Opinion
1:24-CV-00369-RP-SH
04-29-2024
ROBERT MARTINEZ, Plaintiff v. MARTIN O'MALLEY, COMMISSIONER OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, Defendant
ORDER
SUSAN HIGHTOWER, UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Now before the Court are Plaintiff Robert Martinez's Application to Proceed in District Court without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Dkt. 1) and Complaint (Dkt. 1-1), both filed April 8, 2024. The District Court referred this case to this Magistrate Judge, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b), Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72, Rule 1 of Appendix C of the Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, and the Court Docket Management Standing Order for United States District Judge Robert Pitman. Dkt. 3.
I. Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
Plaintiff Robert Martinez, who is represented by an attorney, seeks leave to file his Complaint without having to pay the filing fee. After reviewing his Application to Proceed in District Court without Prepaying Fees or Costs, the Court finds that Martinez is indigent. Accordingly, the Court hereby GRANTS him in forma pauperis status and ORDERS his Complaint to be filed without pre-payment of fees or costs or giving security therefor pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1). This in forma pauperis status is granted subject to a later determination that the action should be dismissed if the allegation of poverty is untrue or the action is found frivolous or malicious pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2). Martinez is further advised that although he has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, a court may, in its discretion, impose costs of court at the conclusion of this lawsuit, as in other cases. Moore v. McDonald, 30 F.3d 616, 621 (5th Cir. 1994).
II. Frivolousness Review Under Section 1915(e)(2)
Because Martinez has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, the Court is required by standing order to review his Complaint under § 1915(e)(2). A court may summarily dismiss a complaint filed in forma pauperis if it concludes the action is (1) frivolous or malicious, (2) fails to state a claim on which relief may be granted, or (3) seeks monetary relief against a defendant who is immune from such relief. 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B).
In deciding whether a complaint states a claim, “[t]he court's task is to determine whether the plaintiff has stated a legally cognizable claim that is plausible, not to evaluate the plaintiff's likelihood of success.” Lone Star Fund V (U.S.), L.P. v. Barclays Bank PLC, 594 F.3d 383, 387 (5th Cir. 2010). “A claim has facial plausibility when the plaintiff pleads factual content that allows the court to draw the reasonable inference that the defendant is liable for the misconduct alleged.” Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009). “The plausibility standard is not akin to a ‘probability requirement,' but it asks for more than a sheer possibility that a defendant has acted unlawfully.” Id. The Court must “accept as true the allegations of the complaint, together with any reasonable inferences that may be drawn therefrom.” Ryland v. Shapiro, 708 F.2d 967, 969 (5th Cir. 1983).
Martinez applied for disability benefits under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act, and the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) denied his application. Dkt. 1-1 ¶¶ 1-4. Martinez alleges that the Appeals Council committed an error of law by denying review of the ALJ's decision and that the decision is not supported by substantial evidence and is contrary to law. Id. ¶¶ 4, 8. He seeks judicial review under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). Id. ¶ 1.
The Court finds that Martinez's allegations are sufficient at this stage of the case to avoid dismissal for frivolousness under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B). The Court does not recommend that the District Court dismiss this case under § 1915(e)(2)(B).
III. Order
For these reasons, the Court GRANTS Plaintiff Robert Martinez's Application to Proceed in District Court without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Dkt. 1) and ORDERS the Complaint (Dkt. 1-1) to be filed without prepayment of fees or costs or giving security therefor, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(1).
The Court FURTHER ORDERS that the Clerk notify the Commissioner of this action by transmitting a Notice of Electronic Filing to the Social Security Administration's Office of General Counsel and to the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas pursuant to Rule 3 of the Supplemental Rules for Social Security Actions Under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g).