Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02278/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-02278-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 110
Nature of Suit: Insurance
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Other Contract

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

THAJII K. HILL, No. 2:14cv2278-MCE-CMK

Plaintiff, 

vs. ORDER

UNION SECURITY INSURANCE 

COMPANY,

Defendants.

 /

Plaintiff, proceeding in propria persona, brings this civil action under 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1332. Pending before the court is plaintiff’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis (Doc. 2) and

his complaint (Doc. 1).

Plaintiff has submitted the affidavit required by 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a) showing that

plaintiff is unable to prepay fees and costs or give security therefor. His motion to proceed in

forma pauperis will therefore be granted.

The court is required to screen complaints brought by prisoners seeking relief

against a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity. See 28 U.S.C.

§ 1915A(a). The court is also required to screen complaints brought by litigants who have been

granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). Under these screening

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provisions, the court must dismiss a complaint or portion thereof if it: (1) is frivolous or

malicious; (2) fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; or (3) seeks monetary relief

from a defendant who is immune from such relief. See 28 U.S.C. §§ 1915(e)(2)(A), (B) and

1915A(b)(1), (2). Moreover, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(h), this court must

dismiss an action “[w]henever it appears . . . that the court lacks jurisdiction of the subject matter

. . . .” Because plaintiff, who is not a prisoner, has been granted leave to proceed in forma

pauperis, the court will screen the complaint pursuant to § 1915(e)(2). 

Plaintiff’s complaint, which is based on the diversity jurisdiction of this court,

alleges the defendant failed to adhere to the terms of its insurance policy. 

The court concludes that it has subject matter jurisdiction and that the complaint is

appropriate for service by the United States Marshal without pre-payment of costs. If plaintiff

desires service of process by the United States Marshal without pre-payment of costs, plaintiff

must comply with the requirements outlined below. Plaintiff is warned that failure to comply

with this order, or otherwise effect service pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4, may

result in dismissal of the action for lack of prosecution and failure to comply with court rules and

orders. See Local Rule 110. 

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Plaintiff’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis (Doc. 2) is granted;

2. The Clerk of the Court shall issue a summons in a civil case, the

undersigned’s new case documents, and an order setting this matter for an initial scheduling

conference;

3. The Clerk of the Court shall send plaintiff the summons, a USM-285 form,

and a copy of the complaint;

4. Within 15 days from the date of this order, plaintiff shall complete the

summons by indicating the addresses of the named defendants and shall submit to the United

States Marshal at the address indicated below the following documents:

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a. The completed summons;

b. One completed USM-285 form for each named defendant;

c. Two copies of the complaint; and

d. Two copies of the court’s initial scheduling conference order

issued herewith;

5. Within 20 days of the date of this order, plaintiff shall file a notice

indicating that the documents described above have been submitted to the United States Marshal,

or a notice that plaintiff intends to serve the summons and complaint without assistance from the

United States Marshal;

6. If plaintiff seeks the assistance of the United States Marshal, the United

States Marshal is directed to serve all process without pre-payment of costs not later than 60 days

from the date of this order, such service of process to be completed by serving a copy of the

summons, complaint, and initial scheduling conference order on the defendants at the addresses

provided by plaintiff; and

7. The Clerk of the Court is directed to serve a copy of this order on the

United States Marshal at 501 “I” Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814.

DATED: December 18, 2014

______________________________________

CRAIG M. KELLISON

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

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