Los Angeles, CA: A discrimination class action lawsuit has been filed against Briad Restaurants Group LLC, the parent company of TGI Fridays and Wendy', alleging it is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws because it has failed to make its restaurants accessible to people with disabilities.
Chris Hicks, the lead plaintiff who is in a wheelchair, alleges in the complaint that he has personally had difficulty manoeuvering around a TGI Fridays in California. "pecifically, this restaurant location denied Plaintiff equal access because it did not have fully accessible restrooms[sic],"the lawsuit states. It goes on, "[f]irst, Plaintiff had difficulty accessing the restroom because of the excessive force required by him to open the restroom door, and because the restroom door closer was not adjusted to allow the bathroom door to remain open long enough for him to wheel himself inside unassisted."
"Once inside the restroom, Plaintiff was deterred from using the facilities because the toilet was located too far from the wall making it difficult for him to maneuver from his wheelchair to the toilet seat, the mounted locations/heights of the toilet paper dispenser, towel dispenser, and seat cover made it difficult for him to reach these accessories."
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Hicks was further deterred from using the sink to wash his hands because the pipes under that lavatory were not covered and thus, he feared losing his legs. The restroom mirror was also allegedly too high and not viewable. As a result, plaintiff was unable to use the bathroom, the ADA class action lawsuit claims. The lawsuit claims Briad Restaurants is violating state anti-discrimination laws, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Disabled Persons Act. Additionally, Briad has allegedly failed to make its restaurants, particularly restroom areas, fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The lawsuit seeks to represent all mobility impaired/wheelchair bound persons located in California who have visited a TGI Fridays owned and operated by Briad. The lead plaintiff is represented by Evan J. Smith of Brodsky & Smith LLC.
The Lawsuit is Chris Hicks v. Briad Restaurants Group LLC, Case No. BC546927, filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County.
