Robson v. Union Pacific Railroad Company
Filing
50
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER re 32 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Union Pacific Railroad Company and 40 Plaintiff's Objection to Exhibit 1Q in Support of Defendant Union Pacific Railroad Company's Motion for Summary Judgment filed by Larry Robson. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. 32 ) is DENIED. Plaintiff's Objection to Exhibit 1Q in Support of Defendant Union Pacific Railroad Company's Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. 40 ) is DENIED as MOOT. Signed by Judge B. Lynn Winmill. (caused to be mailed to non Registered Participants at the addresses listed on the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) by (ckh)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF IDAHO
LARRY ROBSON,
Case No. 4:17-cv-00416-BLW
Plaintiff,
MEMORANDUM DECISION
AND ORDER
v.
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
COMPANY,
Defendant.
INTRODUCTION
Plaintiff Larry Robson brought this action against Defendant Union Pacific
Railroad Company for disability discrimination in violation of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (“ADA”), 42 U.S.C. § 12101. Before the Court are Union Pacific’s
Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. 32), and Robson’s Objection to Exhibit 1Q
in Support of Defendant Union Pacific Railroad Company’s Motion for Summary
Judgment (Dkt. 40). The Court heard oral arguments on the motions on October
16, 2019 and took them under advisement. For the reasons discussed below, the
Court will deny Defendant’s motion for summary judgment, and deny Plaintiff’s
objection to Exhibit 1Q as moot.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 1
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff Larry Robson has been employed by Union Pacific since May
2004. Compl. ¶ 7, Dkt. 1. He is currently employed as a machinist. Id.
On September 4, 2015, Robson suffered a severe traumatic brain injury due
to an ATV accident. Compl. ¶ 8; see Def.’s SOF ¶ 11, 37, Dkt. 34. A CT scan
showed that Robson had “a left convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage with punctate
hyperdensity in his left anterior temporal lobe and parietal lobe suspicious for
cortical contusions.” Def.’s Ex. 1F, Dkt. 33 at 76. This means he had bleeding
within his brain, between the brain and the membrane that covers the brain, and
between that membrane and the skull. Robson was released from the hospital, but
on September 8, 2015, Robson awoke confused and disoriented, he was readmitted
to the hospital for observation. Def.’s Ex. 1G, Dkt. 33 at 81. Robson’s treating
neurosurgeon, Dr. Morgan, determined that Robson’s symptoms were most likely
due to post-concussive symptoms and not a seizure. Morgan Depo. at 38–40, Dkt.
39-7.
On October 14, 2015, Robson was authorized to return to work without
restrictions by his treating Nurse Practitioner. Def.’s Ex. 1M, Dkt. 33 at 100. Union
Pacific required Robson to undergo a medical fitness-for-duty evaluation before it
would allow him to return to work. Pl.’s Ex. C at 2–3, Dkt. 39-3. On November 12,
2015, Dr. Reed Wilson, a consulting neurologist, reviewed Robson’s medical
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 2
records and determined that Robson had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Wilson recommended that Robson be placed on permanent restrictions from
safety critical work based on guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration Medical Examiner’s Handbook. Def.’s Ex. 1M, Dkt. 33 at 102. Dr.
John Holland, Chief Medical Officer for Union Pacific, adopted this
recommendation and issued a Fitness-for-Duty Determination for Robson
permanently restricting him from (1) operating company vehicles, on track
equipment or other mobile equipment, or forklifts (2) working on or near moving
trains, freight cars or locomotives without protective barriers, (3) operating cranes,
hoists or machinery, (4) working at unprotected heights above four feet above
ground, and (5) making decisions or performing acts that can affect the safety of
others. Def.’s Ex. 1D, Dkt. 33 at 49–50.
In January 2016, Robson had a CT scan that showed interval resolution of
the previously seen contusions and hemorrhages of his brain – in other words, his
CT scan was normal. Def.’s Ex. 1N, Dkt. 33 at 116; Charbonneau Depo. at 30,
Dkt. 39-4; Wilson Depo. at 29–30, Dkt. 39-5. That same month, Robson’s treating
physician, Dr. Morgan, provided him a written release to “return to work full duty
w/ no restrictions.” Def.’s Ex. 1N, Dkt. 33 at 109. Based on this release, Robson
asked Union Pacific to reconsider his fitness-for-duty determination and provided
additional medical records. Id. at 105.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 3
After a follow-up review, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Holland concluded that
Robson should be restricted for five years rather than permanently. Def.’s Ex. 1O,
Dkt. 33 at 121; Wilson Depo. at 61–62, Dkt. 39-5; Holland Depo. at 36–37, Dkt.
39-2. Although the restrictions prevented Robson from performing some of the
essential functions of the machinist job Union Pacific allowed him to return to
work as a machinist. Def.’s Ex. 1A at 58, Dkt. 33.
Robson claims that, because his brain injury has resolved, and he was
cleared to return to work without restrictions by his treating physician, he is able to
perform all of the essential functions of a machinist. Compl. ¶ 16. Since returning
to work, Robson alleges that he has not been sent on certain jobs and has lost
overtime opportunities due to the restrictions. Compl. ¶ 12. Robson alleges that, by
unnecessarily restricting him from certain jobs, Union Pacific has discriminated
against him in violation of the ADA.
LEGAL STANDARD
1.
Plaintiff’s Objection to Exhibit 1Q
Federal Rule 56(c) governs the procedures that the parties must comply with
to support or dispute a motion for summary judgment. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c).
Under Rule 56(c)(2), a party “may object that the material cited to support or
dispute a fact cannot be presented in a form that would be admissible in evidence.”
Id. An affidavit is an acceptable form in which to present evidence in the summary
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 4
judgment context. However, “[a]n affidavit or declaration used to support or
oppose a motion must be made on personal knowledge, set out facts that would be
admissible in evidence, and show that the affiant or declarant is competent to
testify on the matters stated.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(4).
Rule 56 makes clear then that only admissible evidence may be considered
in ruling on a motion for summary judgment. Orr v. Bank of America, 285 F.3d
764, 773 (9th Cir. 2002); see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c). However, in determining
admissibility for summary judgment purposes, it is the contents of the evidence
rather than its form that must be considered. Fraser v. Goodale, 342 F.3d 1032,
1036-37 (9th Cir. 2003). If the contents of the evidence could be presented in an
admissible form at trial, those contents may be considered on summary judgment.
Id.
2.
Summary Judgment Standard
Summary judgment is appropriate where a party can show that, as to any
claim or defense, “there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the
movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). “[T]he
mere existence of some alleged factual dispute between the parties will not defeat
an otherwise properly supported motion for summary judgment.” Anderson v.
Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 247–48 (1986). There must be a genuine dispute
as to any material fact – a fact “that may affect the outcome of the case.” Id. at 248.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 5
The evidence must be viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving
party, and the Court must not make credibility findings. Id. at 255. Direct
testimony of the non-movant must be believed, however implausible. Leslie v.
Grupo ICA, 198 F.3d 1152, 1159 (9th Cir. 1999). On the other hand, the Court is
not required to adopt unreasonable inferences from circumstantial evidence.
McLaughlin v. Liu, 849 F.2d 1205, 1208 (9th Cir. 1988).
The moving party bears the initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a
genuine dispute as to material fact. Devereaux v. Abbey, 263 F.3d 1070, 1076 (9th
Cir. 2001) (en banc). To carry this burden, the moving party need not introduce
any affirmative evidence (such as affidavits or deposition excerpts) but may simply
point out the absence of evidence to support the nonmoving party's case. Fairbank
v. Wunderman Cato Johnson, 212 F.3d 528, 532 (9th Cir. 2000).
This shifts the burden to the non-moving party to produce evidence
sufficient to support a jury verdict in her favor. Deveraux, 263 F.3d at 1076. The
non-moving party must go beyond the pleadings and show “by her [ ] affidavits, or
by the depositions, answers to interrogatories, or admissions on file” that a genuine
dispute of material fact exists. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 324.
However, the Court is “not required to comb through the record to find some
reason to deny a motion for summary judgment.” Carmen v. San Francisco
Unified Sch. Dist., 237 F.3d 1026, 1029 (9th Cir. 2001) (quotation omitted).
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 6
Instead, the “party opposing summary judgment must direct [the Court's] attention
to specific triable facts.” Southern California Gas Co. v. City of Santa Ana, 336
F.3d 885, 889 (9th Cir. 2003).
ANALYSIS
1.
Plaintiff’s Objection to Defendant’s Exhibit 1Q
Robson objects to two accident reports contained in Defendant’s Exhibit 1Q
and asks the Court to disregard or not consider these reports. Robson argues that
the reports are lacking foundation and are irrelevant, and are therefore inadmissible
pursuant to Federal Rules of Evidence 401 and 402. The Court has not relied on
these reports in Exhibit 1Q in reaching its decision, so to the extent the reports and
Exhibit 1Q are objected to, that objection is moot.
2.
Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment
To state a prima facie case for a disability discrimination claim, a plaintiff
must show that: (1) he is disabled within the meaning of the ADA, (2) he is able to
perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable
accommodation; and (3) he suffered an adverse employment action because of his
disability. Nunes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 164 F.3d 1243, 1246 (9th Cir. 1999). A
person meets the definition of disabled under the ADA when his employer regards
the employee as disabled. 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(g)(1)(iii).
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 7
Union Pacific argues that it is entitled to summary judgment on Robson’s
single claim of disability discrimination for three reasons: (1) Union Pacific did not
regard Robson as having a disability; (2) Robson is not qualified for his position as
a machinist because he cannot safely perform the essential functions of his job; and
(3) Robson’s brain injury creates an unacceptable risk that he will become
suddenly incapacitated while performing in a safety-critical position, and thus, he
poses “a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.”
42 U.S.C. § 12113(b).
A.
Whether Union Pacific regarded Robson as having a disability
The ADA defines “disability,” in relevant part, as: “(A) a physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such an
individual; . . . or (C) [an individual] being regarded as having such an
impairment.” 42 U.S.C. 12102(1). A physical or mental impairment means:
(1) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement,
or anatomical loss affecting one or more body systems, such as
neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory
(including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive,
genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin, and
endocrine; or
(2) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as an intellectual
disability (formerly termed “mental retardation”), organic brain
syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning
disabilities.
29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(h).
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 8
In a “regarded as” disabled claim, a plaintiff must show that he was
“subjected to an action prohibited under [the ADA] because of an actual or
perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not the impairment limits or is
perceived to limit a major life activity.” 42 U.S.C. § 12102(3)(A); Nunies v. HIE
Holdings, Inc., 908 F.3d 428, 434 (9th Cir. 2018). Thus, “a plaintiff must show that
the employer knew that the employee had an actual impairment or perceived the
employee to have an impairment, and that the impairment was not transitory or
minor.” EEOC v. BNSF Ry. Co., 902 F.3d 916, 923 (9th Cir. 2018). The definition
of disability is construed broadly. 42 U.S.C. § 12102(4)(A). Accordingly,
“perceived impairment,” which forms part of the definition of “disability” is also
broadly construed. E.E.O.C. v. BNSF Ry. Co., 902 F.3d 916, 923 (9th Cir. 2018).
In this case, it is undisputed that Union Pacific knew Robson had suffered a
traumatic brain injury that resulted in a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Def.’s SOF ¶
13, Dkt. 34. As a result of this traumatic brain injury, Union Pacific considers
Robson to have an increased risk of seizures for five years from the date of his
injury. Holland Depo. at 75–76, Dkt. 39-2. Union Pacific argues that it did not
regard Robson as having any physical or mental functional limitations. Rather, due
to Robson’s prior brain injury, Union Pacific believes that Robson had an
unacceptable risk of sudden incapacitation. Def.’s Br. at 5, Dkt. 32-1. Union
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 9
Pacific relies on Morris v. BNSF Railway Company to argue that they did not
regard Robson as having an impairment because his risk of seizures is a
predisposition to certain health risks, not an impairment. Id. at 5-6 (citing Morriss
v. BNSF Ry. Co., 2014 WL 6612604, at *3 (D. Neb. Nov. 20, 2014), aff’d, 817
F.3d 1104 (8th Cir. 2016)).1
In Morriss, the plaintiff was denied employment because his high body mass
index was associated with significant risk of developing health risks in the future.
Morris, at *3. The court in Morris held that the defendant did not regard plaintiff
as disabled because the plaintiff’s obesity was not caused by an underlying
physiological disorder, and the defendant regarded plaintiff as being at risk for
developing health risks in the future, rather than at current risk. Id. This Court finds
the present case to be distinguishable from Morris.
First, Union Pacific’s Doctors believed that Robson’s traumatic brain injury
caused him to be at risk for seizures. Dr. Holland and Associate Medical Director
Dr. John Charbonneau both testified that Robson was placed on work restrictions
because Robson has an underlying health condition, a traumatic brain injury
1
Union Pacific filed a Notice of Supplemental Authority (Dkt. 47), alerting the Court to
Shell v. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company, No. 1:15-cv-11040 (7th Cir. October
29, 2019) (No. 19-1030). Robson objects to this filing (Dkt. 48), because he views it as an
additional brief beyond the limits of Local Rule 7.1. The Court appreciates notice of relevant
legal authority, however Shell, like Morris, is distinguishable from Robson’s situation.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 10
resulting in a subarachnoid hemorrhage affecting the cortical aspect of the brain,
that creates a risk of seizures for five years. Holland Depo. at 24–25, Dkt. 39-2;
Charbonneau Depo. at 55–57, Dkt. 39-4. Second, Robson’s risk of seizures is not a
future risk as in Morriss. Robson was restricted from certain tasks because Union
Pacific believes he has a current risk of seizures, which will continue for five
years. Union Pacific believes that this current risk prevents Robson from safely
doing his job now. Unlike Morriss, Union Pacific did not restrict Robson because
in the future he may develop a risk for seizures, which will then make him unable
to safely perform his job. Holland Depo. at 59, 75, 78, 115, Dkt. 39-2.
Union Pacific clearly knew of Robson’s traumatic brain injury. It believed
that, due to the brain injury, he was at a current and ongoing risk of seizures. A
traumatic brain injury is a physiological condition which is an impairment. See 29
C.F.R. Pt 1630, App. Whether or not Robson’s injuries had fully resolved, it
appears from the record that Union Pacific believed he was at a current risk of
seizures due to that impairment. Union Pacific has not met its burden of proving
there is no material dispute of fact as to whether they regarded Robson as disabled.
Instead, the evidence in the record indicates that Union Pacific regarded Robson as
disabled.
B.
Whether Robson was qualified for the position of machinist.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 11
A plaintiff bears the burden to demonstrate not only that he is disabled as
defined by the ADA, but also that he is qualified to perform the essential functions
of the job. To be a qualified individual with a disability, an individual must satisfy
“the requisite skill, experience, education and other job- related requirements of the
employment position,” and “with or without reasonable accommodation,” the
individual must be able to perform “the essential functions of the position.” 29
C.F.R. § 1630.2(m).
In their evaluation of Robson’s fitness for duty, Dr. Holland, Dr. Wilson and
Dr. Charbonneau referred to the FMCSA Handbook, and imposed work
restrictions for Robson for five years.2 Holland Depo. at 114, Dkt. 39-2;
Charbonneau Depo. at 55–56, Dkt. 39-4; Wilson Depo. at 45, 61–62, Dkt. 39-5. As
a result, Union Pacific restricted Robson from operating cranes, hoists, or
machinery; working on or near moving trains, freight cars or locomotives; and
working at unprotected heights over four feet above the work surface for five years
from the date of his brain injury. Pl.’s Ex. C at 2–3, Dkt. 39-3; Holland Depo. at
2
The FMCSA considers a person with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage with
cortical deficits to have an increased risk of seizures for five years following the injury and
consequently recommends a five-year waiting period before certifying such an individual as a
commercial driver. FMCSA Handbook at 161, Dkt. 33-1; Holland Depo. at 78, Dkt. 39-2 at 78;
Wilson Depo. at 62, Dkt. 39-5 at 17.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 12
108, Dkt. 39-2. The parties do not dispute that these are essential functions of the
machinist position.
Prior to his brain injury, Robson was performing all of the essential duties of
his position as a machinist. Robson Depo. at 58, Dkt. 33. In January 2016, Robson
was released by his treating physician, Dr. Morgan, to return to work as a
machinist at Union Pacific without restrictions. Def’s Exhibit 1J, Dkt. 33 at 88.
Robson has not been restricted from performing any of his job duties at Union
Pacific by a treating health care provider since that time. Robson Depo. at 52, Dkt.
33. Further, Dr. Morgan testified that, in his opinion, Robson was at no more risk
of having a seizure than the general population. Morgan Depo. at 60, Dkt. 39-7.
Thus, Robson asserts, he is a qualified individual. Pl.’s Resp. at 9, Dkt. 36.
Union Pacific argues that Robson was not qualified for the machinist
position when he returned to work, and still is not qualified, because his brain
injury is associated with a risk for sudden incapacitation that prevents Robson from
performing his job safely. Def.’s Br. at 8., Dkt. 32-1. Union Pacific does not
dispute that Robson was qualified for the position of machinist before his accident.
It also does not dispute that, but for his alleged increased risk of seizures, he is
otherwise qualified and able to perform all of the essential functions of his
position. The only reason Union Pacific asserts that Robson is not a “qualified
individual” is due to what they believe is his increased risk of seizures. However,
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 13
at the hearing on their motion, Union Pacific conceded that Robson’s brain injury
had resolved by the time he sought to return to work without restriction.
Union Pacific also argues that Dr. Holland’s reliance the FMCSA Medical
Examiner Handbook for guidance to determine qualifications for employees in
safety-critical positions is appropriate. Def.’s Br. at 7-8, Dkt. 32-1. The record
before the Court is not clear as to whether Union Pacific has actually adopted the
standards of the FMCSA Handbook as a company policy defining qualifications
for safety-critical positions.
Robson has offered expert evidence that he is at no greater risk of seizures
than the general population. Union Pacific has offered evidence that he is at a
greater risk, but concedes that his brain injury healed. Further, it is not clear that
the standards of the FMSCA Handbook are part of Robson’s qualifications. Thus,
there is a genuine issue of material fact regarding whether Robson is a qualified
individual.
C.
Whether Robson posed a direct threat.
Union Pacific asserts that Robson’s risk for sudden incapacitation posed a
direct threat to the safety of others in the workplace. Def.’s Br. at 9-10, Dkt. 32-1.
Union Pacific bears the burden of proving this defense. See 29 C.F.R. §§
1630.15(b)(2). A “direct threat” is “a significant risk to the health or safety of
others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodations.” 42 U.S.C. §
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 14
12111(3). Whether a person poses such a direct threat must be determined based
upon an “individualized assessment of [his] present ability to safely perform the
essential functions of the job.” 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(r). The assessment must rely on
the best current medical or other objective evidence and consider (1) the duration
of the risk, (2) the nature and severity of the potential harm, (3) the likelihood that
the potential harm will occur, and (4) the imminence of the potential harm.” Id.;
see also Nunes v. Wal-mart Stores, Inc., 164 F.3d 1243, 1248 (9th Cir. 1999)
(citing Bragdon v. Abbott, 524 U.S. 624, 649 (1998)).
In this case, as explained above, there is a genuine issue of material fact
regarding whether Robson is able to safely perform the essential functions of the
machinist job. Union Pacific argues that Robson cannot perform his job safely
because he has an unacceptable risk of sudden incapacitation that poses a
significant risk to the health and safety of others. Def.’s Br. at 8, Dkt. 32-1. This
argument rests on the expert medical opinions of Dr. Holland and Dr. Wilson who
testified that Robson has an unacceptable risk of seizure for five years following
his subarachnoid hemorrhage involving the cortical aspect of his brain. Holland
Depo. at 114, Dkt. 39-2; Wilson Depo. at 45, 61–62, Dkt. 39-5.
Robson’s treating physician disagrees. Dr. Morgan diagnosed Robson as
having no neurological impairment and released Robson to work full duty with no
restrictions. Morgan Depo. at 52, Dkt. 39-7. He also testified that Robson is at no
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 15
greater risk of seizure than the general population, and his risk of sudden
incapacitation is extremely small, if it even exists at all. Morgan Depo. at 12–13,
60, Dkt. 39-7.
The Court finds there is a triable issue of fact whether Robson posed a direct
threat in this case. This is a classic “battle of the experts” about whether Robson
was capable of safely performing the essential functions of the machinist position.
It is not a district court’s function on summary judgment to “resolve an issue of
fact based on conflicting expert testimony.” Scharf v. U.S. Atty. Gen., 597 F.2d
1240, 1243 (9th Cir. 1979); see Thomas v. Newton Intern. Enterprises, 42 F.3d
1266, 1270 (9th Cir. 1994) (“Expert opinion evidence is itself sufficient to create a
genuine issue of disputed fact sufficient to defeat a summary judgment motion.”).
Robson has raised a material issue of fact as to whether Union Pacific’s decision
that Robson posed a direct threat was “based on a reasonable medical judgment
that relied on the most current medical knowledge and/or the best available
objective evidence.” 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(r).
D.
Conclusion.
As explained above, there are disputed issues of material fact as to whether
(1) Union Pacific regarded Robson as disabled, (2) Robson was qualified for the
position of machinist, and (3) Robson’s employment as a machinist would pose a
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 16
direct threat to the safety of others in the workplace. Therefore, summary judgment
is denied.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:
1. Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. 32) is DENIED.
2. Plaintiff’s Objection to Exhibit 1Q in Support of Defendant Union Pacific
Railroad Company’s Motion for Summary Judgment (Dkt. 40) is DENIED
as MOOT.
DATED: December 13, 2019
_________________________
B. Lynn Winmill
U.S. District Court Judge
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER - 17
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