A Louisiana resident alleges that a local business failed to provide accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities, raising concerns about compliance with both federal and state anti-discrimination laws. The complaint was filed by Michael Lucas in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 17, 2026, naming Nguyen Tong Bui LLC as the defendant.
According to the filing, Michael Lucas is an individual residing in Washington Parish, Louisiana. He states that he has paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury and requires a wheelchair for mobility. The defendant, Nguyen Tong Bui LLC, is described as a Louisiana Limited Liability Company operating at 15019 LA-21 in Bogalusa, where it runs an Exxon Time Saver business. Lucas claims that during his most recent visit to the property in February 2026, he encountered architectural barriers that prevented him from accessing goods and services offered at the location.
The complaint outlines several alleged violations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and corresponding provisions of the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR). Lucas asserts that “the access aisle that serves the designated-accessible parking spaces does not lead to a ramp or curb cut,” and even if there were a curb cut present, “there is an impermissible change in level from the access aisle to the Property’s entrance.” Additional issues cited include “the route from the gas pumps to the Property’s entrance contains an impermissible change in level,” “there is no level landing in front of the Property’s main entrance,” as well as other mobility-related ADA barriers yet to be identified following a complete inspection.
Lucas claims these conditions have excluded him from participating equally in programs, services, and activities available at the property. He reports being substantially impaired in major life activities such as walking and standing due to his disability. The lawsuit alleges that removal of these barriers is “readily achievable” and would not impose an undue burden on Nguyen Tong Bui LLC. According to Lucas’s legal team, addressing these issues would allow him equal opportunity “to participate in, or benefit from, the goods, services, and accommodations which are offered to the general public at the Property.”
The legal arguments presented rely on both federal law—the Americans with Disabilities Act—and state law under LCHR statutes. The complaint references LA. REV. STAT. ANN. § 51:2247 which prohibits denying individuals with disabilities full enjoyment of public accommodations. It also notes that LCHR provides relief for those who believe they have been injured by discriminatory practices.
Lucas seeks multiple forms of relief from the court: a declaration that Nguyen Tong Bui LLC’s property violates both ADA and LCHR requirements; an order directing changes necessary for compliance; compensatory damages for injuries sustained due to alleged discrimination; reasonable attorneys’ fees; costs including expert fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case was filed by Andrew D. Bizer of The Bizer Law Firm LLC based in New Orleans. The case identification number is 2:26-cv-00581.
Source: 226cv00581_Michael_Lucas_v_Nhuyen_Tong_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
