Allegations of inaccessible facilities at a local shopping center have led to a federal lawsuit asserting violations of both federal and state disability rights laws. The suit claims that certain architectural barriers prevent equal access for individuals with mobility disabilities, raising questions about compliance with legal standards for public accommodations.
The complaint was filed by Christopher Lucineo in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on April 15, 2026, naming A.P.S. Plaza Inc. as the defendant.
According to court documents, Christopher Lucineo is a resident of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, who has paraplegia resulting from a spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair for mobility. The complaint states that Lucineo is substantially impaired in major life activities such as walking and standing. The property at issue is identified as 5100 Westbank Expressway, Marrero, LA 70072—a shopping center operated by A.P.S. Plaza Inc.—which Lucineo alleges is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR).
Lucineo reports that he lives less than three miles from the property and has visited it multiple times, most recently in March 2026. During his visits, he encountered several obstacles that allegedly hindered his ability to access goods and services at the location. The complaint lists specific issues including: “the sole designated-accessible parking space and attendant access aisle is poorly marked as the paint is faded and poorly delineated,” “the sole curb ramp is improperly positioned within the access aisle,” “the sole curb ramp contains an impermissible change in level where it meets the parking lot,” “the sole curb ramp lacks edge protection,” and “the Property does not contain enough designated-accessible parking spaces.”
The filing asserts that these conditions constitute ongoing violations of Title III of the ADA (42 U.S.C. §12181 et seq.) as well as related provisions under Louisiana law (LA. REV. STAT. ANN. § 51:2231 et seq.). It further alleges that removal of these barriers would be “readily achievable” without imposing an undue burden on A.P.S. Plaza Inc., but claims no remedial action has been taken.
Lucineo’s complaint contends that these alleged barriers exclude him from programs, services, or activities offered at the property: “The barriers discussed below in Paragraph 22 are excluding MR. CHRISTOPHER LUCINEO from programs, services, and activities offered at the Property.” He also states an intention to return to the property but expresses concern about facing similar obstacles unless changes are made.
In addition to seeking declaratory judgment that A.P.S. Plaza Inc.’s property violates both federal and state law, Lucineo requests an order directing alterations necessary for accessibility under Title III of the ADA and LCHR standards. He also seeks compensatory damages under Louisiana law for what he describes as injuries resulting from discriminatory conduct: “MR. CHRISTOPHER LUCINEO deems himself injured by DEFENDANT’s discrimination and brings suit under the LCHR to recover compensatory damages for the injuries and loss he sustained as a result of DEFENDANT’s discriminatory conduct.” Additional relief sought includes reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs (including expert fees), expenses related to litigation, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case was filed by attorney Andrew D. Bizer of The Bizer Law Firm LLC in New Orleans on behalf of Christopher Lucineo under case number 2:26-cv-00792.
Source: 226cv00792_Christopher_Luceineo_v_APS_Plaza_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf