Free Answer to Amended Complaint - District Court of Delaware - Delaware

Case 1:07-cv-00147-SLR

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE ANTHONY PORTERFIELD, : : Plaintiff, : : v. : : CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES : (CMS), et al., : : Defendants. : CIVIL ACTION NO.: 07-147-SLR

JURY TRIAL DEMANDED

ANSWER WITH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES OF DEFENDANT, DR. DURST, TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT 1. 2. Denied as a conclusion of law to which no response is required. Defendant, Dr. Durst, is without information or knowledge sufficient to enable her to

admit the truth of the averments in paragraph 2 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint. 3. 4. Denied. Inasmuch as the averments in paragraph 4 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint are directed

to a party other than answering defendant, no response thereto is required on behalf of defendant, Dr. Durst. 5. Admitted that Dr. Durst is a medical physician who was employed at certain times by

Correctional Medical Services, Inc. ("CMS") at the Delaware Correctional Center. The remaining averments in paragraph 5 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint are denied. 6. Inasmuch as this allegation is directed to a party other than answering defendant, no

response thereto is required on behalf of defendant, Dr. Durst.

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7.

Inasmuch as this allegation is directed to a party other than answering defendant, no

response thereto is required on behalf of defendant, Dr. Durst. 8. Inasmuch as this allegation is directed to a party other than answering defendant, no

response thereto is required on behalf of defendant, Dr. Durst. 9. Inasmuch as this allegation is directed to a party other than answering defendant, no

response thereto is required on behalf of defendant, Dr. Durst. 10. Defendant, Dr. Durst, is without information or knowledge sufficient to enable to it to

admit the truth of the averments in paragraph 10 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint. 11. Defendant, Dr. Durst is without information of knowledge sufficient to enable it to admit

the truth of the averments in paragraph 11 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint. 12. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 13. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 14. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied.

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15.

Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 16. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 17. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 18. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 19. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 20. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 21. Defendant, Dr. Durst is without information of knowledge sufficient to enable it to admit

the truth of the averments in paragraph 21 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint.

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22.

Defendant, Dr. Durst is without information of knowledge sufficient to enable it to admit

the truth of the averments in paragraph 22 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint. 23. Defendant, Dr. Durst is without information of knowledge sufficient to enable it to admit

the truth of the averments in paragraph 23 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint. 24. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 25. Defendant, Dr. Durst is without information of knowledge sufficient to enable it to admit

the truth of the averments in paragraph 25 of plaintiff's Amended Complaint. 26. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 27. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 28. Admitted solely to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. 29. Admitted solely to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery.

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30.

Admitted solely to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied by Dr. Durst. 31. Admitted solely to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied by Dr. Durst. 32. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 33. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 34. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 35. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 36. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied.

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37.

Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 38. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 39. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 40. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 41. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 42. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 43. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied.

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44.

Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 45. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 46. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 47. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 48. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 49. Denied, except to the extent that the allegations in this paragraph are proven by relevant

medical records and/or discovery. Allegations of wrongdoing, whether expressed or implied, are denied. 50. Denied.

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FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION EXCESS FORCE (PORTERFIELD V. KNEUPP) 51. Defendant, Dr. Durst incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 50 above

inclusive as though the same were set forth at length. 52.­ 64. The averments in paragraphs 52 through 64 inclusive of plaintiff's Amended

Complaint are directed to parties other than defendant, Dr. Durst and no response thereto on its part is required. By way further response, however, to the extent that plaintiff purports to allege any wrongful conduct on the part of Dr. Durst or any of its alleged employees, those allegations are denied. SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION DENIAL OF MEDICAL TREATMENT (PORTERFIELD V. DOCTOR RODGERS, DOCTOR DURST, ELLER, MEGGETT, ROE) 52. Defendant, Dr. Durst incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 64 above

inclusive as though the same were set forth at length. 66.­ 77. Denied. THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION MONELL CLAIMS (PORTERFIELD V. CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES) 78. Defendant, Dr. Durst incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 77 above

inclusive as though the same were set forth at length. 79. ­ 88. Inasmuch as the allegations in paragraphs 79 through 88 of plaintiff's Amended

Complaint are directed to a party other than answering defendant, no response thereto is required on behalf of defendant, Dr. Durst. By way of further response, however, to the extent that

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plaintiff purports to allege any wrongful conduct on the part of defendant, Dr. Durst, those allegations are denied. PUNITIVE DAMAGES 89. Defendant, Dr. Durst incorporates herein by reference paragraphs 1 through 88 above

inclusive as though the same were set forth at length. 90. 91. Denied. Denied. JURY DEMAND 92. No response is required to this averment by defendant, Dr. Durst. WHEREFORE, defendant, Dr. Durst denies that plaintiff is entitled to compensatory damages, punitive damages, a declaratory judgment of any kind, attorneys fees or costs or any further relief, demands that plaintiff's Amended Complaint against it be dismissed with prejudice and demands that judgment be entered in favor of defendant, Dr. Durst, and against plaintiff, together with reasonable attorneys fees and costs. FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's Amended Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff was not deprived of any civil or constitutional rights or protection by Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst at all times material to plaintiff's Amended Complaint acted in good faith and with the reasonable belief, both objective and subjective, that their

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actions were lawful and not in violation of the rights of plaintiff under the Constitution and laws of the United States and/or the State of Delaware. FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst at all times material to plaintiff's Amended Complaint was not in violation of plaintiff's rights under the United States Constitution, Delaware Constitution or the laws of the United States or the laws of the State of Delaware. FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst, was not deliberately indifferent to any of plaintiff's alleged serious medical needs. SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's claims do not rise to the level of deprivation of civil or constitutional rights. SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst, did not recklessly, maliciously, willfully, or intentionally commit any wrongful acts or omissions causing injury to the plaintiff and, in the absence of such conduct, there can be no liability on the part of Answering Defendant on the facts of this case. EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff received appropriate and competent medical care and treatment during his period of incarceration from Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst NINTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst, is entitled to the defense of good faith immunity.

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TENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst is otherwise entitled to the defense of immunity and/or qualified immunity. ELEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst, is not responsible for persons, events, circumstances or conditions reasonably beyond its control. TWELFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's claims are barred or limited by the provisions contained in the United States Civil Rights Act. THIRTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff has failed to exhaust administrative remedies, including but limited to remedies pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1997a(e). FOURTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's claims may otherwise be barred by 28 U.S.C.A § 1915 FIFTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's claims may be barred and/or reduced by the plaintiff's own contributory or comparative negligence. SIXTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE The plaintiff's injuries, if any, resulted from an intervening and/or superseding cause. SEVENTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's claims are barred, in whole or in part, by the applicable statute of limitation and/or statutorily mandated administrative time limitation period.

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EIGHTEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's alleged conditions did not constitute a serious medical need. NINETEENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff failed to comply with the mandates of 18 Del. C. § 6853. TWENTIETH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff failed to mitigate his alleged injuries and damages. TWENTY-FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst, had no policy or custom demonstrating deliberate indifference to plaintiff's alleged serious medical need. TWENTY-SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst, had no personal involvement in any alleged wrong. TWENTY-THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE As to any claims sounding in state law, Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst, is immune from liability under the State Tort Claims Act, 10 Del. C. §4001, et seq. TWENTY-FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE The doctrine of respondeat superior or vicarious liability is not a basis for liability in an action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst TWENTY-FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's injuries were caused, in whole or in part, and/or exacerbated by a pre-existing condition which existed prior to the date of any alleged wrongful conduct by Answering Defendant, Dr. Durst

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TWENTY-SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Plaintiff's own conduct proximately caused and/or exacerbated his injuries, if any. TWENTY-SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Insufficiency of process and/or service of process. TWENTY-EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE Lack of jurisdiction over the person and subject matter. WHEREFORE, defendant, Dr. Durst, demands that plaintiff's Amended Complaint be dismissed with prejudice and that judgment be entered in favor of defendant, Dr. Durst, and against plaintiff, together with reasonable attorneys fees, costs and such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate. MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER, COLEMAN & GOGGIN BY: /s/ Kevin J. Connors KEVIN J. CONNORS, ESQ. DE Bar ID: 2135 1220 North Market Street, 5th Fl. P.O. Box 8888 Wilmington, DE 19899-8888 Attorney for Defendant, Dr. Durst Dated: June 27, 2008
15/610083.v1

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

: : Plaintiff, : : v. : : CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL SERVICES : (CMS), et al., : : Defendants. :

ANTHONY PORTERFIELD,

CIVIL ACTION NO.: 07-147-SLR

JURY TRIAL DEMANDED

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, KEVIN J. CONNORS, hereby certify that the ANSWER WITH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES OF DEFENDANT, DR. DURST, TO PLAINTIFF'S AMENDED COMPLAINT has been served on June 27, 2008 via electronic filing and U. S. Mail upon all counsel of record listed below: Michael Pileggi, Esquire 437 Chestnut Street, Suite 905 Philadelphia, PA 19106 Edward J. Fornias, III, Esquire Roeberg, Moore & Friedman, P.A. 910 Gilpin Avenue Wilmington, DE 19806

MARSHALL, DENNEHEY, WARNER, COLEMAN & GOGGIN BY: /s/ Kevin J. Connors KEVIN J. CONNORS, ESQ. DE Bar ID: 2135 1220 North Market Street, 5th Fl. P.O. Box 8888 Wilmington, DE 19899-8888 Attorney for Defendants, Dr. Dale Rodgers and Dr. Durst Dated: June 27, 2008
15/638927.v1