Denver, Colorado – The Colorado Department of Corrections’ bid to reduce a $3.5 million jury award to an incarcerated man with disabilities has been rejected by a federal judge. The inmate, Jason Brooks, sued the department for violating his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Judge S. Kato Crews denied the government’s motion to reduce the jury’s verdict, stating that there was sufficient evidence to support the award.
Brooks, who suffered from ulcerative colitis, a condition that caused him to use the bathroom frequently, sought reasonable accommodation from the prison officials. He requested access to the cafeteria at the earliest opportunity to plan his bathroom breaks effectively. However, instead of accommodating his disability, the department offered him an adult diaper. As a result, Brooks missed numerous meals, lost weight, experienced pain, and even defecated on himself.
The jury, instructed to base their verdict on Brooks’ physical and mental harm, awarded him $3.5 million for the department’s violation of the ADA. The government argued that the award was excessive, considering that Brooks did not sustain any permanent physical injuries. They also cited a U.S. Supreme Court decision that emotional distress was not a basis for damages under a different disability rights law.
In response, Brooks pointed out that the government raised the Supreme Court decision only after the trial had ended. He emphasized the extensive evidence presented during the trial, which demonstrated how the department’s ADA violation caused him to miss thousands of meals over a span of more than five years. Brooks argued that the government failed to identify any errors made during the trial or present evidence to support its position.
Judge Crews agreed with Brooks, stating that the government did not provide specific evidence to support its position and neglected to raise the Supreme Court decision before the trial. Crews upheld the jury’s determination and rejected the government’s attempt to reduce the award.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring that prisons accommodate the disabilities of their inmates, as mandated by the ADA. It serves as a reminder that individuals with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations in correctional facilities. The ruling also reinforces the role of juries in determining compensation based on the evidence presented during a trial.
The Colorado Department of Corrections’ failure to provide a reasonable accommodation to Brooks resulted in significant harm and suffering. Going forward, this case may prompt corrections departments to reassess their policies and practices regarding disability accommodations.
The ruling in Brooks v. Colorado Department of Corrections sets a precedent for upholding the rights of incarcerated individuals with disabilities and holding correctional facilities accountable for ADA violations. It signifies a step towards ensuring equal treatment and access for all prisoners, regardless of their disabilities.