Opinion ID: 221835
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Identifying Extraordinary Circumstances

Text: The term extraordinary refers not to the uniqueness of a party's circumstances, but rather to the severity of the obstacle impeding compliance with a limitations period. See Bolarinwa v. Williams, 593 F.3d 226, 231-32 (2d Cir. 2010); Diaz v. Kelly, 515 F.3d 149, 154 (2d Cir.2008). We have recognized that medical conditions, whether physical or psychiatric, can manifest extraordinary circumstances, depending on the facts presented. See, e.g., Bolarinwa v. Williams, 593 F.3d at 231 (holding mental illness may equitably toll AEDPA limitations period); Brown v. Parkchester S. Condos., 287 F.3d 58, 60 (2d Cir.2002) (holding medical condition could support equitable tolling in Title VII case). Consistent with this precedent, we conclude that hospitalization may demonstrate extraordinary circumstances, again, depending on the facts presented. Here, the district court's assumption that Harper's hospitalization constituted extraordinary circumstances finds support in the petitioner's unchallenged representation as to the significant length of his confinement during which he underwent six surgeries, requiring him to be confined to bed and heavily medicated. [4]