In Dr. Emma Adams v. Aqua 388 Community et al., a federal jury in the Central District of California returned a significant verdict in favor of a longtime university professor who alleged that the Aqua 388 Community Association and its property management company violated the Fair Housing Act by denying her an accessible parking space. Dr. Adams, who uses a mobility device and requires accommodation for her wheelchair-accessible van, brought claims that the association failed to reasonably modify its rules and policies to provide the accessible parking she needed to safely access her home.
The case proceeded to a one-week jury trial during which both liability and damages were presented to the court. The evidence showed the impact that the lack of accessible parking had on Dr. Adams’ daily life and mobility, and the extent to which reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act was at issue. After deliberations, the jury awarded $7.4 million to Dr. Adams, recognizing the harm she experienced as a result of the defendant’s conduct and affirming the legal protections afforded to individuals with disabilities under federal civil-rights law.
DOAR was retained by the plaintiff’s trial team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight to provide graphics consulting and courtroom evidence-presentation services. Our work focused on enabling clear, accurate communication of complex factual and accessibility issues, helping the jury understand both the evidentiary record and the legal standards governing reasonable accommodation in housing. This case underscores the critical role that effective visual storytelling and demonstrative support play in helping juries understand civil rights claims.
