Bill Cosby’s health has reportedly deteriorated as he continues to face civil litigation. His attorney has said that the 89-year-old is legally blind and has significant mobility limitations, making in-person legal proceedings difficult. His lawyer also cited age-related health problems and the need for assistance with basic daily activities when explaining why Cosby missed court-ordered depositions in June.

However, serious health problems do not automatically erase legal responsibilities. In March 2026, a California jury found Cosby liable in a civil sexual-assault case brought by Donna Motsinger and awarded her $59.25 million, including $40 million in punitive damages. In May, a judge rejected Cosby’s request for a new trial, leaving the verdict in place while his legal team has indicated that it plans to appeal.

The situation raises a difficult question about how the legal system should balance accountability with serious age-related disability. Courts can take medical limitations into account when determining how depositions, hearings, and other proceedings should be conducted. Reasonable accommodations may be appropriate for someone who is elderly, blind, or seriously ill, but those conditions do not automatically eliminate a civil judgment or bring the legal process to an end.

Whatever your opinion of Bill Cosby, his health and legal responsibilities are separate issues. A person’s medical condition may influence how the legal system proceeds, but it does not necessarily determine whether that person remains accountable for a civil judgment. The challenge is finding the right balance between providing reasonable accommodations and ensuring that legal obligations are not avoided. Where should that line be drawn, and what do you think?