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.
Donaldson brought a lawsuit against the hospital and staff members, asserting they had infringed upon his civil liberties by detaining him involuntarily. He successfully argued his case (including financial restitution) in United States District Court, which was later validated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.