August 26th, 2018

Miraglia v. Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana State Museum

Docket: 17-30834
Opinion Date: August 24, 2018
Judge: Catharina Haynes
Areas of Law: Civil Rights, Constitutional Law

Plaintiff filed suit against the Museum, alleging discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, and seeking equitable relief and damages. Plaintiff, a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair, alleged that the Lower Pontalba Building was not accessible. The Museum subsequently purchased portable ramps, buzzers, and buzzer-related signage. The Fifth Circuit dismissed plaintiff's appeal of the district court's dismissal of his equitable claims as moot. The court held that plaintiff failed to prove a necessary element for monetary damages, and thus the court reversed and rendered judgment in favor of the Museum in regard to that claim. However, the court held that plaintiff was still a prevailing party and affirmed the district court's grant of attorneys' fees.

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