He filed a lawsuit against the hospital and staff members claiming they had robbed him of his constitutional rights, by confining him against his will. Donaldson won his case (including monetary damages) in United States District Court, which was affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
He filed a lawsuit against the hospital and staff members alleging they had deprived him of his fundamental rights, by holding him against his will. Donaldson emerged victorious (including monetary compensation) in United States District Court, which was subsequently upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.