Rowett v. Coverys

Background

Linda Rowett, who is proceeding without a lawyer, brought claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. She alleges that her employer discriminated against her based on religion, disability, and age. The defendants are Coverys, ProSelect Insurance Company, Coverys Specialty Insurance Group, Medical Professional Mutual Insurance Company (ProMutual), and ProMutual Group Inc.

The court had previously granted Rowett permission to proceed without prepaying filing fees. In such cases, federal law requires the court to arrange service through the U.S. Marshals Service after the court directs that summonses be issued.

Court’s Action

The court ordered the Clerk of Court to issue a summons for each defendant, complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form for each defendant, and deliver the necessary documents to the Marshals Service. The court extended the time for service until 90 days after the summonses are issued because Rowett could not have served the defendants before the court reviewed the complaint and ordered issuance of the summonses.

The court stated that if the complaint is not served within those 90 days, Rowett should request an extension of time. It also directed her to notify the court in writing if her address changes and directed the Clerk to mail her an information package.

Disposition and Effect

Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr. entered an order of service. The order addressed how the defendants must be served and did not determine whether Rowett’s discrimination claims are legally sufficient or supported by the facts.