ADA ‘Drive-By’ Lawsuits Target Hospitality Employers

Publication

5.19.17

Across the country, plaintiffs’ attorneys are targeting restaurants, bars, and retail establishments to bring claims for technical violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is not unusual for a single individual to file 200 to 300 ADA lawsuits in a relatively short period of time.  Yet often this individual was never a patron of the targeted establishments.  Instead, a disabled individual, or even just an attorney, can simply drive by for the express purpose of finding an ADA violation in order to file suit.  These actions, known as “drive-by” lawsuits, are on the rise and are costing the hospitality industry millions of dollars per year.  The ADA has a commendable purpose, yet this practice can feel more like abuse just for monetary gain.  This article sets out the anatomy of a Title III case to help inform hospitality businesses and encourage proactive measures to defeat these claims.

To read the full article, please visit Washington Hospitality Association.

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