A deaf man who alleged in a federal lawsuit that he faced discrimination at Jersey City Municipal Court is likely to get a $175,000 settlement, pending a city council vote on Wednesday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Whereas, in the complaint, plaintiff alleged violations of his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (RA), and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination Act (NJLAD),” the resolution says.
“And, whereas, the Corporation Counsel recommended a settlement to pay the plaintiff the total sum of $175,000.00 because the risks and costs involved with conducting a trial may result in a verdict that exceeds the settlement amount.”
Ryan Cuevas, through his attorney Andrew Rozynski, alleged in a federal lawsuit that the municipal court violated the ADA and NJLAD by failing to provide him a sign language interpreter in a timely fashion, adding that his driver’s license was briefly suspended in 2020.
U.S. District Court Judge Susan Wigenton ruled in favor of Cuevas for liability and nominal damages back on August 30th, as HCV first reported.
The council resolution also indicates that the settlement will be covered by the Jersey City Insurance Fund Commission, that Cuevas’ payment will be received with 90 days, and that their is no admission of wrongdoing.
“As was said in court, his license was suspended for a completely separate infraction unrelated to the parking ticket in Municipal Court. As was also noted in the proceedings, March through August 2020 was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused unprecedented issues and delays throughout the courts system,” said city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione.
“However, we must ensure people of all abilities have equal access to services, and the Municipal Court has since made the necessary changes to ensure that is the standard going forward.”
Additionally, the council agenda includes settlements for former employees Donna Garvin
($60,000), Joseph Drayton ($85,000), and Synea Hicks ($90,000), who all filed their own, separate discrimination claims against the city.
They will also all be covered by the city’s insurance fund, their respective resolutions show.
The Jersey City Council will convene for their caucus meeting today at City Hall, 280 Grove St., at 4 p.m., and then for their regular meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Both sessions will stream live on Microsoft Teams.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione.
