Cadena v. El Paso County

April Cadena (plaintiff) underwent surgery on her right leg. When discharged from the hospital, Cadena received a note from her physical therapist stating that Cadena should not use crutches but should instead rely on a wheelchair for mobility during her recovery. One day after her discharge, Cadena was arrested by the police of El Paso County (county) (defendant) and taken to a detention facility. The staff conducted a medical exam, and Cadena told the staff about her mobility limitations. Cadena was able to stand when requested for the exam. The county’s physician instructed the facility to give Cadena pain medication, a lower bunk, and crutches. Officers took Cadena’s wheelchair. Cadena requested the return of her wheelchair multiple times, and officers witnessed Cadena struggle and fall when walking with crutches. The medical staff eventually ordered the return of Cadena’s wheelchair, but the facility did not complete the order. At mealtimes, inmates were required to return to their cells after retrieving their food. Cadena requested that the officers modify the process due to her crutches. The officers refused. Cadena fell while trying to carry her food tray while using crutches, suffering severe pain and nerve damage from the fall. Cadena filed suit against the county, arguing that the county violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to provide reasonable accommodations. The district court granted summary judgment for the county, and Cadena appealed to the Fifth Circuit.