Sandra Lamb v. NRAD Medical Associates, et al.
In 2017, Disability Rights Advocates filed a federal lawsuit against NYU Langone-NRAD Radiology Centers on behalf of a person who uses a wheelchair after she was denied service based on her disability. None of NYU Langone-NRAD Radiology Centers’ many facilities throughout Long Island and in Queens provide the accessible medical equipment necessary for treating patients with mobility disabilities as required under federal, state, and city disability law. The case was settled on July 12, 2018.
Nassau Radiologic Group (“NRAD”), now a part of NYU Langone Medical Center, claims to offer a wide variety of medical imaging services. Yet, when Sandra Lamb, a Long Island resident who is a quadriplegic as a result of an accident that occurred when she was a teen, sought a medically prescribed ultrasound at a facility near her home, she was turned away. After numerous attempts to schedule an appointment, she was informed that none of their locations had a height-adjustable exam table as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. For a simple outpatient test, they suggested she seek treatment at a hospital instead.
“This occurred at a time when I was already worried that my health might be at risk, and the difficulties I faced in finding a place that would see me despite my disability added greatly to my stress,” explained Ms. Lamb. “I don’t understand how a medical facility can turn away patients with disabilities who are seeking treatment.”
“NYU Langone-NRAD is failing to serve a large segment of nearby residents who may need their services most,” said Christina Brandt-Young, Senior Staff Attorney at DRA. “We are shocked and saddened that NYU Langone-NRAD is perpetuating the discriminatory system of care many persons with disabilities experience.”
The federal lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York sought an injunction against further discrimination of persons with disabilities and a comprehensive plan to provide accessible medical equipment in all of NYU Langone-NRAD’s facilities. It was settled in August of 2018.
A copy of the Complaint can be found below.