NEW ORLEANS — An Orleans Parish man with a disability is suing a shopping mart operator, alleging discrimination against the disabled.
Francis Falls filed a lawsuit April 28 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Check Mart of Louisiana, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act by by denying the plaintiff equal and full access to its property.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 11, Falls visited the defendant's Money Mart property, 3150 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, to utilize the check cashing and financial services offered therein. During his visit, the suit says, Falls experienced serious difficulty accessing the facility due to architectural barriers.
The plaintiff alleges Check Mart failed to install a ramp as well as steps to provide an alternative accommodation for wheelchair users and failed to provide vertical signage in the parking lot. The suit also says a Money Mart employee told Falls he should visit another store.
Falls seeks a trial by jury, declaration that the property is in violation of the ADA, an order directing the defendant to alter the property to make it accessible to and usable by individuals with mobility disabilities, an order directing the defendant to alter its policies and procedures, attorney fees, costs and expenses, plus such other relief the court may deems proper. He is represented by attorneys Andrew D. Bizer, Garret S. DeReus and Marc P. Florman of The Bizer Law Firm in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-03785