Kansas City Public Schools, et al Missouri Cases

Joseph Baldridge, a quadriplegic, sued Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) for disability discrimination under the Missouri Human Rights Act, alleging a hostile work environment due to the removal of his dedicated paraprofessional and other conduct. The jury found for Baldridge, awarding compensatory and punitive damages. The trial court granted KCPS's motion for a new trial but denied its motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV). The appellate court reversed the new trial order, finding the trial court erred in excluding evidence of prior accommodations and limiting relevant conduct. It affirmed the denial of JNOV, concluding Baldridge presented sufficient evidence for his claims, and remanded for entry of judgment on the jury's verdict and determination of attorney's fees.