Lewis v. Chrysler

Background

Regina Lewis, proceeding without a lawyer, brought this action under the court’s diversity jurisdiction. She named “Chrysler,” Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and “Dongfeng Motor Group” as defendants and seeks $1,500,000 in damages. The opinion states that Chrysler appears to be a subdivision of FCA and that Dongfeng Motor Group appears to be Dongfeng Motor Corporation.

In an order dated April 28, 2023, the court allowed Lewis to proceed without prepaying filing fees. This status is commonly called proceeding in forma pauperis, meaning that the plaintiff may rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to carry out service of process.

Service Order

The court directed the Clerk of Court to issue summonses for Chrysler and FCA, complete U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return forms, and deliver the necessary documents to the Marshals Service. The Marshals Service is to serve Lewis’s complaint and affidavit on those two defendants at their American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The court did not direct service on Dongfeng because Lewis alleged no facts about that defendant. The court stated that service on Chrysler and FCA was ordered without prejudice to Lewis’s amending her complaint to state a claim against Dongfeng. If service on Chrysler and FCA is not completed within 90 days after the summonses are issued, Lewis should request an extension of time. She must also notify the court in writing if her address changes; the court stated that failure to do so may result in dismissal of the action.

Disposition and Effect

This is an order concerning service of process and case administration. It does not decide whether Lewis’s claims are legally or factually valid. The court directed service on Chrysler and FCA, did not direct service on Dongfeng, and directed the Clerk to mail Lewis an information package. Judge Halpern signed the order on April 28, 2023.