Allegations of inadequate accessibility at a local shopping center have led to a federal lawsuit asserting violations of both national and state disability rights laws. The complaint claims that physical barriers at the property prevent individuals who use wheelchairs from fully accessing services offered to the public.
The suit was filed by Michael Lucas in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 18, 2026, naming MNPT Properties, LLC as the defendant. According to court documents, Lucas is seeking damages, declaratory and injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees, and costs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR).
Lucas alleges that he is a qualified individual with a disability under both statutes due to paraplegia resulting from a spinal cord injury. He resides in Washington Parish, Louisiana, less than one mile from Pine Tree Plaza at 400 Georgia Avenue in Bogalusa—the property at issue in this case. Lucas states that he has visited Pine Tree Plaza multiple times and most recently attempted to access it in February 2026.
During his visit, Lucas reports encountering several architectural barriers while using his wheelchair. According to the complaint: “MR. LUCAS encountered architectural barriers while attempting to navigate the Property with his wheelchair.” The filing details specific alleged deficiencies including improperly sized access aisles serving designated-accessible parking spaces; lack of vertical signage for many accessible parking spaces; changes in level along routes from parking areas to the main promenade; and other mobility-related ADA barriers yet to be identified pending further inspection.
The complaint asserts that these conditions violate Title III of the ADA as well as provisions of Louisiana law designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in places of public accommodation. Lucas contends that these barriers exclude him from programs, services, and activities offered at Pine Tree Plaza and deny him “the equal opportunity to participate in, or benefit from” amenities available to others.
Lucas further alleges that removal of these obstacles is “readily achievable” and would not place an undue burden on MNPT Properties, LLC. He maintains that despite knowledge of these issues, no corrective action has been taken: “Upon information and belief, all barriers to access and ADA violations still exist and have not been remedied or altered in such a way as to effectuate compliance with the provisions of the ADA.”
In addition to citing federal law, Lucas invokes protections under Louisiana’s anti-discrimination statutes. The complaint references LA. REV. STAT. ANN. § 51:2247 which prohibits denying individuals full enjoyment of goods or services on account of disability status: “DEFENDANT discriminated against MR. LUCAS…by denying him the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities…offered at the Property due to the architectural barriers discussed above.”
As part of his prayer for relief, Lucas requests that the court declare Pine Tree Plaza out of compliance with both federal and state requirements for accessibility. He asks for an order directing MNPT Properties, LLC “to alter the Property to make it accessible to and usable by individuals with mobility disabilities,” compensatory damages under state law for injuries sustained as a result of alleged discrimination, reasonable attorneys’ fees—including expert fees—and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The plaintiff is represented by Andrew D. Bizer of The Bizer Law Firm based in New Orleans. The case is identified as Case No. 2:26-cv-00592.
Source: 226cv00592_Michael_Lucas_v_Mnpt_Propoerties_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
