The U.S. Justice Department has initiated a lawsuit against Fitness International LLC, commonly known as LA Fitness, accusing the gym chain of discriminating against individuals with disabilities.
The action puts a spotlight on the company’s operations in approximately 700 locations nationwide, including three in Ventura County, pinpointing alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
LA Fitness, hailed as the largest chain of owner-operated gyms in the country, is under scrutiny for purportedly failing to provide equal access to its facilities for people with disabilities, a requirement firmly established under the ADA. The federal lawsuit outlines several critical areas of non-compliance, including the removal of architectural barriers, maintaining accessible features, and the prohibition of additional fees for disabled patrons.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the underlying principles of the case, stating, “Ensuring accessibility is key to safeguarding civil rights for all Americans. 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.”
Echoing Estrada’s sentiment, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division highlighted the importance of inclusive access to health and fitness facilities. “Access to physical fitness activity is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of all individuals, including those with disabilities,” Clarke remarked. She further pointed out the ADA’s longstanding prohibition against denying disabled patrons the enjoyment of facilities available to those without disabilities.
The federal lawsuit aims to compel LA Fitness to adhere to ADA standards by making its facilities and equipment fully accessible and equitable. Additionally, it seeks monetary compensation for individuals adversely affected by LA Fitness’s alleged discriminatory practices. Victims include those who encountered barriers to access or broken equipment, as well as those who were unjustly charged extra fees for requiring assistance with the club’s amenities.
In light of these developments, the Justice Department urges anyone who has experienced difficulty accessing LA Fitness’s facilities due to disability or has been subjected to additional fees for access assistance to come forward. Individuals can call 1-888-392-5417 (toll-free), or email Claims.LAFitness@usdoj.gov. For more information on the ADA, please call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.
The case is managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Barragan and Margaret Chen of the Civil Division’s Civil Rights Section, along with attorneys from the Disability Rights Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, underscoring a concerted effort to defend the civil rights of Americans with disabilities across the nation.
