Opinion
Case No. 2:12-cv-1682 JAM DAD PS
04-01-2013
ROSINA JONES, Plaintiff, v. UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES INC., et al., Defendants.
ORDER
Plaintiff, Rosina Jones, is proceeding in this action pro se. This matter was referred to the undersigned in accordance with Local Rule 302(c)(21) and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). On October 29, 2012 the undersigned dismissed plaintiff's complaint and granted plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint. Plaintiff has filed an amended complaint and has requested leave to proceed in forma pauperis pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915.
The allegations found in plaintiff's amended complaint concern claims of slander and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. The amended complaint alleges that plaintiff resides in California, that defendant Universal Health Service, Inc., is located in Brentwood, Tennessee, that defendant Kingwood Pines Hospital is located in Kingwood, Texas and that the alleged wrongful conduct of the defendants occurred in Kingwood, Texas. Plaintiff's amended complaint also seeks an award of $114,412 in damages. It appears that plaintiff is alleging that the court's jurisdiction over this action is based on diversity of citizenship.
Venue in a diversity action is proper in (1) a judicial district where any defendant resides, if all defendants reside in the same State, (2) "a judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred, or a substantial part of property that is the subject of the action is situated," or (3) a judicial district in which any defendant is subject to personal jurisdiction at the time the action is commenced, if there is no district in which the action may otherwise be brought. 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b).
Here, the amended complaint alleges that the events giving rise to this action took place in Kingwood, Texas, which is also where one of the defendants is located. This action, therefore, should have been brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas because Kingwood, Texas is part of that district. See 28 U.S.C. § 124(b). In the interests of justice, this action will be transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas for further proceedings, including a ruling on plaintiff's application to proceed in forma pauperis and the screening of plaintiff's amend complaint. See 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a).
Kingwood is located primarily Harris County, although a portion of the community resides in Montgomery County. The Southern District of Texas encompasses both Harris County and Montgomery County.
Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that this action is transferred to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
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DALE A. DROZD
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
DAD:6
Ddad1\orders.pro se\jones1682.transfer.ord