Price v. Hale Global

Background

Neal Price, proceeding without a lawyer, sued Hale Global and Patch.com. He invokes the court’s authority to hear disputes involving citizens of different states under 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a). He seeks injunctive relief and $1,000,000 in damages. The opinion states that Price’s address is in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and that the defendants appear to be located in New York, New York.

On April 16, 2024, the court granted Price permission to proceed without paying the filing fee. The court therefore explained that Price could rely on assistance from the court and the United States Marshals Service to serve the defendants. The court also stated that the usual 90-day service period could not begin before summonses were issued, and extended the service deadline to 90 days after the summonses issue.

Ruling

Judge Jesse M. Furman directed the clerk to mail Price an information package, issue a summons for each defendant, complete a United States Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form for each defendant, and deliver the necessary documents to the Marshals Service. The listed service address for both Hale Global and Patch.com is 134 West 29th Street, New York, New York 10001. The court stated that if service is not completed within 90 days after the summonses are issued, Price should request an extension. Price must also notify the court in writing if his address changes, and the court may dismiss the action if he fails to do so. This order addresses service and does not resolve the merits of Price’s claims.