A California resident with physical disabilities has filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination due to inaccessible facilities at a public accommodation. On March 3, 2025, Andy Martin submitted a complaint to the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Dennis F. Collier and Angela C. Collier as Trustees of the Collier Living Trust.
The complaint stems from an incident on January 20, 2025, when Martin visited a tattoo shop located at 2551 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA. The shop's parking lot lacked designated van-accessible handicapped parking spaces with adjacent access aisles and signage required by law. Martin claims this omission violated his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. As a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair for mobility, Martin argues that these barriers denied him full and equal access to the facility, causing him difficulty and embarrassment.
Martin's lawsuit highlights that he wishes to return to the tattoo shop but is deterred by the existing barriers. He contends that these violations are easily removable without significant difficulty or expense, as outlined by the Department of Justice guidelines for accessibility improvements. The plaintiff is seeking injunctive relief to compel compliance with accessibility laws and statutory damages under the Unruh Civil Rights Act.
The case underscores ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing public accommodations. It raises important questions about business owners' responsibilities in ensuring their facilities comply with ADA standards and provide equal access to all patrons.
Representing Andy Martin is attorney Dayton Magallanes from the Law Offices of Dayton Magallanes. The case was filed in front of Judge Joan Foster under Case No. 2025CUCROSSSTr.