A disabled Orleans Parish man is suing a New Orleans business, alleging non-compliance with disability law.
Thad Tatum filed a lawsuit July 15 against Ashley Tran in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana, alleging a public shopping center does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
According to the complaint, Tatum, who has paraplegia, is substantially impaired in many life activities and requires a wheelchair for mobility. The defendant runs a shopping center at 1151 N. Broad St. in New Orleans that includes a Subway, a grocery store and a clothing store. Tatum has visited the facility in the past and expects to do so with regularity in the future, the suit says.
The lawsuit states Tatum experienced difficulty due to physical barriers, including but not limited to inconvenient and unmarked handicapped parking spaces, lack of an accessible route onto the facility’s promenade due to inadequate curb construction, and hazardous ingress due to lack of side flares or handrails.
The complaint also lists narrow passageways and aisles and improper level changes at store entrances.
Tatum seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney and expert witness fees, expenses and court costs. He is represented by attorneys Andrew Bizer and Garret DeReus of The Bizer Law Firm in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:15-cv-02611-SSV-MBN