A legal battle has emerged in Louisiana as a resident accuses a local retail group of failing to comply with disability access laws. On April 9, 2025, Daniel Todd filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Monroe Retail Group, LLC. Todd alleges that the defendant's property, Metrocenter Mall Shopping Center in Alexandria, Louisiana, presents numerous architectural barriers that violate both federal and state disability rights laws.
Daniel Todd, who resides in Rapides Parish and is missing a leg, relies on a wheelchair for mobility. He claims that his visits to the Metrocenter Mall Shopping Center have been hindered by inadequate accessibility features. The lawsuit highlights specific issues such as insufficient designated-accessible parking spaces and improperly maintained access aisles with cracks and gaps. These conditions allegedly deterred Todd from accessing the property fully. According to the complaint, these barriers are not only violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also contravene the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR).
The plaintiff argues that removing these barriers is "readily achievable" and would not impose an undue burden on Monroe Retail Group. Todd seeks injunctive relief to compel the defendant to make necessary alterations to ensure compliance with ADA standards. Furthermore, he requests compensatory damages under LCHR provisions for discrimination based on disability. The complaint underscores that Todd has had to engage legal counsel due to this matter and seeks coverage for attorneys' fees and related costs.
In addition to monetary compensation, Todd demands a court declaration affirming that Monroe Retail Group's property violates ADA and LCHR requirements. He urges the court to issue an order mandating changes at the shopping center to facilitate full accessibility for individuals with mobility disabilities. Through this legal action, Todd aims not only for personal redress but also broader compliance with disability rights legislation.
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 has been assigned Case ID 1:25-cv-00461.