Opinion ID: 415223
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Adequacy of Plaintiffs as Class Representatives

Text: 20 Appellants' final argument against class certification asserts that the plaintiffs are not adequate class representatives. Appellants argue that the plaintiffs do not possess the same interest [or] suffer the same injury as the other class members. East Texas Motor Freight System, Inc. v. Rodriguez, 431 U.S. 395, 403, 97 S.Ct. 1891, 1896, 52 L.Ed.2d 453 (1977). However, the record demonstrates that the Mitchell and Benson children were directly and seriously harmed by the substantial EPSDT reductions and that their injuries are representative of the inevitable consequences attendant to the extensive cutbacks in EPSDT benefits. Because Stephanie Mitchell's dentist was unable to provide the necessary EPSDT preventive and restorative care for her teeth in 1980 and 1981, her dental infection invaded the pulp of her teeth and caused her excruciating pain. Record, vol. 3 at 459-60, vol. 10 at 105-06. Additionally, because of the EPSDT reductions, Stephen Mitchell's dentist was unable to provide the preventive and restorative dental care envisioned and required by the statute. As a result, Stephen's condition will either require extraction of the infected tooth, or a complicated root canal. None who have closed their eyes and exposed their teeth to the probing drill of a dentist can seriously allege that no injury has been suffered by Stephen and Stephanie. Moreover, we do not find these injuries dissimilar to those foreseeably attendant to the EPSDT cutbacks as they affect other eligible children. 21 With regard to the Bensons, TDHR's own expert witness who examined Alex and Sylvia recommended that they be recalled in six months so that Alex's incipient lesions could be treated with topical fluoride (a service cut in 1979) and so that Sylvia's gingivitis could be monitored. Record, vol. 7 at 179-81. However, in light of the triennial periodicity program and the reduction in available services, the children would receive treatment only if their condition developed into an emergency, obvious need, or medical necessity situation. This, as the expert witness testified, is inadequate preventive and restorative dental procedure. Record, vol. 7 at 54-57. Once again, this Court notes that we find nothing peculiar with the named plaintiffs' conditions. Their injuries, we are persuaded, are similar to those foreseeably attendant to the extensive cutbacks in EPSDT services. Indeed, the plaintiffs have the same interests and suffer the same injuries as those they represent. 22 In summary, this Court must conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion by certifying the instant class action. 23