Honorable Dan Shaban review: judge

In an unusual lengthy order on the request of a disabled party to continue his court date until he is physically and mentally competent to attend the hearing, the Honorable Dan Shaban of Superior Court, disregarded medical recommendations and demanded that the party participate in the litigative process, placing him in virtually a life threatening position. He also essentially assessed a punitive fine on the party as a result of his health condition.

Emmy Award winning Danbury resident, Wayne J. Keeley is a 60 plus stroke survivor with a history of atrial fibrillation and uncontrolled hypertension. He also has a cerebral cavernoma which can burst at any time. Mr. Keeley, representing himself, is in a heated litigated dispute with his landlord. Through no fault of his own, Mr. Keeley had to be excused from several court appearances because of serious health issues. In fact, the last time he appeared in court, he had a hypertensive emergency forcing the Judge at the time to send him to the ER where he was subsequently admitted with stroke range blood pressure to the Step Down department of Danbury Hospital.

Mr. Keeley was shocked over the utter insensitivity to his request for a continuance until he is able to physically and mentally be prepared for the court date. Backed by numerous medical providers, their recommendations were disregarded as Mr. Keeley was not only commanded to appear before the court (or via video) before he is medically able to do so, but was "fined" in the process.

Mr. Keeley said, quoting Woody Allen from the film Bananas, "it's a travesty of a mockery of a sham." I am being penalized and discriminated against because of my disability, What is even more egregious is that it's my MOTION -- one that I made! I want to get better and litigate it!"

This type of discrimination and disregard for people with "invisible" disabilities is not uncommon. In fact, Mr. Keeley published an article regarding the impact of individuals with "invisible" disabilities on the workplace.

"I am not going to take this lying down -- hopefully not in a hospital bed as well. A little power is a dangerous thing in today's world. People need to stand up for themselves no matter what the cost."

Will Mr. Keeley show up in court, virtually risking a stroke or even death? Stay Tuned...