Robert O'Dell et al. v. Greenwich Healthcare Services, Inc. et al. (2013)

MEMORANDUM OF DECISION and ORDER RE MOTION TO SUBMIT EXHIBITS UNDER SEAL (169.00)

In connection with their motion for summary judgment, defendants submitted as exhibits three documents pertaining to the medical treatment of the plaintiff, Robert O'Dell, along with a motion to submit these documents under seal.   See Practice Book §§ 7B, 7C, 7–18, 11–20A.   The summary judgment motion and the motion to seal appeared on the short calendar and were argued.   This memorandum pertains to the motion to seal;  a separate memorandum will be issued respecting the summary judgment motion.

The court declines to order the sealing of the three exhibits.   There is no interest which overrides the normal public nature of court proceedings and court files.   O'Dell has not supported an order to seal, and it is generally recognized in lawsuits of this nature that the plaintiff's medical condition and treatment is subject to scrutiny.   Indeed, the contents of the three exhibits are quite thoroughly and openly discussed in memoranda and affidavits submitted in connection with summary judgment.

As indicated in court on February 4, 2013, the court orders the unsealing of Exhibits A, B and C that are the subject of this motion.

TAGGART D. ADAMS

JUDGE TRIAL REFEREE

Adams, Taggart D., J.T.R.