875 F. Supp. 2d 98
D.P.R.2012Background
- Plaintiffs Garcia-Mones and Anna G. Mones are Florida domiciles who filed Oct 11, 2011 suit against Centro Medico del Turabo, Inc. d/b/a HIMA San Pablo for alleged negligent care at HIMA San Pablo Fajardo.
- Garcia-Mones underwent knee surgery on Jan 11, 2011; post-surgery care allegedly inadequate, discharge occurred Jan 15, 2011.
- May 20, 2011 MRI showed injuries (macerated medial meniscus, small joint effusion) tied to the hospital stay; plaintiffs seek $375,000 total.
- Defendant moved to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(1) for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction and Rule 12(b)(6) for a forum-selection clause.
- Court addressed diversity jurisdiction and forum-selection enforceability, ultimately denying the 12(b)(1) motion and holding the forum clause unenforceable.
- Court concluded it has subject-matter jurisdiction and that Puerto Rico Regulation No. 7617 bans forum-selection clauses in informed-consent documents, so the clause is unenforceable.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether diversity jurisdiction exists | Plaintiffs were domiciled in Florida as of filing. | Plaintiffs were not Florida domiciled; facts suggested otherwise. | Diversity established; Florida domicile shown; subject-matter jurisdiction retained. |
| Whether the forum selection clause is enforceable | Clause unenforceable under Puerto Rico public policy and regulation; patients signed without understanding. | Clause enforceable under federal common law; Puerto Rico regulation not retroactive or controlling. | Forum selection clause unenforceable under Bremen and regulation; the court retains jurisdiction. |
| Effect of unenforceable forum clause on jurisdiction | Unenforceable clause supports proceeding in federal court. | Unenforceable clause should divest federal court of jurisdiction. | Jurisdiction preserved; defendant's 12(b)(6) motion denied on enforceability grounds. |
Key Cases Cited
- Rivera v. Centro Medico de Turabo, Inc., 575 F.3d 10 (1st Cir.2009) (enforceability of forum-selection clauses; persuasive regulation relevance)
- M/S Bremen v. Zapata Off-Shore Co., 407 U.S. 1 (Sup. Ct. 1972) (forum-selection clauses prima facie valid unless public policy bars enforcement)
- Centro Medico del Turabo, Inc. v. Departamento de Salud, 181 D.P.R. 72 (P.R. 2011) (PR Supreme Court: Regulation banning forum-selection clauses in informed consent valid)
- Padilla-Mangual v. Pavia Hosp., 516 F.3d 29 (1st Cir.2008) (domicile and diversity analysis guidance)
- Bank One, Texas, N.A. v. Montle, 964 F.2d 48 (1st Cir.1992) (diversity analysis; domicile determinations and burdens of proof)