A federal appeals court previously determined that Karyn Stanley’s lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act could not proceed.
The Supreme Court on June 20 ruled against a retired Florida firefighter with Parkinson’s disease who wants to sue her former employer for discrimination over post-employment benefits.
The new ruling means the petitioner, Karyn Stanley, will not be able to proceed with her stalled lawsuit against Sanford, Florida.
The opinion in Stanley v. City of Sanford was written by Justice Neil Gorsuch. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.
The decision affirms a federal appeals court ruling that found Stanley had no standing to sue under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Standing refers to the right of someone to sue in court. The parties must show a strong enough connection to the claim to justify their participation in a lawsuit.
Stanley had to accept disability retirement at the age of 47 after her Parkinson’s disease became so severe that she was unable to continue working as a firefighter for the City of Sanford.
Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive disorder that affects the nervous system. Patients can experience tremors, walking and balance issues, difficulty speaking, and other symptoms.
Stanley claimed that Sanford discriminates against disabled retirees by limiting when they become eligible for a health insurance subsidy.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
