A Louisiana resident alleges that a local restaurant is not accessible to people with disabilities, citing multiple barriers that prevent equal access to its services. The complaint was filed by Michael Lucas in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 19, 2026, naming Sam K. Wong as the defendant.
According to court documents, Michael Lucas claims that he is a qualified individual with paraplegia who relies on a wheelchair for mobility. He states that he resides in Washington Parish, Louisiana, less than one mile from the restaurant located at 220 Cumberland St., Bogalusa. Lucas asserts that during his most recent visit to the property in February 2026, he encountered architectural barriers that limited his ability to access the restaurant’s programs and services.
The complaint outlines specific alleged violations under both Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR). Lucas reports that “the ramp that connects the Property’s southern parking lot to the Property’s promenade is impermissibly located within the access aisle that serves the designated-accessible parking space.” He further alleges an “impermissible gap between the top of the ramp and the promenade,” lack of vertical signage at accessible parking spaces on both sides of the property, absence of an access aisle for one parking space, missing handrails behind toilets in men’s restrooms, insufficient knee and toe clearance at sinks, and dispensers mounted too high off the floor. The filing also notes “other mobility-related ADA barriers to be identified following a complete inspection.”
Lucas contends these conditions violate federal and state laws requiring public accommodations to be accessible. He argues that removal of these barriers is “readily achievable” and would not place an undue burden on Sam K. Wong as operator or owner responsible for compliance. The complaint asserts: “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.”
The legal action seeks several forms of relief from the court. Lucas requests a declaration that Wong’s property is in violation of both federal and state disability rights laws. He asks for an order directing alterations necessary to make the restaurant fully accessible as required by law. Additionally, Lucas seeks compensatory damages under Louisiana law for injuries allegedly caused by discriminatory conduct described in his complaint.
The plaintiff also requests recovery of reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs—including expert fees—and other expenses related to bringing suit under both statutes cited. As stated in his prayer for relief: “That this Court award reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs (including expert fees), and other expenses of suit…pursuant to the ADA and LCHR; and That this Court award such other and further relief as it deems necessary, just and proper.”
Michael Lucas is represented by Andrew D. Bizer of The Bizer Law Firm, LLC based in New Orleans. The case identification number is 2:26-cv-00597.
Source: 226cv00597_Michael_lucas_v_Sam_K_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
