Younkin v. Superintendent Eric Tice, et al.

Summary

In this memorandum order, the court directs the parties to identify evidence concerning causation and exhaustion in a prisoner’s deliberate-indifference claim against a nurse. The court focuses on the plaintiff’s lack of expert testimony, the alleged suicide attempt and resulting injuries, and whether the plaintiff exhausted administrative remedies before filing suit. Responses and any related Rule 56(d) discovery motions are due February 9, 2026.

Holdings

1. The court directed the parties to submit or identify all evidence bearing on medical causation, injury, and exhaustion, and allowed them to seek relevant discovery under Rule 56(d), before the court determines whether summary judgment is appropriate.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Younkin can produce competent evidence, without expert testimony, that he suffered the alleged vocal-cord injury and that Kelly's conduct plausibly caused the suicide attempt.
2. Whether Younkin exhausted his administrative remedies as to his claim against Kelly before filing suit.
3. Whether the court may consider a sua sponte summary-judgment procedure after notifying the parties and giving them an opportunity to submit relevant evidence.

Disposition

other