections and monitoring his diet to insure that he ingests the proper amount of sugars and carbohydrates. Taylor was transferred to the Joliet Correctional Center in 1991, and was receiving the required diet until August 1993 when the food service contract at Joliet was given to Service America Corporation. Plaintiff alleges that since that time he has not received the type of food his condition requires, but instead, has been served meals which are too high in sugar, starch and carbohydrates. Taylor filed a grievance with [**2] prison officials, and was informed that the prison and Service Corporation America were working together to ensure that the diabetic meals served to the inmates met their medical requirements. However, plaintiff alleges that nothing has changed, and that he is still receiving food which he cannot eat because of his condition.
On March 15, 1994, Taylor filed this Section 1983 claim against Anderson for failing to provide him with the dietary items required to treat him for his diabetes. Defendant has moved to dismiss the complaint under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).
II. Motion to Dismiss
A motion to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) should not be granted "unless it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claims which would entitle him to relief." Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41, 45-46, 2 L. Ed. 2d 80, 78 S. Ct. 99 (1957); Johnson v. Martin, 943 F.2d 15, 16 (7th Cir. 1991). At this stage in the litigation, we take plaintiff's version of the facts as alleged in the complaint to be true. Bane v. Ferguson, 890 F.2d 11, 13 (7th Cir. 1989). [**3] However, unsupported conclusions of fact and conclusions of law are not sufficient to withstand a motion to dismiss. Cushing v. City of Chicago, 3 F.3d 1156, 1160-61 n.5 (7th Cir. 1993); Watters v. Harris, 656 F.2d 234, 240 (7th Cir. 1980). Finally, when deciding a motion to dismiss, complaints drafted by pro se litigants are held to a less stringent standard than those drafted by attorneys. Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520-21, 30 L. Ed. 2d 652, 92 S. Ct. 594 (1972); Kelley v. McGinnis, 899 F.2d 612, 616 n.8 (7th Cir. 1990).
III. Discussion
Plaintiff alleges that Anderson, the Dietician at Joliet, failed to provide him with foods which satisfy his dietary requirements, thereby demonstrating "deliberate indifference to [his] serious medical needs." Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 106, 50 L. Ed. 2d 251, 97 S. Ct. 285 (1976). Defendant argues that plaintiff has not made out a claim under Section 1983 because he does not allege facts which support his claim that Anderson [**4] or other prison officials are acting with deliberate indifference. Defendant contends that Taylor's complaint, at worst, merely alleges [*1026] negligent treatment by prison officials. Goka v. Bobbitt, 862 F.2d 646, 650 (7th Cir. 1988) (negligence alone insufficient to state a claim). We disagree. Plaintiff's complaint, which we must take as true at this point, indicates that he has informed prison officials of his condition and has complained to them about the nutritionally inadequate meals provided at the facility. Indeed, it appears that plaintiff has met with defendant Anderson and discussed this problem. Yet, the complaint alleges that despite these requests he has not received anything other than the nutritionally inadequate meals. This is not a case where prison officials allegedly failed to meet the medical needs of inmates when they had no knowledge of those needs, or failed to prescribe the proper treatment. Rather, plaintiff's complaint--read in its most favorable light--alleges that defendant has failed to provide him with the prescribed diet of a diabetic even though defendant was aware of his condition. Such an allegation is sufficient to make [**5] out a claim of "deliberate indifference" under the Eighth Amendment. Cf. Hughes v. Joliet Correctional Center, 931 F.2d 425, 428 (7th Cir. 1991) (claim that doctors refused to treat inmate who had serious medical condition sufficient to state a claim under ç 1983).
Defendant also argues that even if plaintiff has alleged that she was deliberately indifferent to his diet, he has not claimed that the failure to satisfy his dietary requirements threatens his serious medical needs. Because the effects of diabetes can vary from person to person, defendant argues, and plaintiff has not alleged that his condition is severe, he has not stated a claim under the Eighth Amendment. See Estelle. 429 U.S. at 106. However, Taylor's complaint states that defendant has threatened his health and endangered his life by failing to provide him with the required diet. Although plaintiff does not outline these allegations with detailed factual support, such particulars are not necessary at this point. Eades v. Thompson, 823 F.2d 1055, 1060-61 (7th Cir. 1987). Although plaintiff's claims [**6] may well be exaggerated--or even false--we cannot at this early stage say that he has not alleged that defendant threatened his serious medical needs.
IV. Conclusion
For the reasons set forth above, defendant's motion to dismiss is denied. It is so ordered.
MARVIN E. ASPEN
United States District Judge
Dated 11-7-94
Case No. 94 C 1618
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, EASTERN DIVISION
868 F. Supp. 1024; 1994 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16346
November 7, 1994, Decided
November 15, 1994, Docketed
COUNSEL: [**1] For ROBERT TAYLOR, plaintiff: Robert Taylor, Joliet - JOL, Joliet Correctional Center, Joliet, IL.
For JACKIE ANDERSON, M.S.,R.D. Service America Corporation, defendant: Susan Takata O'Leary, Illinois Department of Corrections, Chicago, IL. Gary W. Fresen, Baker & McKenzie, One Prudential Plaza, Chicago, IL.
JUDGES: ASPEN
OPINIONBY: MARVIN E. ASPEN
OPINION:
[*1025] MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
MARVIN E. ASPEN, District Judge:
Plaintiff Robert Taylor brings this pro se complaint against Jackie Anderson, Dietician of the Joliet Correctional Center where he is incarcerated, alleging infringement of his Eighth Amendment rights in contravention of 42 U.S.C. ç 1983. Presently before us is defendant's motion to dismiss the complaint. For the reasons set forth below, the motion is denied.
I. Background
Plaintiff was diagnosed as a diabetic in 1990 while at the Menard Correctional Center. This condition requires him to control his blood sugar level by taking insulin injections and monitoring his diet to insure that he ingests the proper amount of sugars and carbohydrates. Taylor was transferred to the Joliet Correctional Center in 1991, and was receiving the required diet until August 1993 when the food service contract at Joliet was given to Service America Corporation. Plaintiff alleges that since that time he has not received the type of food his condition requires, but instead, has been served meals which are too high in sugar, starch and carbohydrates. Taylor filed a grievance with [**2] prison officials, and was informed that the prison and Service Corporation America were working together to ensure that the diabetic meals served to the inmates met their medical requirements. However, plaintiff alleges that nothing has changed, and that he is still receiving food which he cannot eat because of his condition.
On March 15, 1994, Taylor filed this Section 1983 claim against Anderson for failing to provide him with the dietary items required to treat him for his diabetes. Defendant has moved to dismiss the complaint under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).
II. Motion to Dismiss
A motion to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) should not be granted "unless it appears beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claims which would entitle him to relief." Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41, 45-46, 2 L. Ed. 2d 80, 78 S. Ct. 99 (1957); Johnson v. Martin, 943 F.2d 15, 16 (7th Cir. 1991). At this stage in the litigation, we take plaintiff's version of the facts as alleged in the complaint to be true. Bane v. Ferguson, 890 F.2d 11, 13 (7th Cir. 1989). [**3] However, unsupported conclusions of fact and conclusions of law are not sufficient to withstand a motion to dismiss. Cushing v. City of Chicago, 3 F.3d 1156, 1160-61 n.5 (7th Cir. 1993); Watters v. Harris, 656 F.2d 234, 240 (7th Cir. 1980). Finally, when deciding a motion to dismiss, complaints drafted by pro se litigants are held to a less stringent standard than those drafted by attorneys. Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519, 520-21, 30 L. Ed. 2d 652, 92 S. Ct. 594 (1972); Kelley v. McGinnis, 899 F.2d 612, 616 n.8 (7th Cir. 1990).
III. Discussion
Plaintiff alleges that Anderson, the Dietician at Joliet, failed to provide him with foods which satisfy his dietary requirements, thereby demonstrating "deliberate indifference to [his] serious medical needs." Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 106, 50 L. Ed. 2d 251, 97 S. Ct. 285 (1976). Defendant argues that plaintiff has not made out a claim under Section 1983 because he does not allege facts which support his claim that Anderson [**4] or other prison officials are acting with deliberate indifference. Defendant contends that Taylor's complaint, at worst, merely alleges [*1026] negligent treatment by prison officials. Goka v. Bobbitt, 862 F.2d 646, 650 (7th Cir. 1988) (negligence alone insufficient to state a claim). We disagree. Plaintiff's complaint, which we must take as true at this point, indicates that he has informed prison officials of his condition and has complained to them about the nutritionally inadequate meals provided at the facility. Indeed, it appears that plaintiff has met with defendant Anderson and discussed this problem. Yet, the complaint alleges that despite these requests he has not received anything other than the nutritionally inadequate meals. This is not a case where prison officials allegedly failed to meet the medical needs of inmates when they had no knowledge of those needs, or failed to prescribe the proper treatment. Rather, plaintiff's complaint--read in its most favorable light--alleges that defendant has failed to provide him with the prescribed diet of a diabetic even though defendant was aware of his condition. Such an allegation is sufficient to make [**5] out a claim of "deliberate indifference" under the Eighth Amendment. Cf. Hughes v. Joliet Correctional Center, 931 F.2d 425, 428 (7th Cir. 1991) (claim that doctors refused to treat inmate who had serious medical condition sufficient to state a claim under ç 1983).
Defendant also argues that even if plaintiff has alleged that she was deliberately indifferent to his diet, he has not claimed that the failure to satisfy his dietary requirements threatens his serious medical needs. Because the effects of diabetes can vary from person to person, defendant argues, and plaintiff has not alleged that his condition is severe, he has not stated a claim under the Eighth Amendment. See Estelle. 429 U.S. at 106. However, Taylor's complaint states that defendant has threatened his health and endangered his life by failing to provide him with the required diet. Although plaintiff does not outline these allegations with detailed factual support, such particulars are not necessary at this point. Eades v. Thompson, 823 F.2d 1055, 1060-61 (7th Cir. 1987). Although plaintiff's claims [**6] may well be exaggerated--or even false--we cannot at this early stage say that he has not alleged that defendant threatened his serious medical needs.
IV. Conclusion
For the reasons set forth above, defendant's motion to dismiss is denied. It is so ordered.
MARVIN E. ASPEN
United States District Judge
Dated 11-7-94