Thaddeus Hardy, a paraplegic resident of New Orleans, has filed a lawsuit against a local business for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR). The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on January 2, 2026, targeting Tsang Lau, LLC, which operates the Chinese Kitchen restaurant at 3327 S. Carrollton Avenue. Hardy’s legal action seeks to address physical barriers at the establishment that he claims impede his access as a wheelchair user.
According to court documents, Hardy’s lawsuit is rooted in multiple visits to the Chinese Kitchen where he encountered significant obstacles that hindered his ability to enjoy the services offered by the restaurant. During his most recent visit in November 2025, Hardy identified several accessibility issues including improperly marked parking spaces without necessary access aisles or vertical signage, an inadequately sized ramp obstructed by parked cars, and a high threshold at the entrance. These conditions allegedly violate ADA regulations and state human rights laws designed to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.
Hardy argues that these barriers are not only discriminatory but also easily rectifiable without imposing undue hardship on Tsang Lau, LLC. He asserts that removing these obstacles would provide him with equal opportunities to participate in public life and benefit from services available to others without disabilities. The complaint emphasizes that despite being aware of these issues, Tsang Lau has failed to take corrective measures.
The plaintiff is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from the court, demanding that Tsang Lau modify its property to comply fully with ADA standards and LCHR provisions. Additionally, Hardy is pursuing compensatory damages under Louisiana law for what he perceives as deliberate indifference by Tsang Lau towards accommodating disabled patrons. His legal team includes attorneys Andrew D. Bizer, Garret S. Dereus, and Eva M. Kalikoff from Bizer & DeReus LLC.
In conclusion, this case underscores ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing public accommodations and highlights legal avenues available for addressing such grievances. It remains pending before an unspecified judge under Case ID 2:26-cv-00009.
Source: 226cv00009_Thaddeus_Hardy_v_Tsang_Lau_Compliant_Eastern_District_of_Louisianapdf.pdf
