A new lawsuit has been filed, bringing attention to the accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities at a popular restaurant location. Daniel Todd, the plaintiff, lodged his complaint on November 15, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against BRH Properties LLC and Southern River Restaurants, LLC. The case underscores significant allegations of non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state-level human rights statutes.
Daniel Todd, a resident of Winn Parish, Louisiana, who relies on a wheelchair due to a missing leg, has taken legal action against BRH Properties LLC and Southern River Restaurants, LLC. These companies are responsible for owning and operating an Applebee’s Grill + Bar located at 1500 MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana. Todd claims that during his visits to this establishment, he encountered numerous architectural barriers that hindered his access to the property. According to Todd's complaint, these barriers include narrow accessible parking spaces and impermissible slopes in access aisles—violations that are said to be in breach of both federal ADA regulations and Louisiana's Commission on Human Rights statutes.
Todd's complaint elaborates on how these physical obstacles have deterred him from visiting the restaurant despite its proximity to his home and its necessity for his routine trips to Alexandria for medical treatment and shopping. The lawsuit argues that these barriers not only prevent Todd from enjoying equal access but also represent a broader issue of discrimination against individuals with mobility impairments. The plaintiff insists that removing these barriers is "readily achievable" without imposing undue hardship on the defendants.
The legal filing demands comprehensive remedies including injunctive relief requiring modifications to make the property fully accessible as mandated by law. Additionally, Todd seeks compensatory damages under Louisiana state law for what he describes as discriminatory practices resulting in personal injury and loss. He also requests coverage of attorneys' fees and related costs incurred due to this litigation.
Representing Daniel Todd are attorneys Andrew D. Bizer, Garret S. DeReus, and Eva M. Kalikoff from Bizer & DeReus LLC based in New Orleans. The case is identified under Case No.: 1:24-cv-01575 but currently lacks assigned judges' names as it proceeds through initial stages within the court system.