Rogers v. Trinci

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT __________________ No. 95-20046 Conference Calendar __________________ RALPH WESLEY ROGERS, SR., Plaintiff-Appellant, versus RICHARD TRINCI ET AL., Defendants-Appellees. - - - - - - - - - - Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas USDC No. CA-H-93-0068 - - - - - - - - - - June 28, 1995 Before JONES, WIENER, and EMILIO M. GARZA, Circuit Judges. PER CURIAM:* Ralph Wesley Rogers, Sr., has not shown that the change in lifting restriction was a wanton action that Dr. Berry knew or should have known would cause a substantial risk to his health. See Farmer v. Brennan, 114 S. Ct. 1970, 1981 (1994). With respect to the claim of retaliation, it is well settled that an inmate may not be retaliated against because he exercises his right to access to the courts. Gibbs v. King, 779 F.2d 1040, 1046 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 476 U.S. 1117 (1986). However, if * Local Rule 47.5 provides: "The publication of opinions that have no precedential value and merely decide particular cases on the basis of well-settled principles of law imposes needless expense on the public and burdens on the legal profession." Pursuant to that Rule, the court has determined that this opinion should not be published. No. 95-20046 -2- the conduct alleged to constitute retaliation does not, by itself, raise the inference that such conduct was retaliatory, the assertion of the claim itself without supporting facts is insufficient. Whittington v. Lynaugh, 842 F.2d 818, 819 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 488 U.S. 840 (1988). Rogers has not sufficiently alleged deliberate indifference to his serious medical needs resulting from his medical classification and resultant work assignment; therefore he has not alleged conduct that would raise an inference of retaliatory conduct. Other than his bare assertions, Rogers provided no facts to suggest that his medical treatment and work assignments were in any way connected to his legal activities. AFFIRMED.