Court Opinion

ID: 9527370
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:30:00.953899+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:25:45.366655
License: Public Domain

SULLIVAN, Judge,
dissenting
The majority’s affirmance of the denial of the preliminary injunction unmistakably determines that there is not a likelihood that Tilley will succeed upon the merits of her claim. This constitutes an effective but premature decision upon the merits. The issues in dispute more properly remain for resolution by the trial court within the appropriate context of the underlying declaratory judgment and permanent injunction claims.
*155I cannot agree that Tilley’s injuries are “plainly economic in nature” which can be “remedied by post-trial damages.” The harm visited upon Tilley, by termination of her insurance benefits, is irreparable.
If she were to win an action for damages, payment of the equivalent of what her prescription costs and psychiatric and counseling expenses would have been, even together with interest, would be inadequate. Throughout the duration of the period between termination of benefits and recovery of monetary damages, she will lose the mental health care essential to her well-being. It is quite possible, if not probable, that absence of appropriate medication and psychiatric care for such an extended time will irreparably damage her mental health and stability. For this reason, I do not agree that her remedies at law are adequate.
I would reverse and remand for further proceedings upon Tilley’s complaint for declaratory judgment and for permanent injunction.