FORT LAUDERDALE – A hearing impaired man alleges he faced discriminatory treatment at a Fort Lauderdale family-style Italian restaurant because of his service animal.
Alexander Johnson filed a complaint on April 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division against Big Louie's USA Inc. doing business as Big Louie's Pizzeria, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on June 4, 2016, he and his service dog visited the defendant's location and was denied full access of the facilities. The plaintiff holds Big Louie's USA Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly harassed plaintiff regarding non-existent requirement to provide identification for his service animal.
The plaintiff seeks judgment for damages against defendant, compensatory and punitive damages, costs, attorney's fees, interest, injunctive and declaratory relief, and all other relief that may be necessary. He is represented by Scott R. Dinin of Scott R. Dinin PA in Miami.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division Case number 0:17-cv-60683