James Bledsoe, a Louisiana resident with T-2 paraplegia, has filed a lawsuit against 13 Associates LLC, claiming violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR). The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on January 13, 2026. Bledsoe alleges that the defendant’s property, Shoppers Value Foods located at 6363 Hearne Avenue in Shreveport, is not accessible to individuals with disabilities due to several architectural barriers.
According to the complaint, James Bledsoe is substantially impaired in major life activities such as walking and standing and requires a wheelchair for mobility. He claims that during his visit to Shoppers Value Foods in November 2025, he encountered multiple barriers that hindered his access to the property. These barriers include improperly sized and marked accessible parking spaces lacking vertical signage and other unspecified mobility-related obstacles. Bledsoe argues that these conditions prevent him from enjoying equal access to the goods and services offered at the grocery store.
The lawsuit accuses 13 Associates LLC of violating Title III of the ADA by failing to remove these barriers despite their removal being “readily achievable.” Furthermore, Bledsoe asserts that these violations also contravene LCHR provisions which prohibit discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation. He seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the court, requesting an order mandating modifications to make the property fully accessible.
In addition to seeking changes to ensure compliance with ADA standards, James Bledsoe is pursuing compensatory damages under LCHR for injuries sustained due to alleged discriminatory practices by 13 Associates LLC. He also demands reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs associated with bringing this action forward. The plaintiff is represented by Andrew D. Bizer, Garret S. DeReus, and Eva M. Kalikoff from Bizer & DeReus LLC based in New Orleans.
The case is under Case ID: 5:26-cv-00108.
Source: 526cv108_James_Bledsoe_v_13_Associates_Complaint_Western_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
