According to the lawsuit, many LA Fitness locations have significant barriers that hinder access for members with disabilities. Issues such as broken pool lifts and elevators have reportedly left some unable to enter the facilities or use the pools.
The Justice Department has taken legal action against Fitness International LLC, commonly known as LA Fitness, for allegedly discriminating against individuals with disabilities at its gyms and fitness clubs. As the largest chain of owner-operated fitness centers in the U.S., boasting nearly 700 locations, LA Fitness is now facing serious allegations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the lawsuit claims that LA Fitness has failed to provide equal access to its services and facilities, as mandated by the ADA. The law requires that public accommodations, including gyms, remove architectural barriers and ensure accessible features are properly maintained. It also prohibits charging extra fees to individuals with disabilities.
“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.”
According to the lawsuit, many LA Fitness locations have significant barriers that hinder access for members with disabilities. Issues such as broken pool lifts and elevators have reportedly left some unable to enter the facilities or use the pools. In several instances, individuals with mobility impairments found themselves stranded on malfunctioning pool lifts, needing assistance to get in and out of the water, or had to crawl out of pools due to inaccessible equipment. Despite complaints from members, LA Fitness allegedly failed to address these issues in a timely manner.
The Justice Department is seeking a court order to compel LA Fitness to make necessary changes to its facilities and equipment, ensuring compliance with the ADA. Additionally, the lawsuit calls for monetary damages for those affected by LA Fitness's discriminatory practices, including individuals who faced barriers to access and those who were charged extra fees for assistance from friends or caregivers.
“Ensuring accessibility is key to safeguarding civil rights for all Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “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. When we support those with disabilities, our entire community benefits.”
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