A group known as the United African Asian Abilities Club (UAAAC), through its attorney David Wakefield, has been filing a large number of lawsuits against apartment complexes. The largely boilerplate lawsuits, filed mainly in Los Angeles and Southern California, allege violations of the Fair Housing Act due to accessibility conditions…
ADA Compliance and Defense Blog
ADA Title III Law Basics for Businesses and Landlords
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulates “places of public accommodation,” which covers nearly all businesses, commercial landlords, commercial tenants and their websites that are open to the public. The basic rule is that “No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the…
Serial ADA Plaintiffs Shifting Their Focus to Berkeley, and Three Basic Tips to Prepare for a Possible ADA Suit Against Your Business
Recently, there has been a flood of ADA lawsuits against small businesses in the City of Berkeley. Berkeley has historically been overlooked by serial ADA plaintiffs, seeing only about a few cases each year. However, it seems like these serial ADA plaintiffs have turned their attention to the City, which…
Why Are There So Many ADA Lawsuits? The Need For Legal Reform
As many business owners and commercial landlords know all too well, the number of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuits appears out of control, particularly in California where approximately 40 percent of ADA lawsuits are filed. Why is this? The answer lies in the legislative design. The ADA was signed…
Has Your Business Received A Letter From Apex Trial Law Or Thomas Dorobiala? How To Defend These Unruh Civil Rights Act Claim Letters
Recently Thomas Dorobiala, through his law firm Apex Trial Law, has been sending a large number of complaint letters to various types of businesses alleging that the business’ website fails to comply with the California Unruh Civil Rights Act. Specifically, the letter states that Mr. Dorobiala is hearing impaired and…
Craft Breweries Hit With ADA Website Claims By Pacific Trial Attorneys
Recently, Pacific Trial Attorneys has been pursuing claims against craft breweries throughout California for alleged Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Unruh Act website violations. Pacific Trial Attorneys is a well-known plaintiff’s law firm that has filed hundreds of ADA lawsuits against various businesses, often using the same few…
JMBM ADA Attorneys Martin Orlick and Stuart Tubis Recognized for Professional Excellence
JMBM is proud to announce that two of its Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Defense attorneys, Martin H. Orlick and Stuart K. Tubis, have recently been recognized for their professional excellence. Martin, a partner in the firm and Chair of the ADA Compliance & Defense Group, has been named one of…
The ADA Does Not Require Website Accessibility Perfection
In a recent decision by Judge William H. Orrick, the court reviewed a website for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and found that minor imperfections on a website that do not meaningfully hinder access to the business are insufficient to constitute ADA violations. Gomez v. Trinitas Cellars…
How To Defend An ADA Or Unruh Lawsuit For Lack Of Standing
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuits under Title III are often filed against businesses and landlords. They can be defended, however, if the plaintiff who filed the lawsuit lacks standing in court. This is more common than it might sound. In law, standing is a requirement for the party seeking…
DOJ Issues Guidance On Website Accessibility
Recently on March 18, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a “Web Accessibility Guidance” statement for state and local governments and public accommodations (including businesses) under Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A copy of the Guidance document can be found here. In…