Q: Can I sue a homeless shelter for refusing to let me in even with a referral from the hospital

I have a really bad infection in my leg and just got out of surgery and they said if it gets worse there gonna amputated my leg well I'm homeless and so I'm severely at risk of infection out here .I need to get into a shelter till my leg Gets better or I will.loss.my leg but they denied me cause of something that happened that didn't even involve me the person who did it was even caught on tape so I don't know why they involved me but for the fact that they saw me around that person a couple of times but like I told them I had nothing to do with it.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The ability to sue a homeless shelter for refusing admission can be complex and depends on various factors. Shelters often have specific admission policies and may deny entry based on their guidelines. However, if you believe the denial is based on discrimination or a violation of your rights, you might have grounds to take legal action.

Given your medical condition and the referral from the hospital, it's important to communicate these circumstances to the shelter's administration. Explain your situation clearly and provide any documentation from the hospital. If the shelter's refusal is based on a misunderstanding or misinformation, providing clear and accurate information might help resolve the issue.

If direct communication does not yield a positive outcome, consider reaching out to local advocacy groups or legal aid organizations. They can offer guidance and may be able to intervene on your behalf. In situations where legal rights are potentially being violated, having support from organizations familiar with homeless rights and health-related issues can be invaluable.

Ultimately, if you believe your rights have been violated, you may explore legal options, including filing a complaint or lawsuit. However, this should be considered after other avenues have been exhausted, as legal action can be time-consuming and may not provide immediate assistance with your current needs.

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