Arkansas woman files ADA lawsuits against three businesses

From The Morning News in Northwest Arkansas:

FAYETTEVILLE -- A Fayetteville woman has filed federal lawsuits against three area businesses alleging they are not handicapped accessible.

Jonna Bloodworth filed the three lawsuits Dec. 30 against Joe's Bistro and Gullet
Enterprises, which operates Gullet's Gourmet, in Fayetteville and Mathias Shopping Centers in Springdale.

The suits seek injunctive relief, requiring the businesses to make them accessible to people with disabilities, and attorney fees. According to the suit, the court could order the businesses to close until modifications are completed. Plaintiffs in access suits cannot receive damages in Arkansas.

All three suits were filed by Edward Zwilling, a lawyer from Birmingham, Ala.

The suits list a variety of alleged violations ranging from an insufficient number of accessible parking spaces to an insufficient number of accessible tables to the bar being too high for a wheelchair user to problems in the toilets to the entry doors being inaccessible.

The civil rights suits are filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Zwilling has also filed ADA suits in Arkansas courts against businesses in Jonesboro and Cabot.