Wouldn’t you expect a lawyer to actually understand the law?

Apparently not.

A Colorado Springs lawyer who refused to allow a veterinarian and her service dog to enter his law office for a scheduled deposition in a civil action has agreed to pay $50,000 to settle a federal discrimination suit. Source

According to the suit, Patric LeHouillier of LeHouillier & Associates violated the Americans with  Disabilities Act when he refused to allow Joan Murnane, her certified service dog, her husband, and her lawyer to enter his law office for a deposition.

The ADA was passed in 1990. It requires businesses that serve the public to allow service dogs into whatever areas humans are allowed.

The suit maintained that even though Murnane produced a letter documenting her need for the dog, LeHouillier still would not allow them to enter because he was afraid the dog would soil his newly installed carpeting.

In a case of “he said/ they all said,” LeHouillier denies being shown a letter. However, even if true, the law does not require  the person to provide documentation for their medical condition to be allowed to bring the dog into the business. According to the law, a service dog can even be a small Poodle dyed to look like furry Pepto-Bismol. No identifying vest is necessary.

LeHouillier will pay $30,000 in damages to Murnane; $10,000 to her husband, who was also denied entry; and $10,000 to the government in a civil penalty. He will also be required to post a “Service Animals Welcome” sign in a prominent place and to provide training for his staff.

LeHouillier’s lawyer said LeHouillier settled the suit for economic reasons and that he continues to believe the government's position was wrong.

Yes, those pesky lawyer fees can add up, can’t they? Especially for lawyers who don’t know the laws.

Comments

[Khyra]

Lawyers ;-)

As fur the poodle in pepto pink...

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

[jansfunnyfarm]

Glad he's not our lawyer. Obviously he would lose whatever the case is.

[Tony]

Who says lawyers are intelligent???

[Marion]

Unbelievable. He didn't want the dog to soil his new carpet????! This guy just wasn't very bright...and he didn't know dogs very well, either.

[cube]

Not a lawyer I'd want working for me, but I wouldn't mind him working for the opposition.

OT: Jan, the post about closing down my blog was an April Fool's joke. I was touched by your kind words.

[jackie]

heehee..some days you the dog..some days you the hydrant..

[Denny]

When I'm depressed I love to read a story like this! It perks up my heart!

[Dennis the Vizsla]

He who lives by the law, dies by the law.