Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-alnd-2_08-cv-01312/USCOURTS-alnd-2_08-cv-01312-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 791
Nature of Suit: Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
Cause of Action: 28:1441eri - Petition for removal - E.R.I.S.A.

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

SOUTHERN DIVISION

GARY C. MERCER,

Plaintiff,

v.

ASTRALLOY STEEL PRODUCTS,

INC.,

Defendant.

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CIVIL ACTION NO.

08-AR-1312-S

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

The court sua sponte raised the question of its subjectmatter jurisdiction over the above-entitled removed case because

plaintiff’s collateral reference to COBRA is so remote from the

primary state law claims stated in the complaint. More artful or

careful pleading could have prevented the specter of ERISA superduper preemption. By the mere mentioning of COBRA, plaintiff

handed defendant the keys to the federal courthouse. 

Accordingly, the court finds that it barely has subject-matter

jurisdiction. But, the court will no longer have subject-matter

jurisdiction if and when plaintiff amends his complaint to

eliminate Count III and his claim for a loss of benefits provided

by an ERISA governed plan. If plaintiff so amends, the court

will dismiss the action without prejudice, and plaintiff can

refile it in his chosen forum. Unless plaintiff amends his

complaint as suggested within seven (7) calendar days, the

parties shall proceed forthwith with the required parties’

FILED

 2008 Aug-25 AM 11:50

U.S. DISTRICT COURT

N.D. OF ALABAMA

Case 2:08-cv-01312-WMA Document 12 Filed 08/25/08 Page 1 of 2
planning meeting and report.

DONE this 25th day of August, 2008.

_____________________________

WILLIAM M. ACKER, JR.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 2:08-cv-01312-WMA Document 12 Filed 08/25/08 Page 2 of 2