A Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against a popular coffee chain, alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at one of its locations in Illinois. Howard Cohan initiated the complaint on February 25, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Vernon Hills Coffee, Inc., doing business as Dunkin Donuts.
The plaintiff, Howard Cohan, who resides in Palm Beach County, Florida, claims that he was denied full and equal access to the facilities at a Dunkin Donuts located at 700 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills, Illinois. According to Cohan’s allegations, his visit on July 22, 2025, revealed several ADA violations that prevented him from enjoying the services offered by the establishment. The complaint details numerous permanent disabilities suffered by Cohan, including severe spinal stenosis and various joint injuries that necessitate accessible facilities. During his visit to the premises, Cohan was unable to use handicap parking spaces or other accessibility features due to non-compliance with ADA standards.
Cohan asserts that these violations are not only a personal hindrance but also part of his broader mission as a “tester” to identify and challenge discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public accommodations. His role involves visiting such establishments to test compliance with ADA requirements and pursue legal action where necessary. He argues that without court intervention, these barriers will persist and continue to cause harm.
The lawsuit accuses Vernon Hills Coffee of failing to provide adequate clear floor space around water closets and improperly positioning toilet paper dispensers and grab bars within their restrooms. Additionally, it points out deficiencies in seating arrangements for disabled patrons within the restaurant area. These alleged infractions violate specific sections of both the 2010 ADA Standards and earlier regulations set forth in 1991.
Cohan seeks injunctive relief from the court requiring Vernon Hills Coffee to make necessary modifications to their premises so they are fully accessible under Title III of the ADA. Furthermore, he requests declaratory relief acknowledging that current conditions violate federal law along with compensation for attorneys’ fees incurred during litigation proceedings.
Representing Howard Cohan is attorney Robert M. Kaplan from Law Offices of Robert M. Kaplan P.C., based in Schaumburg Illinois; Judge presiding over this case is yet unnamed while its Case ID stands as 1:26-cv-02158.
Source: 126cv02158_Howard_Cohan_v_Vernon_Hills_Coffee_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf