U.S. Attorney: LaFrance Hospitality to Address ADA Violations

LaFrance Hospitality has entered an agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office to install permanent seats in its roll-in showers in all 14 of its hotels in New England, as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act.

LaFrance Hospitality failed to install permanent shower seats on the wall in their roll-in showers at the New Bedford Marriott Fairfield Inn.  Instead, non-fixed seats were placed in each roll-in shower. When a woman with a mobility impairment used the non-fixed shower seat it collapsed, and the woman fell. The fall resulted in the woman requiring emergency services and an overnight stay at a local hospital for her injuries.

Under the agreement, LaFrance Hospitality will ensure all showers in accessible rooms  meet ADA standards, including installation and positioning of shower seats, grab bars, and shower spray units. LaFrance Hospitality also will pay the woman $20,000 in compensation.

“Meeting the requirements of the ADA means individuals with mobility impairments should never have to question whether the hotel they are staying in will provide safe and accessible rooms,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “We commend LaFrance Hospitality for working cooperatively with us to meet the standards of the ADA moving forward.”

Information from the U.S. Attorney's Office.