Case 1:17-cv-00401 Document 1 Filed 02/15/17 USDC Colorado Page 1 of 12

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO
Civil Action No.

Terrell Frederick, an individual, on his own behalf, and on behalf of LF, his minor child,

Plaintiffs,

v.

6130 BARNES RIDGEVIEW LLC,

Defendant(s).

COMPLAINT

Plaintiff, Terrell Frederick, an individual, on his own behalf, and on behalf of LF, his

minor child, hereby brings an action for declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, attorneys

fees and costs pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et. seq.,

and its implementing regulations (the, ADA).

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

1. Defendant, owns and/or operates a place of Public Accommodation (PPA) as that term

is defined in 42 U.S.C. 12181(7) located at 6130 BARNES RD, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

80922.

2. On the date of the visit to Defendants PPA, Plaintiff and LF were, and are currently,
 Case 1:17-cv-00401 Document 1 Filed 02/15/17 USDC Colorado Page 2 of 12

residents of the State of Colorado.

3. Plaintiff and LF travel throughout Colorado including, in particular, the communities in

and surrounding Colorado Springs, Colorado.

4. This action arises from a violation ADA Title III regulations. This Court has original

jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331, 28 U.S.C. 1343, and 42 U.S.C. 12188.

5. Venue in this judicial district is proper under 28 U.S.C. 1391(b) and (c) in that this is the

judicial district in which a substantial part of the acts and omissions giving rise to the

claims occurred.

STANDING

6. Plaintiff and LF seek both retrospective declaratory relief (that Defendant has violated

and continues to violate Title III of the ADA) and prospective injunctive relief all as more

fully stated below.

THIRD-PARTY STANDING

7. Plaintiff is the caretaker for an individual with disabilities which substantially limits major

life activities. Plaintiffs minor dependent requires the use of a mobility service animal.

At the time of the visit to Defendants PPA, LF qualified for and required reasonable

accommodations to access and use the PPA.

8. LF personally visited Defendants PPA, but was denied full and equal access and full and

equal enjoyment of the facilities, services, goods and amenities.

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9. Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child are customers of Defendant and visited Defendants

PPA on December 4, 2016 to enjoy the goods and services offered at the PPA. Defendant

offers goods and services at its PPA without restriction to members of the public who do

not suffer from a physical disability.

10. Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child will avail themselves of the goods and services offered

at the PPA in the future provided that Defendant modify the PPA to accommodate

individuals with disabilities.

11. Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child suffered an injury in fact due to the denial of full and

equal access to Defendants PPA.

12. Plaintiffs minor child has a close relationship to Plaintiff due to their biological, legal,

and custodial relationship.

13. As a minor, Plaintiffs minor child lacks the ability to bring this action alone and therefore

is hindered in protecting legal interests unless Plaintiff may stand in on Plaintiffs minor

childs behalf.

ASSOCIATIONAL STANDING

14. Plaintiff is the parent, caretaker, and guardian to his minor child and regularly drives

throughout the greater Colorado Springs area in a vehicle that is qualified to, and does

utilize accessible parking for his minor child.

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15. As the primary caretaker for his minor child, Plaintiff drove to Defendants PPA,

accompanied by his minor child for the purpose of enjoying the goods and services

offered by Defendants PPA.

16. Barriers to Plaintiffs minor childs access existed, as described more fully herein; these

barriers to the minor child with a qualifying disability amount to a barrier to Plaintiffs

access as well, granting Plaintiff associational standing to bring a cause of action in his

own name pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12182(b)(1)(E).

17. Plaintiff was denied full and equal access and full and equal enjoyment of the facilities,

services, goods and amenities as a specific, direct, and separate injury as a result of his

association with his minor child.

TESTER STANDING

18. Completely independent of Plaintiffs personal desire to access the PPA, Plaintiff also

acted as a tester for purposes of discovering, encountering, and engaging discrimination

against persons with disabilities at Defendants PPA. 1 Plaintiff intends to visit the PPA

regularly to verify compliance or non-compliance with the ADA. In the instances

referenced herein, Plaintiff, in his individual capacity and as a tester, visited the PPA,

encountered barriers to his minor childs access at the PPA, engaged and tested those

barriers, suffered legal harm and legal injury and will continue to suffer harm and injury

1
Tandy v. City of Wichita, 380 F.3d 1277, 1285-86 (10th Cir. 2004)

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as a result of the illegal barriers to access and the violations of Defendant set forth

herein. Without judicial intervention, Plaintiff will suffer a real and imminent threat of

encountering Defendants accessibility barriers in the near future.

RELIEF

19. With respect to prospective relief, Plaintiff alleges that Plaintiff is suffering a continuing

injury or is under a real and immediate threat of being injured in the future all as more

fully developed below.

20. Plaintiff avers that Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child intend to visit Defendants PPA

several times per year in the near future, but are deterred from doing so while

Defendants PPA violates the ADA as detailed below. 2

21. Plaintiff further avers that Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child are deterred from visiting

the Defendants PPA. 3

22. Plaintiff further avers that any voluntary cessation of Defendants noncompliance with

the ADA may be readily reversed by the reinstatement of the barriers to individuals with

disabilities. Therefore, injunctive relief should be issued irrespective of Defendants

potential voluntary cessation. 4

2
Colo. Cross-Disability Coal. v. Abercrombie & Fitch Co., 765 F.3d 1205 (10th Cir. 2014)
3
Chapman v. Pier 1 Imports (U.S.) Inc., 631 F. 3d 939, 946 (9th Cir. 2011).
4 Friends of the Earth, Inc. v. Laidlaw Envtl. Servs., Inc., 528 U.S. 167, 189, 120 S.Ct. 693,

145 L.Ed.2d 610 (2000): It is well settled that a defendant's voluntary cessation of a
challenged practice does not deprive a federal court of its power to determine the

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THE ADA AND ITS IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS

23. On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the ADA, a comprehensive

civil rights law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability.

24. The ADA broadly protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in employment, access

to State and local government services, places of public accommodation, transportation,

and other important areas of American life.

25. Title III regulations prohibit discrimination in the activities of places of public

accommodation and requires places of public accommodation to be readily accessible

to, and independently usable by, individuals with disabilities. 42 U.S.C. 12181-89, 36

C.F.R. part 1191.

26. On July 26, 1991, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued rules implementing Title III of

the ADA, which are codified at 28 CFR Part 36.

27. Appendix A of the 1991 Title III regulations (republished as appendices B and D to 36

C.F.R. part 1191, and 28 C.F.R. part 36) contains the ADA standards for Accessible Design

(1991 Standards), which were based upon the Americans with Disabilities Act

Accessibility Guidelines (1991 ADAAG) published by the Access Board on the same date.

legality of the practice. If it did, the courts would be compelled to leave the defendant
free to return to his old ways.

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28. In 1994, the Access Board began the process of updating the 1991 ADAAG by establishing

a committee composed of members of the design and construction industries, the

building code community, and State and local governmental entities, as well as

individuals with disabilities.

29. In 1999, based largely on the report and recommendations of the advisory committee,

the Access Board issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update and revise its ADA

and ABA Accessibility Guidelines.

30. The Access Board issued final publication of revisions to the 1991 ADAAG on July 23,

2004 (2004 ADAAG).

31. On September 30, 2004, the DOJ issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to

begin the process of adopting the 2004 ADAAG.

32. On June 17, 2008, the DOJ published a notice of proposed rulemaking covering Title III

of the ADA.

33. The long-contemplated revisions to the 1991 ADAAG culminated with the DOJs issuance

of The 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards). The DOJ published the

Final Rule detailing the 2010 Standards on September 15, 2010. The 2010 Standards

consist of the 2004 ADAAG and the requirements contained in appendices B and D to 36

C.F.R. part 1191, and subpart D of 28 C.F.R. part 36.

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34. 42 U.S.C. 12182(a) provides that No individual shall be discriminated against on the

basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities,

privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any

person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.

35. The ADA also provides a private right of action for preventative relief, including an

application for a permanent or temporary injunction or restraining order for any person

who is being subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability in violation of Title III.

28 C.F.R. 36.501.

36. The duty of compliance with the ADA is not delegable.

FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS COMMON TO ALL COUNTS

37. On or about December 4, 2016, Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child visited Defendants

PPA.

38. Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child were prevented from the full and equal enjoyment of

the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of Defendants

PPA due to Defendants violation of the ADA and its accompanying Accessibility

Guidelines 5 and is discriminating against Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child as a result of

specific violations including but not limited to the following:

5 See also 36 C.F.R. Pt. 1191, App. A and D.

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a.Failure to make the accessible spaces located on shortest accessible route

from parking to an entrance as required by 36 CFR Part 1191 Appendix B,

Guideline 208.3.1;

b. Failure to securely fasten edges of carpet to floor surfaces as required by 36

CFR Part 1191 Appendix D, Guideline 302.2;

c. Failure to provide doors with no greater than 5 pounds maximum opening

force as required by 36 CFR Part 1191, Appendix D, Guideline 404.2.9.

39. Having been deterred from equal enjoyment of Defendants PPA, Plaintiff has not

conducted a complete review of Defendants PPA; however, Plaintiff shall seek to amend

the Complaint to allege additional ADA violations upon the completion of discovery and

disclosure process. Since most barriers involve measurement of inches or degrees, to

identify all architectural barriers requires a person to have unfettered access to a property

with tools such as a tape measure, inclinator, and note pad. Plaintiff therefore requires

an on-site inspection including the entry on Defendants PPA to gather additional

evidence pursuant to Rule 34 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to provide a

comprehensive list of all barriers which existed on or before the date of this Complaint.

40. Defendant has discriminated against Plaintiff, Plaintiffs minor child, and others in that it

has failed to make its PPA fully accessible to, and independently usable by, individuals

who are disabled in violation of the ADA.

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41. Defendant has discriminated against Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child in that it has failed

to remove architectural barriers to make its PPA fully accessible to, and independently

usable by individuals who are disabled.

42. Defendants conduct is ongoing. Plaintiff invokes the statutory right to declaratory and

injunctive relief, as well as costs, expenses and attorneys fees. 28 U.S.C. 2201, 2202, 28

C.F.R. 36.501.

COUNT ONE: VIOLATION OF TITLE III OF ADA

43. Plaintiff adopts and re-alleges the allegations stated in the preceding paragraphs as fully

stated herein.

44. 42 U.S.C. 12182(a) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the full and

equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or

accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases

(or lease to); or operates a place of public accommodation.

45. 42 U.S.C. 12188(a) provides for a private cause of action against such discrimination.

46. The mobility impairment at issue constitutes a disability under 42 U.S.C. 12102.

47. Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child were prevented from the full and equal enjoyment of

the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of Defendants

PPA due to Defendants violation of the ADA and Defendants architectural barriers at its

PPA constitute discrimination against Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child.

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48. Removal of the Defendants architectural barriers is readily achievable, or Defendant may

make their facilities available through alternative methods that are readily achievable.

49. Defendant was required to make the PPA accessible to persons with disabilities. As of the

dates discussed herein, Defendant has failed to comply with the mandates of the ADA.

50. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12188, this Court is vested with the authority to grant Plaintiffs

request for injunctive relief including an order to alter the PPA to make it readily

accessible to, and useable by, individuals with disabilities to the extent required by the

ADA, and closing the PPA until the requisite modifications are completed.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests judgment against Defendant as follows

A. A declaration that Plaintiff and Plaintiffs minor child have a federally protected right to

the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or

accommodations of Defendants PPA, whether alleged in this Complaint or subsequently

discovered; and

B. A declaration that at the commencement of this action Defendant was in violation of the

specific requirements of the ADA described above; and

C. Irrespective of Defendants voluntary cessation, if applicable, a preliminary and

permanent injunction requiring Defendant to remove all barriers so that Plaintiff and

Plaintiffs minor child shall have the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services,

facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of Defendants PPA; and

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D. An Order requiring Defendant to alter its PPA that is the subject of this Complaint to

make the PPA accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities to the full extent

required by the ADA; and

E. Payment of attorneys fees, including litigation expenses, and costs, pursuant to 42

U.S.C. 12205, 28 CFR 36.505, and other principles of law and equity and in compliance

with the prevailing party and material alteration of the parties relationship

doctrines.

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

Pursuant to Rule 38 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Plaintiff hereby

demands a jury trial on issues triable by a jury.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this February 15, 2017.

s/Jeff Emberton
Jeff Emberton
Colorado Legal Counsel, LLC
PO Box 2309
Boulder, CO 80306
720-943-7530
Email: [email protected]
Attorney for Plaintiff

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JS 44 (Rev. 12/11) District of Colorado Form CIVIL COVER SHEET
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as
provided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the
purpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

I. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS

6130 BARNES RIDGEVIEW LLC
Terrell Frederick
County of Residence of First Listed Defendant EL PASO
(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff: El Paso (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF THE
(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

Colorado Legal Counsel, LLC

Attorneys (If Known)
Jeff Emberton
PO Box 2309, Boulder, CO 80306
720-943-7530
II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an X in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPLE PARTIES (Place an X in One Box for Plaintiff)
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
PTF DEF PTF DEF
1 U.S. Government 3 Federal Question
Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State 1 1 Incorporated or Principle Place 4 4
Of Business In This State
2 U.S. Government 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State 2 2 Incorporated or Principle Place 5 5
Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) Of Business In Another State
Citizen or Subject of a 3 3 Foreign Nation 6 6
Foreign Country

VI. CAUSE OF ACTION Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
42 U.S.C. 12101, et. Seq.; 36 C.F.R. Part 1191
Violation of Title III of the ADA
Brief description of cause: AP Docket
Discrimination on the basis of disability

VII. REQUESTED IN CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTION CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:

COMPLAINT: UNDER F.R.C.P. 23 DEMAND: DEC. INJ. FEES JURY DEMAND: Yes No

DATE February 15, 2017 SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD s/ Jeff Emberton

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

 Case 1:17-cv-00401 Document 1-2 Filed 02/15/17 USDC Colorado Page 1 of 2

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO

Civil Action No.

Terrell Frederick, an individual, on his own behalf, and on behalf of LF, his minor child,

Plaintiffs,

v.

6130 BARNES RIDGEVIEW LLC,

Defendant(s).

SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION

To: 6130 BARNES RIDGEVIEW LLC

3291 W 74th Ave

WESTMINSTER, CO 80030

A lawsuit has been filed against you.

Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you

received it) or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an

officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) you

must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule

12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the

plaintiff or plaintiffs attorney, whose name and address are:

 Case 1:17-cv-00401 Document 1-2 Filed 02/15/17 USDC Colorado Page 2 of 2

Jeff Emberton
Colorado Legal Counsel, LLC
PO Box 2309
Boulder, CO 80306
720-943-7530
Email: [email protected]

If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the
relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the
court.

CLERK OF COURT

Date:
Clerk or Deputy Clerk