WEST PALM BEACH – A Palm Beach County individual with disabilities has filed suit against a hotel over claims it has discriminated against him by denying safe and full access to its property.
Howard Cohan filed a complaint on April 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division against Bre Newton Hotels Property Owner LLC, doing business as Residence Inn Marriott Boca Raton, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that he suffered legal harm and legal injury and will continue to suffer such harm and injury as a result of the illegal barriers he encountered on Dec. 15, 2015. The plaintiff holds Residence Inn Marriott Boca Raton responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to provide an accessible restroom and that the gate latch to the pool was too high for use.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks an order requiring defendant to alter its facilities to make them accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, an order directing defendant to evaluate its policies and procedures toward persons with disabilities, attorney's fees, costs and for such further relief as the court may deem just and proper. He is represented by Gregory S. Sconzo of Kaplan Sconzo Parker PA in Palm Beach Gardens.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division Case number 9:16-cv-80522