Jason Lenz, a resident of Louisiana and an individual with disabilities, has filed a lawsuit against OM Shanti Om Eleven, L.L.C., the owner and operator of Spark by Hilton Lafayette South. The complaint was filed on May 7, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Lenz alleges that the hotel failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR), thus denying him full access to its facilities.
The lawsuit arises from an incident during Lenz's stay at the hotel from March 19 to March 21, 2025, while attending a conference in Lafayette. Despite being offered an ADA-compliant room, Lenz found that Room 110 lacked essential accessibility features such as grab bars around the toilet. This omission forced him to use makeshift supports like towel racks and walls to maneuver safely, which was both physically challenging and posed a risk of injury. As an amputee who uses a wheelchair, Lenz is substantially impaired in several major life activities and requires proper accommodations under federal and state law.
Lenz contends that OM Shanti Om Eleven, L.L.C., violated Title III of the ADA by failing to provide necessary modifications for individuals with mobility impairments. He further accuses the defendant of violating Louisiana's anti-discrimination laws by denying him equal enjoyment of services due to architectural barriers at the property. "Removal of these barriers is readily achievable," argues Lenz in his complaint, emphasizing that compliance would not impose undue hardship on the hotel.
The plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief requiring OM Shanti Om Eleven to make necessary alterations ensuring full accessibility for disabled patrons. Additionally, he demands compensatory damages under state law for discrimination endured during his stay. The lawsuit also requests coverage for reasonable attorneys' fees and related legal expenses incurred during this action.
Representing Jason Lenz 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 6:25-cv-00625 but does not yet list specific judges overseeing proceedings.