LA Fitness Sued By Justice Dept. for Disability Discrimination
The department alleges that LA Fitness has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act for its failure to maintain pool lifts and elevators relied upon by members with disabilities
A lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleges that LA Fitness has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for inoperable pool lifts and broken elevators, preventing access to members with disabilities.
In the filing, the department outlines the experiences of several individuals, including a woman (“Patron A”) who has multiple sclerosis and has encountered inoperable pool lifts at her LA Fitness location.
“Even when a pool lift appears to be working, Patron A has experienced being stuck and dangling over the water, requiring assistance from LA Fitness employees to exit the pool, and being unable to use the pool,” the department alleges.
Despite members complaining about the issues to LA Fitness, the suit argues that the fitness operator didn’t address them in a suitable timeframe.
In addition to requesting the court to direct the gym and fitness club operator to make its facilities and equipment accessible, the department is seeking monetary damages.
“Access to physical fitness activity is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of all Americans, including those with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “For over 30 years, the ADA has prohibited gyms and fitness clubs like LA Fitness from denying patrons with disabilities the opportunity to use and enjoy facilities enjoyed by patrons without disabilities. Through this lawsuit, the Justice Department seeks to eliminate LA Fitness’s discriminatory barriers and ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to fully participate at their local LA Fitness gym and fitness clubs.”
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California added that ensuring accessibility is fundamental to safeguarding civil rights.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have access to public accommodations by enforcing the protections afforded by the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Estrada said. “When we support those with disabilities, our entire community benefits.”
Fitness International, the parent company of LA Fitness, acquired XSport Fitness over the summer with plans to invest in the clubs and rebrand them under one of its four brands.
LA Fitness didn’t immediately respond to ATN’s request for comment.
