Claudia Barnett, a resident of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, has filed a lawsuit against MWA Perkins Club, L.L.C., alleging violations of her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related state laws. The complaint was filed on January 8, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Barnett claims that she was unlawfully denied access to Spectrum Fitness in Baton Rouge because of her service animal.
According to the lawsuit, Claudia Barnett is a qualified individual with disabilities including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a spinal injury. These conditions necessitate the use of a specially trained service dog to assist her in daily activities and alert her to panic attacks. On December 16, 2024, Barnett visited Spectrum Fitness with her service animal but was told by an employee that she could not remain on the premises with her dog. Despite explaining that her dog was a service animal and essential for managing her disabilities, Barnett was asked to leave the facility.
Barnett's complaint details how she attempted to resolve the issue by contacting Chris Purvis, owner of Spectrum Fitness, but received no response or assurance that policies would change. She argues that this denial violates federal and state disability rights laws which require public accommodations to allow access for individuals with service animals. The complaint cites specific provisions from the ADA, Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR), and Louisiana Statutes on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (LSRPD), accusing MWA Perkins Club of failing to provide reasonable accommodation.
In seeking relief from the court, Barnett requests injunctive relief mandating policy changes at Spectrum Fitness regarding service animals and staff training on ADA requirements. She also seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress and nominal damages as a deterrent against future discrimination by similar establishments. Additionally, Barnett demands coverage for attorney fees and litigation costs incurred during this legal battle.
The case is being handled by attorneys Andrew D. Bizer, Garret S. DeReus, and Eva M. Kalikoff from Bizer & DeReus LLC based in New Orleans. It is presided over by Judge JWD-RLB under Case ID 3:25-cv-00027-JWD-RLB.