Johnson v. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Johnson v. County of Los Angeles, et al. is a class action lawsuit on behalf of incarcerated people with mobility impairments. Settled in 2016, the settlement agreement requires the County, LASD, and Correctional Health Services to provide durable medical equipment – e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, and canes -- physical therapy, and reasonable access to the facilities and programs in the facilities. The agreement also required certain upgrades to create more housing areas, toilets, and showers that are accessible, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The agreement names the LA County Office of Inspector General (OIG) as the court-appointed monitor.

RULING: March 23, 2015
A federal judge approved the class action settlement. Read the settlement.

RULING: November 24, 2014
A federal judge granted preliminary approval to the class action settlement. Read the settlement.

RULING: October 16, 2012
All prisoners who need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) who are in the L.A. County Jail were granted class action status. Read more about the ruling.

FILING: May 11, 2011
The Plaintiffs sought a Temporary Restraining Order to stop the jail from forcing two men, Terry Alexander and Derrick White, out of their wheelchairs without an appropriate medical exam. Mr. Alexander had been identified as totally and permanently disabled by a doctor before he arrived in L.A. County Jail. Read the filing.

RULING: January 2011
The district court indicated that it would grant our request to certify a class of inmates with mobility impairments. The court also instructed the parties to select a special master to facilitate negotiations.

FILING: November 12, 2010
The ACLU filed a motion for class certification. Read declarations from members of the class.

FILING: May 29, 2008
The ACLU of Southern California filed suit on behalf of people with mobility impairments incarcerated in the L.A. County jail system.