Musselman et al v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama et al, No. 1:2013cv20050 - Document 66 (S.D. Fla. 2013)
Court Description: Order Granting Defendants' Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Chief Judge Federico A. Moreno on 8/20/2013. (vds)
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Musselman et al v. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama et al Doc. 66 UN I TED STATES DI STRI COURT CT SO UTHERN D I STRI OF FLORI A CT D CA SE N O .1 20050- - O REN O 3CV M CO REY M U SSELM AN ,M . . eta . D , 1, Pl n if aitfs V S. BLU E CRO SS AN D BLU E SH I ELD OF ALABAM A,e al, t . De e nt. f nda s / O R DER G R A NTI G DE FEND A NT S'M O TI N TO D I I N O SM SS THI CAUSE c m ebef et Cour uponDe e nt M oto t Dimi sandI por td S a or he t f nda s' i n o s s ncor ae Me r ndum ofLaw ( E.No.16) tl o M ar 8.201 mo a D. ,ied n ch 3. De e nt m ove t dim is t co pl nt whih s ks a de ar i n t tt a ir t f nda s d o s s he m ai c ee cl ato ha he nttus camsa sre i Co y v BleCr s a dBleS il o ab ma e al ( E. a 2:2 c li se td n nwa . u o s n u h ed fAl a , t . N. Al. 1 - v 01 3 - Dplh ri a tr G nwa ' ae n tRee sd Cli u d rte s tlme a r e ns l 3 l t een fe , G k co y' r o la e ams n e h et nt g e me t ) e a ove by t sc ti am ulidititc a sa ton ca esyl Thomas v Bl Cr s and Bl e ppr d hi our n t- src l s ci s t ed . ue o s u Shil s' Ca eNo. C1 21 6( D. a zoo3lheei tr $ ov ' Dee edAs n, s 03- V- 29 S. Fl. t r nafe,t eà. fndant a s r t t f s s etha t scompl nts d be dim is d be aus t a inltcli s i Conwa ar i d Reea ed hi ai houl s s e c e he ntt s am n y e ndee l s Cl msu rt s te ai nde he etl menta e nt .ThePli if ,on t ot rhand,a guet tt i cli gr eme s antfs he he r ha her a ms a m e c pr de sa enotRe e s d Cl ms I a ton,t Pl i if a guet t decson o s dial ovi r r l a e ai . n ddii he antfs r hat he ii n whehe t cli si t Conwa c t r he am n he y ompl i a er e s d s ul bedecdedbyt Albnmaditit ant r ela e ho d i he a src j d ea trf l ds o eyh stk npa e u g fe ul ic v r a a e lc . THE COURT ha c i r d t moton a t pe tne pori oft r or a bei s onsde e he i nd he ri nt tons he ec d, nd ng ot r s f ly a s d i t pr m i es i i he wi e u l dvi e n he e s , t s ADJUDGED t tt M oton t Dim isi GM NTED. ha he i o s s s Dockets.Justia.com 1 . BA CK G R O UN D A. TheLove A cton i OnAprl1 2000, he J c a Pa on M uli src Lii ton or r d t c eai ofl i 7, t udii l nel tditit tga i de e he r ton n r M a a d Ca eLii to , s No 10 e n ge r t in Ca e . :0 MDL- 3 4 ( ri fe ,* a e'. ThsMDL c s ga 1 3 heenatr i n ' Sh ) i ae conc r d,i e ala, e mbur e e ne nt r i r i s mentf he lhca es r i e b m a ge ca ec or at r e v c s y na d r ompa e andwa ni s s di de i t t ta ks onei vi br dcli byhe t c r pr de sa t ot ri vi vi d n o wo r c : nvol ng oa a ms alh a e ovi r nd he he nvol ng br d cli sb s c i r t he lh c r plns Thepr vi rta k, . ,Lov wasa cas a ton oa am y ubs rbe s o at a e a . o de r c ie. e, l s ci br hton be fofa lpr de swho s itd cai t heat ca e c oug hal 1 ovi r ubm te l ms o lh r ompa es i l ng t ni , nc udi he Conwa def nda s f t pr son ofm e ca s r i e . y e nt , or he ovii di l e v c s I ove t pr de sa lge t t alh i ur eco pa e e gedi acommons he e nf ,he ovi r le d ha he t ns anc m ni s nga n c m t s t m ai a l de de a a di i s pa e st t m .SeeLove, E.1a 5.Be wee 2005 o yse tc ly ny, l y, nd m nih ym nt o he D. t t n and 2007, he D e e t f ndant i t s a ton,w ho w e e a lde e s n hi c i r l f ndant i fov e e ed i o t e c as sn e, nt r nt hr e l s a t ns t e nt ge me t (' eS tlme t r e n s'r s l igtecamsi fo e Th frt ci e t me a r e ns 'h et n Ag e me t' e o vn h li n v . e is o l t e ) def nda t s tl wa W elpoi ,I a is s i a is whih e e e i o t W el n e nt o e te s l nt nc. nd t ubsdire , c nt r d nt he lpoi t Se te e Ag e nti J y 2005,s tlng bot f/v a sm ia c am st tha be n a s re tlm nt r eme n ul e ti h c nd i lr l i ha d e s e td agans W elpoi i Shane.Se Shane, . 4321.TheBl Cr ss tlm e wasi Aprl2007, i t l nt n e D E. ue os ete nt n i f l olowedb heHi yt ghmar s tlm e i Ocobe k e te nt n t r2007.Se Lov D. 928; tvc D. 1 e e, E. f p , E. 073.Unde r ea ha e m e ,heDe e nt a ee t m a s t i l ym e st t c a sm e r a t r c gr e ntt f nda s gr d o ke ubsanta pa nt o he l s mbe s nd hei co ms la t i e e numer busne spr c i i ta i . Ptr ua t t s a e m e s t e nd o mplm nt ous i s a tce niitves ls nt o he e gr e nt, De e nt pad cas me be sa t i c e m or t n $38 m ilon i ca h a s ntm or f nda s i l s m r nd her ouns l e ha 4 li n s nd pe e t n$535milonmaki busnes pr tc cha st t heftv:pli if satd ha avauet t ha li ng i s aci e nge ha t l antfs t e d l o he s tlm e cls ofmor t n $3. bilon. l e ha Def nt r c i d br r l s sfo e te nt a s e ha 4 li n xc nge, enda s e e ve oad eea e r m t ePlitfsi t i a to a dij n to sfo teCo r b rigr la i pa t sfo b i ig h anif n hs cin n n u ci n r m h u t a rn ee sng ri r m rngn e R e e e Cl i s Thos r l a e a y t l as d a m . e e e s s ppl o: ( n a dalc us so a to j d me t, in ,n e t d s , o t, a g s Al y n l a e f cin,u g n s le s id be ne s c ss d ma e , oblgai ns a t ne f es l s s c am s la ltesa de ndsofwha e r i to , tor ys' e ,os e , l i , ibiii nd ma t ve ki d,s ce orc r t whehe a ii un rt f de a orsa el w,whi h n our , ha acer t r rsng de he e r l tt a c ( nsse wiht Pa tes undesa ngoft stlme si Sha i ude , co itnt t he ri ' rtndi he ete nt n ne) ncl s buti notlmie t t Rac t e I l nc d a ConuptOr ani tonsAc , s i t d o, he ke e r ntue e nd g zai t a ir tand o he sa t r a c nttus t r tm o y nd omm o 1w cai s i e i lornonn a l m , nt ntona itn in l (a hai am' aii o o b f r teEfe tv Dae t a ae n e to a,e c d i ' rsng n r e o e h fcie t,h t r , cl ) we eorcoul havebe a s re ag ns a oft Re e e Pa tesbyr s of a ii o r d en s e td ai t ny he l as d ri ea on , rsng ut of or i a w a r a e t a oft f c s ac s e nt , r ns c i ns , n ny y el t d o ny he a t , t , ve s t a a t o , occ r e s c s sofcond t busnes pr c ies r pr s nt tons omisons u r nce , our e uc , i s a tc , e e e a i , s i , cic sa esorot rma tr r f r nc d i t Ac i oraddr s ed i t s r um t nc he te s e e e e n he ton e s n hi Agr e e , t ra s h Cl mswa o c d ha be n a s td by a e m nt whe he ny uc ai s r oul ve e s ere ny RelasngPa t on isown be l o on behafofo he Pe s ,ort t busne s e i ry t ha f r l t r r ons o he i s p a tc st taet s b e to j7 Thi i cu e , t u lmiai na d a t Ree sd r cie ha r he u j c f . s n ld s wi t i tto n s o la e ho Pa tesonl a as tofa f f rs r i cai s itd by a Cl s M embe t a ri y, ny pec ny ee o e vce l m ubm te ny a s ro Bl Pl n ...a a a l ga i t a Bl Pary ha ue a nd ny le ton hat ny ue t s cons r d wih, de and a te orot r s a t d i conc twih o he pie t ai d be td, he wie c e n er t t r m a ge c r or ni a i ,ot rhe lh i tr nce c pa es D el ga e En ii s na d a e ga z tons he a t nsta om ni , e t d tte , a orot rt r pa teswih r ga d t a oft f ct,a t ,e nt , r ns c i , nd/ he hid ri t e r o ny he a s c s ve s ta a tons oc ur e s c s s ofc c r nce , our e onduc ,bus ne spr tc ,r pr en a i ,om i s ons t i s ac i es e es t tons si , cr m sa soro he m a tr r lt d t t Ac i .... icu t nce t r te s ea e o he ton fo e D. 9 a j 1 1a . The Sete n Ag e me s e p e sy r c g ie ta i wa a v , E. 28 t 3.() tlme t r e nt x r sl e o nz h t t s n t s nta e e nt' t ag ee nt t tt Def nda slo an t f le tpos i er las fom i e i l l me 'of he r me s ha he e nt çbt i he ul s es sbl ee e r f rherla lt t a u t ibiiy o nyonerltngt t Reea e Cl ms. I at 1 3. eai o he l s d ai ' d j 3. ' B. The Conwa C om pl nt y ai On J y 2 201 J ry L.Conwa D . ,a Albama c r a t ,fl t Conwa ul 4, 2, e r y, C. n a hiopr c or ied he y puttvecls ac i al gi t tDe e nt hadvi a e f de ala ir tl w by c pii wih a i a s ton le ng ha f nda s olt d e r nttus a ons rng t e h ot ra w ih ot Bl pl nst r duc c pe ii i l t i ur e pr m i s a under ac he nd t her ue a o e e om tton, nt a e ns anc e um , nd c pe a e phys c a f t i s r i s Conw a f l d a a e d com pl i on A ug t2, 3, om ns t i i ns or he r e v ce . y ie n m nde a nt us 201 a l gi t s m e pr m i e Conwa a l ges t t t Def ndan s e i il ag ee t di de t le ng he a e s. y le ha he e t xplc ty r d o vi he Unie St t s i o 's r i e a e ' a t n t al a e t e ge r phi mar t nmong t t d a e nt ie v c r as' nd he o loc t hos og a c ke s he Dee nt,fe ofc fnda s re ompeii (heC tton t C BCBS M ake Alocai Cons rc ). ThePli if i r t l ton pia y' antfs n Conwa alo alege t t t D ef nt a e t fx pr c f r s r c r y s l ha he enda s gr ed o i i es o e vi es ende e by he t a e rd alhc r p o ie s(h G r vd r te E BCBSPrc FxigCo s rc ' Se Co wa Am. mp . 2.Ac o dngt t ie i n n pia y). e n y Co l! c r i o he ame dcompl nt a ar s tofde r s c nde ai , s e ul c ea ed ompe ii he lhc epr vi r ,i l ngPl n if , tton, a t ar o de s ncudi aitfs aep i mu hls a dae s b e tdt ls fvo a l tr t a te wo l b a e tteBCBS r ad c e s n r u j ce o e s a r be ems h n h y u d e bsn h M ak tAl c to Co s rc I a !6. Th n n e c mplitas alg st t fn a t r e l ain n pia y. d t o e me d d o an lo le e ha Dee d ns ha fxe t pr c f he t a e r i bur e enti ea h s r i a ea a asa r ul,he t r ve i d he i es or alhc r e m s m n c e v ce r nd, es t alhca e pr d r on t e s r ce a e s r eve sgni a l l r r i ls m e t t he t r ovi e s hos e vi r a ec i i ûc nty owe e mbtr e nt han he alhca e p o ie swo l a e tteP ieFi n Co s r c 1 . t 7. r v d r ud bsn h rc xig n pia y. d a ! C. The M us e m an C om pl nt sl ai On J nua y 7,201 t Pl ntf sfl t saci n i M i s ki ade a a i t tt a r 3,he ai if ied hi to n nmi ee ng clr ton ha he antt us cl i s a s t d i Conwa ar notRel s Cl m s unde t Setl m e A gr e e s ir t a m s ere n y e ea ed ai r he te nt e m nt . Pl i if a er pr s nt dbyt s m ea t ne whobr htt Shaneandft ac i a i ude antfs r e e e e he a tor ys oug he we tons nd ncl Dr Cha l Sha and Dr Rik Love,t name pl i if i t e a tons . res ne . c he d antfs n hos c i . Pl n if contnd t tt a ir tc am sas e t i Conwt a e notReea e Cl m s aitfs e ha he nttus l i s red n z r y l s d ai bec us t y we e d ltga e orr ol d aspa toft fov orShane c esort s tlmen a e he r i ii t d es ve not r he e as he e te t ag ee nt wih Def nda s' Pli if a l e t t wher ast Conwa cai sadd es il al r me s t e nt . antf s leg ha , ' e he y lm r s leg t niora r titons and ot r a i ompe ii r srci s t f t i t BCBSA Liens e t il esrc i he ntc ttve e ti tons e orh n he c e ag ee nt ,t fov ca ms c e ne t i ur nc c r me s he e li onc r d he ns a e ompa es i o rme hodsofde ng, ni ' mpr pe t nyi delyi and di nihi physc a 'f esf s r cei ur e cli s Addii ly,Pli if a ng, mi s ng ii ns e or e vi ns anc am . tona l a ntfs con e t tt Conwa cai a eno Reea e Cl m sbe us t yar ea trt Efeci Da e t nd ha he y l ms r t l s d ai ca e he os fe he f tve t s 4 oft Se te ntAgr eme s Se D. 49 a 1 2. he tl me e nt . e E. t The e o e t is be or t Cour i whehe t a ir tcli i Conwa f l wihi r f r , he s ue f e he t s t r he nttus a ms n y al t n t de i to of Reea e Cl i sptrua t t pli l ua oft Se te ntAgr e e sand he fnii n l s d am ts nt o he an ang ge he tl me e m nt t prorde sonsoft sCour a t El nt Cic t The Cou tfr tde dest tt de ii he i cii hi t nd he eve h r ui. r is ci ha he c son on t t is i pr ry be or t s Cour,t orgi l c tas i ha s ue s ope l f e hi t he i na our sgned t t M uli Ditit o he t src Se te e . Se nd, he Cour c l st tt Conwa c ai sa e Rel a ed Cl i s tl m nt co t t onc ude ha he y lm r es am . I. I St andar d t s vve a m oto t dim is pl i if m us do m or t m e el sa e lgal $ ur i To i n o s s , antfs t e han r y t t e concusons'i t adpl i if mus f l es s ii f c a ba i f t ec usonso f c l i , nse ' antfs tç eg ome pecfc a m l ss or hos oncl i r a e al d s sa o ter li . J c s nv Belo t T lc mm.3 2F.d 1 5 ,1 6 ( 1hCi. 0 4 . imis l f h i cams' a k o . ls u h ee o , 7 3 2 0 2 3 1 t r 2 0 ) ' W he r i o a m oton t di m i s a c tm us vi t com pl i i t lghtm os f vor bl t n ulng n i o s s , our t ew he a nt n he i ta a eo t pl ntf a a ce t pl i ifswel- e de f t astue.SeeStJos ph' Hos , nc v Hos he ai if nd c pt he antf lpl a d ac s r . e s p.I . . p. Cop. fAm. 7 5 F. 9 , 5 ( 1h Ci.1 6 . Thi tn t ho v r d e n ta pyt lg l r o , 9 2d 48 9 3 1 t r 98 ) s e e, we e, o s o p l o e a c n lso s S eAs c otv I b l 1 9 S.Ct 1 3 ,1 4 ( 0 9 . M o e v r Cwl ie lg l o cu in . e h rj . q a , 2 . 97 99 20) ro e , t h l e a g concusons c n pr de t fa wor of a compl nt he mus be s l i a ovi he r me k ai ,t y t uppored by f cual t at alegai . 1 a 1 l tons' d. t 950.Thos 'fa t aleg tonsmusbee ' e ' j cual l ai l t nought riearghtt r i a o as i o elef bove t s c a i lvelon t a s pton t a1 oft c he pe ultve e he s um i hat l he ompli ' alegai a e tu ' BelAt. ants l tons r r e. l l ' Cor v Twombl 55 U. 54 5 ( p. . y, 0 S. 4, 45 2007) l s tt c antmus no me ey algea . n hor, he ompli t t r l le m ic s onduc , mus de tbut t monsr t t tt plade i e il t r le .Se I ,1 S. . t1 tae ha he e r s ntted o ei f e qbal 29 Cta 950. 11 1. A NA LY SI S A. The Iss are Properl bef thi C ourt ues y ore s . Thi Cour wast orgi l our a s g dt t M uli Di t i tSe te e .Fur he s t he i na c t s i ne o he t - sr c t l m nt t nnor t e,he Dimis l d r e tr db t sCo r p o d ta ûhi Co r h rb rtis t id cina t a1 s sa Or es nee y hi u t r vie h t i s u t ee y ean jl s ito s o 1 t r matr rltn t ()te itr r tto a miitain n c ns mmain o t e Set me t tes eai g o a h n ep eain, d n srto ,a d o u to f h tl n e Ag e me t nd( ) h e f re n o ij n to si t i Or e .f e D. 1 0; o e D. 1 8 ; r e n a b t e n o c me t rn u ci n n h s d r ov , E. 25 f v , E. 2 6 Shane, E. 4.Thus t i s r iedi De enda s' otont Dim isa epr rybe or t s D. 468 ,he s ues a s n f nt M i o s s r ope l f e hi Cour . t B. The c a m s i Conwa ar R e e e Cl m s li n y e l as d ai . A ltgaton r e e ofc a m si a c r ta i c t u d ac or ng t t nor a nzesof ii i el as l i s ontac nd s ons r e c di o he m l l c r ti e pr t ton. Se ,e g. l 1 M Er c o s I .v M i es x Cor ,867 So.2d 1 2,1 ontac nt r e a i e .,' e t r , nc . ddl e p. 25 253- 54( a. hDCA 200 .W he i eprtngac r tunderFlrdalw,heCou ti gui d frt Fl 4t 4) n ntr ei ontac oi a t r s de is b teln u g o t ed c me t is l.S eDo v Nie I c, 4 S 2 5 5 6 ( a 4hDCA y h a g a e f h o u n s tef e ws . k , n . 8 6 o. d 9 , 01 Fl. t 2003) Thelng geoft Cour' Fi Appr lOrer ce rypr biscls me r fom . a ua he ts nal ova d s lal ohi t a s mbe s r i ta i l w s t a ns Re e e Pa te f ran c a m sr e edbyt Se te e .Se , g. Lov , nii tng a uis gai t l as d ri s o y l i el as he tl m nt e e. , e D. 7 a !9; o e D. 1 6a !9 Th rf r ,hsCo r mu tds s Plitfs camsi () E. 21 t f v , E. 28 t . eeo e t i u t s imis anif ' li f i t Pli if ae ca s me s (i Defnda s a e Reea e Pa te unde t Se te nt he antfs r ls mber, i) e nt r l s d ris r he tlme Agre nt,a (i)t cli a is i Conwa ar Relasd Cli . l i undiput t t e me s nd ii he ams t sue n y e e e ams t s s ed ha Pl i if a ecl smembe sa t t enda sar Relas Pa te .The e or ,hea ysst ns antfs r as r nd ha Def nt e e ed ri s r f e t nal i ur on w he he t cl i s a i s i Conwa a e Re e s d Cl i s t r he a m t s ue n y r l a e am . W he de e m i ng whet rt Con y cli sa e Reea e Cli sunde t Se te e n t r ni he he wa am r l s d am r he tl m nt Agr e e s t Cour mus dee m i whehe t Conwa a e e m nt, he t t tr ne t r he y m nded c ompli tts r t s me a n dha es he a o r tve nuc e off t' st fov c pl i , hati , t rt ç i a y r g sa d i ' a e pe a i l us ac ' a he e om a nt t s whe he he d m r i ht nd utes' r pr t esme T o sv BleCr s a dBleS il s', 3 F. p' 41 41 ( 1hCi. 0 9 .A h a . h ma . u o s n u hedAs n 3 3 Ap x 4, 8 1 t r 2 0 ) cam i aRelas Cl m unde t Sete ntAg e me sii stsi t r rme s ( )t li s e ed ai r he tlme r e nt f t aifes wo equie nt: 1 he 6 cai mus be as e t by r s of a ie o of orr a et ' y oft f c s.oro he m a tr ' lm t s red ea on , rs ut , elt o ' an he a t .. t r te s' rfrn e i teft ea to o t t eb sne s r cie ta aetes be t fj7o t S tlme t eee c d n h p ci n r o h u i s p a tc s h t r h u j c o v fhe et n e Ag e me t (h s be tmatrrq ie n )a d ( )t cam mus h vea ie o o b fr te re n s t e u j c te e ur me t n 2 he li t a rs n n r eo e h efcied t o t eS tlme t r e ns(hea c u l e ur me t.Ea ho t e erq ie n s fe tv ae f h e t n Age me t t c r a rq ie n) c f h s e u rme t e wilbe a l ed i t n. l nayz n ur 1. TheSubj ctM ate Re r nt Fis Prong e tr quieme : r t Th s b e tnatrrq iene tc n it o t p o g ;fet e o tepr n si stsid a e u j c r te e ur l n o sss f wo r n s i ih r f h o g s aife , cai wilbe c i r a r e e c am . The fr tpr oft r l s s s touti t fr t lm l onsde ed elas d l i is ong he eea e , e n he is s ne c , r vd s h t cam i rla e i ii 'rsn o t f o i 'na ywa r ltdt 'i' n e tn e p o ie t a a li s ee s d fts ' ii g u o ' r s' n y eae o'()' y a i a of hef c s e t , r ns c i , c r nc s c s ofcond t bus ne spr c i es r pr s nt tons t a t , ven s t a a tons oc ur e e , our es uc , i s a tc , e e e a i , omisons cr tnce , ot rmatr rfr e 'nfov or(i'hebusne sprciest t r si , icumsa s or he te s eeenc d'i e i)' t i s a tc ha ae tes be t fj7'o teS tlme tAg e me t.fo e D. 9 a j 1 .() h u j c o ' f h e t n re ns v , E. 28 t 3 1a. e Thi Co thaspr vi usy de em i t ta ir tc pia c am ss a t onesa s ur e o l t r ned ha nttus ons r cy l i uch s he t is a eReea edCl m st rbo hoft pr .Eari ri Shane, e l nta kedt Cour f r sue r l s ai mde t he ongs le n W lpoi s he to a ij n to t p e e eg p y iing o psa do ep y iino g niain fo p rii t g n n u cin o rv nt iht h sca r u n n h sca r a z t r m a t pai o c n a p an if i aM is u ilws t( n a C/ Ur lp Ct e PA v Ble Cr s BleS ed o s litfs n so r a ui Ka s s / oo z , , u o s u hil f y r Kan asCf a i tW el nta ohe mana dhe t c ec s @) gans lpoi nd t r ge alh ar ompa es SeeShane D. 5863. ni . , E. Kan as Cf Ur ogy as e t t o a ir s cl m s undera M i s is a e s a ut The c pl i s f ol y s red w ntt u t ai s our t t t t e. om a nt a lge t tt def nda s who c r l asgni a pori oft m e c li ur ema ke i le d ha he e nt, ontoled i fc nt ton he di a ns anc r t n t r gi a t i co e t o c r t r t ofr i bur e e f m e c lca e i t r gi The he e on, c ed n nc r t ont ol he a e e m s m nt or di a r n he e on. c pl i f rhe aleg t tt r gi n w a pa tc ary s c ptbl t prce fxi bec us i w a om a nt u t r l ed ha he e o s ri ul l us e i e o i i ng a e t s c r ldbyaf w dom i ntc ontole e na ompa eswhoha cons r dt culi t a us t i m a ke po r ni ve pie o tva e nd e her r t we t f c unc cona e r mbur e e r t s fom doc or wih t i e t m a pult prce . o or e ons i bl ei s m nt a e r t s t he nt nt o ni a e i s W elpoi co e l nt nt nded t tt W elpoi s tl m enta oved by t Cour on Dec m be 22,2005, ha he l nt e te ppr he t e r whih i oneoft Se teme Ag e men sa i s he e, e ude t pl i if fom pm i pai c s he tl nt r e t t s ue r pr cl d he antfs r ci tng i t s t Thi Cour he dt tt c am si Kans Cf Ur o wer Reea e Cl mspur ua n he ui. s t l ha he l i n as / ol p y e l s d ai s nt t i e ala,hefr t ongoft r l a e Thefrts nt er l s sa l a mst tça ei a wa o,ntr i t is pr he e e s . is e enc eea e l cli ha çr n ny y rltdt .a yo tefcs a t, v ns. o zrp e e tto s. eee c d i t Aci n' Ka s s eae o. n f h a t, cs e e t.l r e r sn ain .rfr n e n he to . n a . . . ' f y Ur o ' a lga i i vi t de e 7r ol u s le tons nvol ng he f ndanti ur nce c pa e c piac wih ot r ns a om nis' ons r y t he i ur nc pr der t di i s t r t ofr m bu s m e f i ur nc cai ma by doc or ns a e ovi s o m nih he ae ei r e nt or ns a e l ms de t s we er lt dt t ei Shane whih i v c am st theat i tr ncec r ea e o hos n , c nvol ed l i ha lh nsla ompa escons r dt ni pie o i o ry de a di nih i ur ncecli madeby doc o si vi a i oft f r lRI mpr pe l ny nd mi s ns a a ms t r n olton he ede a CO s a ut 1 t t e. d. Si lry,t sCour hed t ta ir tcamsa is i He t f v Wel ntHe t mia l hi t l ha nttus li t sue n nsor . lpoi a1h Akr ktI , c we ebas ona lga i i aCalf i aci t tde enda sha c pie wwr nc.whih r ed le tons n iom a ton ha f nt d ons r d t us t im a ke powe ounde a o e her r t rt m yphysc a whopr dedwor r c ii ns ovi ke s ompe a i s ni s we e ns ton e ce , r Ree s dCli .Se Sh n , E. 8 1 a o tn 5 3 .Th sCo r rj ce teag me th the la e ams e a e D. 5 5 , d p ig 8 8 i u t ee td h r u n ta t r e es dbea i dnanowl ho di t tt al ga i i t Caior aa ton we ec e ry elas houl pple y, l ng ha he le tons n he lf ni c i r lal çn c ' onne ton wih a m a trorf ts tf t o r f re t i ' hef de alcas a ton gi ng rs i ci t ny te ac e orh r e e r d o n't e r l s c i vi ie t t s tl m e .Thef tt tt c o he ete nt ac ha he ompli si t f de a c a sa ton di no s c fcal add e s a nt n he e r l l s c i d t pe ii ly r s wor r c ke s' ompe ai n ne wor wa ir lva ,a t Ca ior aaci n ar efom t i ntca ns to t ks s r ee nt s he lf ni to os r he de i l f c ual e c t ast f de al as a ton ltga i a t , he a l ga i c d ha be n pl d a t pr di a e he e r cl s c i ii ton nd, hus t le tons oul ve e e i t c as a ton. Se i The El ven h Cic t a tnne t s Cour ' de s on. Se Kl y v Al n he l s c i e d. e t r ui fi d hi ts ci i e a . l Dee d ns 3 9F. p' 2 4 ( 1hCi. Q 9 +e c ra . f n a t, 0 Ap x 9 1 t r 2 Q 4 r u i m) Fort s mer a onst tt cli sde c i a he n e s ha he am s rbed bove we eRelas Cl ms t cai si r e ed ai , he l m n Conwa a e a s r e e Conwa ars s o ofa r l t t t çf c s acs e nt .. ot r y r lo elas d. y ie ut nd e aes o he ça t , t, ve s. or he ma tr 'i fov Coawt i bas on Pl i if 'aleg ton t tDef nda sc piedt çs e s te s'n e. z s ed y antfs l a i ha e nt ons r o suppr s c ompe ii a t i r s t i pr is . de e sng t r t pad t he t r pr de s.. tton nd o nc ea e her oft.. by cr a i he aes i o alhca e ovi r ..' ' Co wa Am. mpl ! 2 6.ft cwa b s d o t e smia alg to ta t d fn a t h d n y Co . 2 p v s a e n h i lr le ain h t he e e d n s a e ge i a c mon s he e t s t m ai aly de dea and di i s t pa e s due t nga d n om c m o yse tc l ny, ly, m nih he ym nt o d co s Se Lt cCo l!5 l s o tb t c mpan saeb s do alg to st a Dee d n s o tr . e p mp . . n h r, o h o lit r a e n le ain h t fn a t, v a tng t ough BCBSA,cons r d t r e pr derr mbur e e . Asa r s t Conwa f ls c i hr pie o educ ovi ei s m nt e ul, y al wihi t s opeoft fr ts nt nc oft r e e. t n he c he is e e e he elas Pl i if ur e t Cou tt i emr t r l a ena r y t fnd t tConwa f l outi antfs g he r o nt et he e e s r owl o i ha y als sde is c p .S eD. 4 a 6. we e ,h Elv n hCic ih srj ce teag me th th r la e t s o e e E. 9 t Ho v rt e e e t r ut a ee td h r u n ta te ee s doesnot ppl s m pl bec us al w s ti ve di f r nta l ga i t nfov ora s t a dif r nt a y i y a e a ui nvol s f e e le tons ha e s ers f e e ca e ofa ton. The deer na i n ofwhe he ac am i aRelas Cl m unde t lng e of us ci t mi to t r li s e ed ai r he a uag t Sele tAg e ment pe noto t ca eofaci a lgedbutont nuclusofo ai he tlmen r e de nds n he us ton le he e per tve f c unde l ng t c am . Se Thomas 594 F.3 81 a 822. I He t Car Se v Cor v at ryi he l i e , d 4 t n a1h e r . p. . Ko b s,5 4 F.3 81 8 2 ( 1h Ci.2 0 ,t e Elve t Cic i h l t t t e t eb o d luz 9 d 4, 2 1 t r 01 ) h e nh r ut ed ha, md r h r a l uag oft r e e,t tousi e f r nce a de a ai cai wer Re e e Cl i se n ang e he elas ori nt re e nd f m ton l ms e l as d am ve to g s hcamsha ne e b e a sre i fo e saigta iwa ûree a t h t( an ifs h u h uc li d v r e n se td n v , ttn h t t s t rlv n t a plitf l i cli de ndonadifrntlga t or t t camsase tdi t cl sa tonorr r ghe ams pe fee e lhe y han he li s re n he as ci equie t panit t p o ematr i a dto t o difrn fo t ecamsa s re i teca sa to ' litf o r v tes n d i n o r fee t r m h li s e td n h ls cin. l i ' Thi r a o ng i pa tc a l applca e i t s c s Eve t ug t pl i if i fove as e t s e s ni s r i ul ry i bl n hi a e. n ho h he a ntf s n s red RI cl i s t r l s e es l s a e t ti a i st ta a a 1' a m st r s ng t de f de a CO a m ,he e ea e xpr sy t t s ha t pple o l ny nd l'cl i s i i m r e r l a 9 Orsael w, i l ng S ir t' l i sl t t a ' nc udi t tus'c am . ' ant As hsCo rh l wh nc n l dn tecamsi He sofwezb re ,tsf r se bet a t i u t ed e o cu ig h li n n tr ï ar d ii o e e a l h t Pli if c d ha a e d t i pl a ngs t a t a ir s cai s a is i s tlm e antfs oul ve m nde he r e di o dd he ntt u t l m t sue f e te nt ne i tonsha f ie The Se te e Agr em e i cl aryi e dt e br c a l e i l a m s gota i d a l d. tl m nt e nt s e l nt nde o m a e l pot nta cl i a notme el t et twe ee es l pl da t tmet r or wasfoz n ba e o t pari ' nd r y hos ha r xpr sy e t he i he ec d r e s d n he tes de ii nt co uc s tlm e nego itons Se Shane D. 5838.The ef e t cai si Conwa c so o nd t e te nt ta i . e , E. r or ,he l m n y a ewihi t s opeoft r l a ea a eba r z r t n he c he e e s nd r red. 2. ub e tM at rRe r me t Se o d Pr n S j c te quie n : c n o g Thecl i si Conwa a e a s Rel as d Cl i sptr ua t t s ond pr oft r e e. am n y r l o e e a m ls nt o he ec ong he el as Thes ondpr ngoft r las s tou i t s ond s nt e, ovi st tac am i ar e e ec o he ee e, e t n he ec e enc pr de ha l i s elas d ca m i i i ves' ny as ctofa f e f s viecl m 'or' ny a lga i t tany.. t ha li f t nvol ' a pe ny e or er c ai ' ' le ton ha a . y s par c pie wih, ade a a ted, o o he wie a t d i c ons r d t i d nd be t r t r s c e n once t wih ot r m a ge c r r t he na d a e or ni to , he heat i ur nc c ga zai ns ot r lh ns a e ompanis Deegaede ii s a orot rt r pa tes' t e , l t ntte , nd/ he hid ri 'wih l antfsa g t tDoct sHe t,I .P Aena,605F.3 11 ( 1hCi.201 pli if r ue ha or alh nc : t d 46 1 t r 0) s upporsacon r r r s t Howe r i Doct ' He t ,hec am swe e notRelas Cli t ta y e ul. ve , n ors alh t l i r e ed a ms be a e, nt r ala,u i t pl i if i Shane, he pl i ifa l ged t tt HM O m a er c us i e i nlke he a ntf s n t a ntf le ha he nag ov r d m edi alpr de s l por a l t c a m pu s d by Doc or Hea t i t a e pai c ovi r . m t nty, he l i r ue t s lh n he dver a y sr a to s a e n fcu l a i wihteSh n c mplit I c n rs,us l ei fo e t e cin h rd o a t a b ss t h a e o an .n o tatj t i n v ,h k Con y c wa ompl i a lge De e nt under i m e c lpr de sby c pii t ough ant le s f nda s pad di a ovi r ons rng, hr BCBSA , o us t rm a ke pow e t f c pr de st pr de s r c on D ef nt 't t e hei r t r o or e ovi r o ovi e vi es enda s enns . 2De e nt a tona l a guet t cai si Co y a e Re e s d Cli sundert f nda s ddii ly r hat he l m n nwa r l a e am he s ond pa toft fr tpr ec r he i s ong,ie. be a e t y a e ' r s ng outof' ar ' n a w a r l e . , c us he r ' i i a or e ' ny y e at d i t '. i 'h b sne sp a tc sta aet es be to j7'o teSet me t re n s S e o'.(i ' e u i s r cie h t r h u jc f ' f h tl n Ag e me t. e . )t e Lwc D. 9 8a j1 1a . eCo r do sn tra ht i a g me ta teCo wa camsae t , E. 2 t 3.( ) Th u t e o e c h s r u n s h n y li r ce l ReeaedCli unde t frtpm'oft frtpr (hecai a e' rsngoutof' lary l s ams r he is t he is ong t l ms r ' ii a or ae'na wa r ae t 'i ' nyoft fcs e nt,tans ci ,oc ure es c s of r ' ny y eltd o'()' i a he a t, ve s r a tons c r nc , oures c onduc , i s pr c i s r pr s nt to ,om i s ons cic s a s o o he m a t r t bus nes a tce , e e e a i ns s i , r um t nce , r t r te s rfrnc 'i f/v .' andaet rf ebar d.1 eee ed' n e..' .) r heeor re d. 10 r ga dt t 'acs a t,e nt, r ns c i ,oc ur e es c s ofc e r o he ' t, c s ve s ta a tons c r nc , our es onduc , i s pr c i s f t busne s a tce , r pr s nttons om isons cr um sa e o ot rm a tr r lt d t 'fov Unde t pl i e e e a i , s i , ic t nc s r he te s ea e o' e. r he an lngua oft s co s nt nc oft r l s ,t ca ms i Conwa a e r e e bec us t y a ge he e nd e e e he eea e he li n y r elas d a e he i vet a ountpr de sa epad f s r i st y pr det De e nt 'm e r , .. t n nvol he m ovi r r i or e vce he ovi o f nda s mbe s ie, s a a pec ofa f e f s r c c ai . s t e or e vi e l m ' ' Pli tf s a t a n if tempt t ditng s t c am s pr s nt d i Lov o si uih he l i ee e n e,whi a l ed t t t ch leg ha he d enda t d e de a ed, di i s d t pa e sorf est tpr der we edueund t i ef n s enid, l y or m nihe he ym nt e ha ovi s r er her a r e e tfom t ei Conwa whi al get tBCBSA mani atdt r t sof ei g e m n r hos n y, ch le ha pul e he a e r mbur e s ment . S eD. 4 a 8 1 e E. 9 t , 5.TheCo r rj csP an if'a g me tt trtso ri u s me taen t u t ee t litfs r u n ha ae f emb r e n r o as c s off e f s r i e cl ms butar m or a czae y c i r d as t oft a e m e s pe t e or e v c ai e e c tr tl onsde e pec s he gr e nt be wee pr vi r a Def nda s Se D. 49 a 1 Thi ditnc i i a tfcil Thea t n o de s nd e nt . e E. t 5. s s i ton s rii a . mounta physca i pad i pl i y a a pec ofa f e f s r c cli ,whe herornotr i bure e i iin s i s anl n s t e or e vie am t em s m nt s add es e i ac r t a e m e be we napa tci tngpr de a a i lr r Thi Cour ha r s d n ontac or gr e nt t e ri pa i ovi r nd n nsze . s t s pr vi l hel t tt a ir s c am si Kans sCf Ur op i vi t r t ofr i bur e nt e ousy d ha he ntt u t l i n a / ol nvol ng he a e em s me y f f f rs r c cai vi aed s ntnc t oft r e e. Se Shane,D. 5863. TheCour or ee o e vie l ms olt e e e wo he elas e E. t r a hest s m e c l i he e. ec he n onc us on r Pli if f t rcontnd t t e n i t Conwa c am s a e a pe t off e f s vie a ntfs urhe e ha , ve f he y l i r s c s e or er c cai ,t me ni oft c a eS ny as c ofa f e f s r i e cai 's ul beconsr d a l ms he a ng he l us ç a pe t ny e or e v c l m' ho d tue s onl a yi t t e as t of f es f s r i e c a m s r f r ed i fov or t Se te e y ppl ng o hos pec s e or e v c l i e e enc n e he tl m nt Ag e me t.Thsa g me t sic n itn wi teCo r' p e iu r l s W h ne j iigte re n s i ru n i n o sse t t h u ts r vo s ui . e n onn h h ng a inz tc ai si K ans C ï Ur og t sCour he d t tus oft w or li l s'i c t ntt s l m n as r ol y hi y t l ha e he d çnc ude ' ndi a es t tt s c s nt e expa ,r t t n lm is t s pe oft r l a e. I ha he e ond e enc nds a her ha i t , he co he e e s d 11 W he e ashe e, he c us ofa ton a l ge s cl ary r l t t m a t r ofunde a e a r, r t a e c i le d o e l e a es o te s p ym nt nd no pa e off e-o -e vie c am s t Cour ha no c c butt dimist ecli s Se n- ym nt e f r s r c l i , he t s hoi e o s s hos am . e Thoma 594F. a 822(nsr ci t tt ft r eaeçe endst an anda1ca e ofa ton s, 3d t i tu tng ha he wc el s txt o y l us s ci ofwhae ki s lc orchaa trt aerltdt matr a e sd i t cas a i ' tver nd, ot e, r rce hat r eae o tes ddr se n he l s cton.) ' Addii ly,hea ir s cl msi Conwa ar Re e e Cli unde hes onds ntnce tona l t nttu t ai n y e l as d a ms rt ec e e bec us t y i l a l ga i t t Sa y Bl Pa t has cons r d w ih,ai d and a te or a e he nc ude le tons ha ç n ue ry pi e t de be t d, ot r s acd i nc r wihot rma ge c r o g zai , he alhi ur ec he wie t nçn v t t he na d a e r ani tons ot rhe t ns anc ompani , es Deegae Enttes a / ot t r pa te wih r ar t any of t f c s a t ,eve s l td ii , nd or her hid ri s t eg d o he a t , c s nt, tans to , oc r nc , coures of c r aci ns cure es s onduct busnes pr c i s r pr e a i , omi sons , i s a tce , e es nt tons si , cic t nce o o he m a tr r a e t t Ac i ' Theame r umsa s r t r te s elt d o he tonv ' nded c ompl n i Conway a lge ait n le s t tS ha I BCBSA a t ot rBl Cr se ii ha a e d t di de a al a et ge a c nd he he ue os nttes ve gr e o vi nd loc t he ogr phi mar t f t s l ofc kes or he ae ommeca he lhi urnc i oasre ofe usveaea ..a bydoi ril at ns a e nt eis xcl i r s.lndl ng s t BCBSA m e r ha ag ee t s e s c o, he mbe s ve r d o uppr s ompeii n a t i r s t rpr is by tto nd o nc ea e hei oft d c e sngtertsp i t h atc r pr vd r .. Co wa Am. mpl!2 . Th a n e e ra i h ae ad o e l ae o ies.' n y h .' Co . 26 e me d d c ompl i e n e es l c l De e nt ' c i SheBCBS M a ke Aloc ton Co piac ' ant ve xpr sy als f nda s a tons t t r t l ai ns r y'and t S he G BCBS Prc Fi ngCons r c ' Pl ntfs cai sf l s r y wihi t s conds nt eof ie xi pia v. ai if ' l m al qua el t n he e ' e enc t r l a e. he e e s 3. The A c ualR e r m e cr qui e nt The r las onl a i t cli t t a os fon orbef e t Efe tve Da e'oft ee e y pples o a ms ha r e i or he f c i t' he Se tem e A gr e e s Pl i i f a gue t tt Conwa c a m sar notRel as Cl i s be a e tl nt e m nt . a ntf s r ha he y li e e ed a m c us t yo ype t nt antcompe ii c he nl rai o i ttve onduc i whi De e t n ch f ndan se t ngag a trt Efeci Daes ed fe he f tve t . Be a s s c c n u tc u dn th veijze Plitfsu tla trte Efe tveDae , anif c u e u h o d c o l o a nl d an if n i fe h fci r ts Pli tfs 12 c end,t cai di no a ie untla trt Efe tve Da e Pl ntfs f rhe a g t tt ont he l ms d t rs i fe he f c i t s. ai if u t r r ue ha he c am si Conwa a eno Rel s Cl m sbec us ana ir tcai a r ea htm eDe e nt li n y r t ea ed ai a e nttus l m cc ues c i f nda s pa pr der ba e on a lge y a iompe ii r t s and t Conwa c am s onl pe ti t y ovi s s d le dl ntc ttve a e he y li y ra n o he t a e s r i e pr de a pa e sr c ve a trt Efe tveDaes SeeD. 49 a 2,1 alhc r e v c s ovi d nd ym nt e ei d fe he f c i t . E. t 7. Pl i if 'a tm pt t cic antfs te s o r umven t r e esbye l ng a f t oc t he elas xcudi ny ac s cuni prort t ng i o he Efe tveDaesoft Se te e Agr e e sa ef ecos dbyprorr lngsont sve yi s Bot fci t he tlm nt e m nt r or l e i ui hi r s ue. h ti Co r a dteElv nh Cic i Co r o Ap e l h v c n itn l rj ce t ea g me t h t h s u t n h e e t rut u t f p as a e o sse ty ee td h ru n t a camsiv vn p tstlme tc n u tc n o bee j ie b teS t e n Ag e me t.Se li n olig os-et n o d c n n t n on d y h et me t re n s e e l Klyv. l .#.309F. a Al Dc , App' 294, 95( 1hCi. x 294- 1 t r 2009) Thoma v Bl Cr s andBl Shil ; s . ue o s ue ed As ' 594F.3 91 922( 1hCi.201 ;( E.6363) s ealo Thomasv. u Cr s andBl sn, d. 4, 1 t r 0) D. ;e s Ble o s ue Shil s', F.App' 41 420( t Ci.2009) edAs n 333 x 4, 11h r . F re a l,i I Re Wel i t I .v Ou-f Ne wo k ' 'Ra e Liia in,t e o x mpe n n lpo n, nc . to- t r ' ' ts t to h UCW g p y iinpanif a g e ta ter CO, h r nAc, n ERI A camss udn t ee j ie h sca litfs r u d h th iRI S e ma ta d S li ho l o b n on d be a et ywe eba eds eyons r ce pr de a trt Efe tveDa ea under heis pa ae c us he r s ol l e vi s ovi d fe he f c i t nd, t ûe r t a c u l d crne an w c u eo a to a c u de c tmet e s fee ij r .Th sCo r rj ce c r a' o ti , e a s f cin c r e a h i h y u frd n u y i u tee td ' t sa gume a he dt t e nt hi r nt nd l ha, ve hought pli if ha lm iedt i c am st s r ce pr de he antf s d i t her l i o e vi s ovi d a t t Efeci Da e t i cli swe e Reea e Cl m sbe us t y ar e fom a alege fer he f tve t , her am r l s d ai ca e he os r n l d c pia y a c ts ofco uc t tbega l be or t tdae. Shane, . 611 ons r c nd otr e nd t ha n ong f e ha t D E. 6. Thea ir s cli si Conwa a ebas donanal ge co pia yda i ba ol be or ntt u t am n y r e le d ns r c tng ckt ong f e t Ef e tve D a esoft Se te e A gr e e s A s a r s t Pl i if c d ha as e t d t s he f c i t he tl m nt e m nt . e ul, a ntf s oul ve s r e he e ca msbe or Lovewa s tl The e or ,e ni Pli if lm i t rcai sf s r i spr de li f e s e ted. r f e ve f a ntfs i t hei l m or e vce ovi d 13 a trt Efe tveDa e , hec am sar silr l as d. fe he f c i ts t li e tl e e e 3 Ptr ua t t pl n l ngua oft r e esand t pror de i i oft sCour a t ts nt o he ai a ge he el as he i c s ons hi t nd he El ve h Cicui, t Cour hol t t t c ai s as ered i Conwa a e Re ea e Cl i s e nt r t he t ds ha he l m s t n y r l s d am . A c or ngl i i c di y, t s ADJUDGED t De e nt'M oton t Dim isi he e GRANTED. hat f nda s i o s s s r by DONEANDORDE DichmbraMimiFoiatiV Ddyo Au ut2 1. RE n a est a ,lrd,hs a f g s 03 , FEDE O A .M OREN O UNI TED STA TES D I STRI J DG E CT U Co e pr vi d t pi s o de o: Couns lofRec d e or 3Pl ntf scie H ol v Man ni 73 So. 1 1 - ( a 3dDCA 1 ai i f t d . zi , 6 2d 38, 4142 Fl. 999)a Sc c nd he k v Bu ge Ki Cor ,756F.Supp.5 5 ( D. a.1 )f t pr ii t tage rl . r r ng p. 43, 47 S. Fl 991 or he oposton ha nea r l a e cm notbe a i d t ba c a m st tha notye a c e a t tm e t r l a e w a ee s r pple o r l i ha ve t c nz d t he i he e e s s e u e H owe r t e de i i r a e t cl i s t tc d no ha be n br hta t tm e xec t d. ve , hes c s ons el t o a m ha oul t ve e oug t he i t r e esa i s we e s gne unlke t c ai si Conwa he el as t s ue r i d, i he l m n y. 14
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