A lawsuit has been filed against a well-known hotel in New Orleans, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state human rights laws. M. Claudia Garofalo, a resident of New Orleans, initiated the complaint on December 6, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Columns Hotel Owner LLC and Columns Hotel Sandstone Operator LLC.
The case revolves around allegations that the Columns Hotel at 3811 St. Charles Avenue is not compliant with accessibility standards required by law. Garofalo, who is paraplegic and relies on a wheelchair for mobility, claims she faced significant barriers during her visit to the hotel on November 5, 2024. According to the complaint, Garofalo encountered difficulties using the restroom facilities because they were not designed to accommodate wheelchairs; she was unable to bring her wheelchair into the stall due to its small size and lack of grab bars. Despite asking hotel staff about accessible restrooms, she received no helpful response until a waitress directed her to another slightly larger but still inadequate bathroom.
Garofalo's legal action accuses the defendants of violating Title III of the ADA and Louisiana's Commission on Human Rights statutes by failing to provide accessible facilities at their property. The complaint asserts that these violations deny individuals with disabilities full and equal enjoyment of services offered by public accommodations like hotels and restaurants. "Defendants are discriminating against Ms. Garofalo due to...barriers which exist at the Property," states the filing.
In seeking justice from the court, Garofalo requests declaratory relief declaring that the hotel's facilities violate federal and state laws. She also seeks injunctive relief mandating alterations to make them fully accessible according to ADA standards. Additionally, Garofalo demands compensatory damages for discrimination endured during her visit along with reasonable attorneys' fees and costs associated with pursuing this legal action.
Representing Garofalo in this case are attorneys Andrew D. Bizer, Garrett S. DeReus, and Eva M. Kalikoff from Bizer & DeReus LLC based in New Orleans. The case is identified as Case No: 2:24-cv-02819 but currently lacks assigned judges.