On Thursday, February 10th, 2011 a Federal district court filed a summary judgment ruling that Los Angeles does not currently have sufficient emergency preparedness for communication, evacuation, transport, and/or shelter for people with disabilities. The historic judgment stated that "Because of the city's failure to address their unique needs, individuals with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable to harm in the event of an emergency or disaster." The city of Los Angeles held that the responsibility fell not on the local government agencies, but on the Red Cross and the people themselves.
U.S. District Court Judge Consuelo B. Marshall ruled in favor of plaintiffs, ordering a settlement conference to be held within 21 days from the ruling. The order also maintained the defendant's liability in the matter.
Read more in the released order.
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