Marie Claudine Josephine Dugue Vil v. General Motors LLC

Background

Marie Claudine Josephine Dugue Vil, who is representing herself, sued General Motors LLC. The complaint invokes diversity jurisdiction, which allows a federal court to hear certain disputes involving parties from different states when the amount sought exceeds the statutory threshold. Dugue Vil asserts negligence, strict products liability, and failure-to-warn claims and seeks damages exceeding $1,000,000. The opinion describes General Motors LLC as a Delaware limited liability company with principal offices in Detroit, Michigan.

The court previously granted Dugue Vil permission to proceed without prepaying court fees. This status is commonly called proceeding in forma pauperis, or IFP. The court explained that plaintiffs granted IFP status are entitled to assistance from the court and the United States Marshals Service in serving process.

Order

The court directed the clerk to issue a summons for General Motors LLC, complete a USM-285 service form with General Motors LLC’s service address, and provide the documents needed for the Marshals Service to serve the summons and complaint. The court also directed the clerk to mail Dugue Vil an information package.

The court stated that service must occur within 90 days after the summons is issued. If service does not occur within that period, Dugue Vil should request an extension of time. The court also required her to notify the court in writing if her address changes and stated that the action may be dismissed if she fails to do so.

Effect of the Order

Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke’s order concerns service of the lawsuit. It does not decide whether Dugue Vil’s negligence, products-liability, or failure-to-warn claims are legally or factually valid.