NYC Trial Over Treatment of Disabled During Emergencies Begins Today

Posted by: Curt Varone March 11, 2013 0

 

A class action lawsuit filed by a disability rights group against the city of New York began today. The suit alleges that the needs and rights of the disabled are routinely violated during emergencies and disasters.

The suit was filed by Disability Rights Advocates in 2011 alleging that the city does not do enough to address the needs and safety of the disabled during disasters. Testimony is expected to focus on the city's alleged failure to properly locate and rescue disabled people during several recent weather related events, including Tropical Storm Irene and Super Storm Sandy.

Lawyers for Disability Rights Advocates say the group is not seeking monetary damages, but rather wants to see disaster planning do a better job of addressing disability related matters. The federal court trial is expected to take two weeks.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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