Serial Plaintiffs Turn California ADA Lawsuits Into a Lucrative Cottage Industry

[@bob65656565656565]

I can’t believe How this guys hasn’t sued the cities for allowing homeless to take over the sidewalks

[@hottuna2006]

Local stores are easier targets when they don't have millions of taxpayers' funding and will be forced to pay or close up.

[@yttaughtcarpenter92]

💯

[@ramixpAPEX]

Free country

[@boostedmaniac]

It’s politics as usual.

[@sanjuansteve]

You empathy-free Republicans are Nazis. Fear, bigotry (fear) and greed (fear) are all you have left.

[@lance7973]

Garcia’s attorney has everything to gain. The two are working together all the way.

[@fretsward2225]

They come here to work and to game the system at every opportunity...

[@trainsplanesandotherthings5187]

That sleazeball Lawyer is probably trying to fund his porsche or boat purchase... In my opinion or Course.. Don't wanna get sued..

[@fretsward2225]

@@trainsplanesandotherthings5187 Never before in the history of this nation have we witnessed so many kleptomaniacs and opportunists pour across our southern border into every city in California. They are the majority in most...

[@justinbailey6515]

What they are doing is 100% legal. Nothing shady there. It's the consequences of blindly voting for politicians and overregulation. Next time, business owners can actually vote on issues and not if a candidate is red or blue.

[@fretsward2225]

@@justinbailey6515 I'd have to disagree with that one. How did they both get into the country? Overstay their Visa? Walk in? Cheat their way into? Born to illegal alien parents? It's not red or blue. it's legal or illegal. And we all know that legal immigration from Mexico has gone the way of the steam locomotive. It's a grab fest now. Historic theft...

[@DavidMadruga62]

These mass lawsuits, where the ‘plaintiff’ is seeking damages from businesses they don’t intent to visit on a regular basis are just a shake down and should be treated in the courts as extortion.

[@darthvader5300]

Saul Alinsky the devil gave them that evil idea of EXTORTION UNDER THE COVER OF THE LAW AND STILL IT IS A CRIME OF EXTORTION! ONLY IN DNC DEMOCRAT KALIFORNICATION INDEED!

[@darthvader5300]

@@tasteslikeawesome Are you a leftist commie?

[@los7187]

But what if he’s doing this so I’m the future when a disabled person does want to enter the store, they won’t be told it’s not accessible to them. Why does the store have to wait to get sued in order to take disabled people accessibility seriously?

[@DavidMadruga62]

@@los7187 Did he try asking nicely?

[@V0YAG3R]

Terrorism, blackmail, mafiosi extortion and systematic, targeted harassment. That's what it is!

[@TheSpatulaCity]

They need to remove penalty portion. Make it so that plaintiff and lawyers don't receive money, only small fines or revocation of business licenses if correction is not completed within reasonable time.

[@Ken_N]

That makes too much sense. That will definitely not be allowed.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

There needs to be a penalty portion, but only after businesses and property owners are given an opportunity to correct access issues.

[@heyaisdabomb]

@@MarcosElMalo2 Exactly, glad I don't live in Alameda. Anyone that looks at the complaints will see the motive is purely money. They just sued every hotel in the city of SF, many are getting thrown out cause they are mostly all bogus. Like saying having pictures of your handdy cap rooms, as well as listing all services they can provide handicap people, is not enough to make an independent decision whether or not they should stay there. It's like, what more do you want them to do? It's clear as day that these lawsuits are purely about money.

[@Dgafsranger]

@@Ken_N they already can't be awarded money for Ada law suits unless direct injury results from the violation people pay the settlements to avoid legal fees but look how it has been stopped in other states people stand up and fight these parasites

[@aigtrader2984]

@@MarcosElMalo2 31 years is enough time

[@ekhks]

I agree with that one owner, give them a ticket or warning. Damn, first notice is coming at them with a lawsuit, that disable person is obviously looking for a pay out.

[@joyaustin6581]

A chance to make a reasonable accommodation based on his needs

[@ID_iKONIC_VIP]

Yup when you call the lawyer they say they'll drop the case for $15,000. Most businesses can't make rent right now

[@John-qd6xm]

These people know how to make easy cash.💪I love it 😁

[@jmccOutdoors]

The law is 31 years old. A little knowledge of the store owners and common sense would eliminate this from ever being an issue

[@ekhks]

@@jmccOutdoors I agree with you but the point here is not going suing every business before a warning.

[@a1228a]

This guy can pretty much sue California and be filthy rich from these poor owners. What a jerk!

[@alberts2208]

Don't matter. He still won't get the chicks.

[@JohnS-il1dr]

@@alberts2208 he will if he had shtloads of money from his shakedowns

[@Throughthelurkingglass]

Don't hate the man, hate the laws.

[@Eric_In_SF]

@@Throughthelurkingglass Now you have to hate the lawyers that are recruiting people to do this

[@Throughthelurkingglass]

@@Eric_In_SF if it's legal, it's legal. Everyone can kiss their 🍑 till the law change. Slipknot was right People=💩. Gotta keep these savages in check or their gonna be as sleazy as can be!

[@theHAL9000]

She called it perfectly ... it's a shakedown con done by dishonorable shakedown artists.

[@darthvader5300]

Saul Alinsky the devil gave them that evil idea of EXTORTION UNDER THE COVER OF THE LAW AND STILL IT IS A CRIME OF EXTORTION!

[@cheesedipmarin2757]

It’s not a con if the law allows it lol… stop being a hater

[@mhaskins3769]

Don’t blame him blame the ada

[@bobloblaw7465]

@@cheesedipmarin2757 yes but most of the time a notice and a timeline to fix the issue is common sense and courtesy. But I'd close up shop and move out of that s.hole state.

[@victorlorraine6596]

@@bobloblaw7465 they got notice the day the law was passed… ignorance of the law is no excuse … at least that what I’ve been told

[@luxxlace6678]

And they wonder why businesses are leaving California

[@zonker4965]

It's not just happening in Cali.

[@gerrypower9433]

The ADA is a Federal Act and applies across the entire USA.

[@clownskill11]

@@RojoRed1975 financial gain? More like righting previous injustices, creating a more tolerant and equitable future. Oh I guess your one of those anti human people

[@clownskill11]

@@RojoRed1975 bad businesses shouldn’t be propped up by bailouts when they can’t even support the members of our society who need it the most. Obviously the business owners were never going to change their ways till the law suits start. Doesn’t matter if you didnt build the building if you occupy it now your responsibly for righting the inequity and doing the right thing, just sucks that many won’t do the right thing till the threat of law is applied

[@Penoatle]

@@clownskill11 Clown is a very appropriate screen name for you since you resemble one. Nothing you have said is based in reality. I bet you are on some kind of assistance because nobody who is in the world would hold such nonsense as fact.

[@poodlescone9700]

That Alameda mayor is nuts! The penalties are under CA law. The politicians screwed up yet again.

[@firedog451]

Someone should wheel this guy over to the goldengate bridge and show him that drop off that isn’t ADA compliant

[@zqpcydbfoqbdiehdj]

I'm still thinking about that rust that's on the bridge. Lol

[@zqpcydbfoqbdiehdj]

They need to paint that thing! It's gonna fall!! Lmaoo

[@zuutlmna]

So that's not an OSHA compliant net underneath? -Never been there, but recall reading something to the effect of there being a net placed to catch people in case they fall off.

[@melguerrero5556]

If you dump that serial "sewer" into the bay... would that be an EPA violation?

[@maxinef6654]

Lol. 😂. I was thinking of pushing him In the middle of the street.

[@misssupreme3008]

Alamedas mayor sounds useless

[@heyaisdabomb]

She clearly isn't very bright... I mean, anyone with half a brain can look at the specific cases, and see that a lot of them are based on interpretations. Like the website doesn't have enough information to decide if they have enough services for their handicap. At what point do you have enough? Are pictures and listing the services not enough? Cause one hotel did that and was still sued for this reason. Once you realize that many of if not most of these have no legal standing, you'll understand that they don't care if they have legal standing. It's about getting businesses to settle so it goes away and they get their payday.

[@aeromtb2468]

so every surviving establishment will be shaken down for more money.

[@davinxi5926]

Law firm mob mentality. Gov gets their cut too

[@darthvader5300]

@@davinxi5926 Saul Alinsky the devil gave them that evil idea of EXTORTION UNDER THE COVER OF THE LAW AND STILL IT IS A CRIME OF EXTORTION! ONLY IN DNC DEMOCRAT KALIFORNICATION INDEED!

[@boostedmaniac]

I’ve seen this before. They go around measuring the height of mirrors and sinks in bathrooms and if they are off by an inch or so, they sue. The trial lawyers love this.

[@nelsondecaires9516]

This is been happening for decades the only reason SF is cracking down is due to DAs recall.

[@wandery2k]

since 1968 with the Federal Architectural Barriers Act, and California’s Government Code 4450.

[@SL-lz9jr]

I feel bad for anyone who has genuinely been negatively impacted by accessibility issues. But these lawsuits aren’t done with good intentions. I hope these extortionists are punished. I can’t think of many lawsuits that have actually led to a change in society, other than money for the plaintiff

[@ligmasack9038]

Tipping their Chair and pulling the Leads for the Battery should be allowed

[@tyeshadurant3298]

@@ligmasack9038 lol

[@eddielee3928]

Mayor of Alameda is blind. Why don't those disabled scammers sue you and your city and see how you feel?

[@CrimsonEclipse]

This guy's lawyers should get their licensed revoked for this stupidity.

[@ShainAndrews]

They are well within their right. Don't like it get your laws changed. What about the lack of accessibility for the disabled? Some of this stuff is really basic requirements. To revoke those requirements means changing federal law.

[@jessewilson8676]

13 steps, a short rope around the neck and a long drop with a sharp stop.

[@CrimsonEclipse]

@@ShainAndrews I guess you didn't actually watch the news report. Many of these businesses actually are up to code. The lawyers didn't even look into it and just filed the report and the businesses has to waste their time and money to prove they are within code. This is why these lawyers should get their license revoked for being lazy and don't look into the businesses. Also the so called disable guy isn't even a customer. He didn't even go into the store. He was just causing trouble. Also it's not federal laws. It's local city and state ordinance. This isn't a national wide problem. Just a California problem. Which California has a lot of bad policies already that makes zero to no sense. Also Lawyers are only allowed to practice laws within that states they passed the bars in which usually not federal practices. They got their license in California they stay in California. What is even funnier in California you don't actually need to go to law school to get a lisense. You just need to be accepted by a law firm who is willing to provide you an apprenticeship. Another reason Kim Kardashian going to pay to become a lawyer without going to law school.

[@ShainAndrews]

@@CrimsonEclipse They are not fully compliant. I looked at three of them myself. No lawyer besides Giuliani would file such suits without naming specific violations. if they are filed without specific violations they will get dismissed.

[@CrimsonEclipse]

@@ShainAndrews Garcia that one disabled guy filed a over 100 lawsuits. You said you only looked at 3 of them. Also the Dim Sum place his complaint was the newly built outdoor dinning area isn't wheelchair accessible. It's SF, spaces are narrow. Also those outdoors dining areas was approved by the city during the pandemic. If it's approved by the city it's not really their fault. Also Lola's didn't actually have a violation. Also based on another news report about the same guy many of the reports was incorrectly filed. It was mostly a harassment. Also have you actually gotten a false report to the city before. It happened all the time. They don't throw the cases until you fight back with evidence which also waste time and money for businesses. Because time is money. Anyone who makes this many complaints to a bunch of random businesses is just hoping to scam someone who doesn't know better.

[@chuckm5526]

Scientists should start using lawyers instead of lab rats, there’s more lawyers than rats, the scientists won’t get as attached to them, and there’s just some things that the rats won’t do

[@texasdude1]

Did lawyers vote these lawmakers who created these laws? Blame the people who keep voting for the same people.

[@MysticBlueAcid]

You talk like you have "the hardcore experiences" in being a "Rat". Not a lawyer, they have something you don`t have; education and money.

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

I've seen it go down in Southern California for years. Handicap prey on small businesses. Offer handicap access with personal assistance a first priority. Problem solved. Can go to corporate establishment and eat all day. They don't need to seek out small businesses that are barely getting by. This serves no purpose other than being an a******.

[@los7187]

Maybe if y’all were ADA compliant you wouldn’t get sued. Being accessible to al shouldn’t be an after thought, it should be priority like everyone else. I’m tired of being told I can’t go in because the owners didn’t care enough to make their place accessible

[@strangevisions5162]

@@los7187 get over it Carlos...if a business doesn't want to serve you, go to one that does and stop CRYING ABOUT IT.

[@ligmasack9038]

@@los7187 Hey Carlos, if you can't hobble into the Store yourself, then you ask someone to go in for you; YOUR PROBLEM IS NOT EVERYONE ELSE'S! You are a disgrace to "Disabled" People because you would rather Whine instead of finding a Solution.

[@los7187]

@@ligmasack9038 nah I think I’ll just sue their ignorant ass for every penny they’ve got. 😂 Don’t like it too bad should’ve thought about making your store ADA compliant instead of waiting around to get sued. This is all on you

[@los7187]

@@ligmasack9038 not my problem they’ll be losing their business.

[@proudasiangirl576]

The judge should clearly see through this opportunist and throw out his lawsuits. Thereafter, the State needs to amend the laws, not to just protect ADA citizens, but be fair to business owners as well.

[@darthvader5300]

Saul Alinsky the devil gave them that evil idea of EXTORTION UNDER THE COVER OF THE LAW AND STILL IT IS A CRIME OF EXTORTION! ONLY IN DNC DEMOCRAT KALIFORNICATION INDEED!

[@darthvader5300]

The KALIFORNICATION DNC DEMOCRAT judges and DNC DEMOCRAT lawyers are also corrupt so you must hire an out of state REPUBLICAN LAWYER to give them a countersuit and a taste of their own medicines!

[@gerrypower9433]

It is a Federal Act; the state cannot alter it.

[@JohnS-il1dr]

@@gerrypower9433 smoking pot is against federal law but states ignore it and people puff away

[@TheRivalz]

Wheelchair dude and attorney have first class tickets to hell waiting for them.

[@limitone9564]

There's got to be building restrictions and loopholes because the building is too old for any updates. The person who is suing shld contribute to the updates, that would stop the extortions.

[@altha2008]

There are loop holes if it is a bathrom or something going to cost 30K it will put too much on the business to fix it,, THAT I AGREE with, simple fixes like Disable parking spots, ramps and alies 36 inches are simple things and should be fixed 30 years ago

[@stevebennett4959]

Hire a “so-called ‘Certified Access Specialist’” Sounds like another shakedown

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Well, a consultant saves the business management from having to do their own research. That said, some properties do have access issues. A better solution would be to give a grace period to allow the business and property owners to fix the issues.

[@altha2008]

Love that one,, going to have to use it myself

[@JGcynicDC2]

When I worked retail, we had a man enter stores with a miniature horse. Turns out it was his guide horse. He sued a lot of businesses for making him leave. People make a living out of doing this.

[@JW-mx3qg]

Yep seen him at the Cliff House Restaurant (where I use to work as stationary Engeneer . I saw him and asked him what he sees wrong, gave me some lame door pressure regulation, then I told him to just make a case, then I told him laughing, he was on federal land, so good luck! (Btw the door pressure was just fine and passed by a federal ada inspection. This guy is a joke, and makes other disabled ones a laughing stock.

[@clownskill11]

Nice story bet it didn’t actually happen… stationary engineer I laughed that’s a fancy way to say napkin roller boy

[@merlesmith6794]

@@clownskill11 You’re a real ray of sunshine now aren’t you.?

[@clownskill11]

@@merlesmith6794 At least I don’t Gotta lie to kick it

[@tomservo5007]

@@clownskill11 one click away: A stationary engineer (sometimes called an operating engineer or power engineer) is a technically trained person who operates, troubleshoots, and oversees industrial machinery and equipment that provides energy in various forms. ... The group includes railroad engineers and marine engineers.

[@Ken_N]

I miss the antique arcade that was there.

[@Al_Dee]

Google maps asks if locations have wheelchair access, this guy found a profit opportunity

[@mikecotten1862]

Will they sue Yosemity national parks for not making Half Domt trail conforming to weelchair laws????

[@paulrozinski1488]

I believe wheelchair ramps are supposed to be no more than a 2 percent incline but SF streets are way steeper than that. What next, sue the city and make them flatten the hills ??? This makes as much sense as a building inspector issuing a violation for not having a peep hole on an entrance door that is made entirely of clear GLASS. Yes, true story !!

[@clownskill11]

@@paulrozinski1488 just admit it you hate disabled people and you don’t respect their right to exist in society

[@paulrozinski1488]

@@clownskill11 NOTHING could be farther from the truth than your last statement . I have a great deal of respect and admiration for those who are truly disabled. What I DO hate are people who use and manipulate the disabled for their own profit.

[@MK-sk2mi]

Rock climbing is also nor wheelchair friendly he should sue the great canyon.

[@Toast0808]

@@clownskill11 They should be exterminated

[@clar331]

He sure does have time, geez we're not even done with this year, how many more places will he try to sue?!

[@cnongtataymo5730]

I believe this is the same guy doing this in socal years ago.

[@clar331]

@@cnongtataymo5730 smh he must be miserable

[@deld.f.paraelmundo1685]

@@clar331 of course. No one cares about him.

[@yosemite-e2v]

My hometown used to have a burger joint called Arctic Circle, and when they were hit with one of these lawsuits, they realized the cost of compliance was so high that they closed down for good. So that was a loss for everyone.

[@thejeff2469]

And it's still empty years later.

[@yosemite-e2v]

@@thejeff2469 I used to work with Jason Singleton at a Rocket station in 1986. The guys who worked at the Tetrault car wash used to call him "Jayskin", and it annoyed the hell out of him. Many years later I see him in the news for shaking down businesses for having the bathroom grab bars a few inches out of compliance.

[@yosemite-e2v]

@@thejeff2469 I used to work with Jason Singleton at a Rocket station in 1986. The guys who worked at the Tetrault car wash used to call him "Jayskin", and it annoyed the hell out of him. Many years later I see him in the news for shaking down businesses for having the bathroom grab bars a few inches out of compliance.

[@umu]

As a lawyer... this is a common tactic by the D students in your law class... they start planning to do this as soon as they get their first D.

[@chancethompson8686]

So how many of these cases have you represented on??

[@Nicosdayinthelife]

lol

[@Irisicaaa]

Bahaha, ambulance chasers. Couldn't make it in big law, became crooks instead.

[@paul4972]

The mayor doesn't have a clue

[@garyquail4996]

Guys like this Garcia should be taken out And counter sued!!!!!

[@paulrozinski1488]

And the lawyers still get their third, so of course they see nothing wrong with serial plaintiffs. Just what this world needs, more lawyers 😖

[@budalaidiotska6947]

They don't see it, they run this scheme, and have disabled individuals like this guy to file on behalf of them for certain profit. And when shit hits the fan, they are safe as they just were representing the guy. Sick of people like that, not every lawer is this way thank God, but good majority unfortunately is.

[@bruceneilson2983]

The lawyers are getting way more than 1/3. The ADA requires the little business being sued to pay ALL the attorney fees of the guy suing! Plus they have to pay their own attorney to defend the case or negotiate a settlement. So the wheelchair guy gets his $4000 penalty and the attorney claims $5000, $10,000, whatever.

[@altha2008]

That is just the state court system if it goes to Federal it is 75K right off the bat

[@martdod]

Garcia is the one that deserves to be sued for being predatory.

[@TheGor54]

Roll them into the bay. Dirtbags on wheels.

[@V0YAG3R]

Mafiosi on wheels.

[@Curry_for_3]

And the lawyers too.

[@Chicago48]

That's a good way to supplement your Social Security disability checks. Also the attorneys get a good stream of money. They should be suing the building owners, not the small business.

[@jamessherosick2747]

They shouldn't be sueing anybody.

[@alan-di5ww]

filing ada lawsuits is a fulltime job for them

[@philstillman9806]

Garcia has never had a job. This is his job.

[@jackmaa3647]

why should California passed law ADA so disable could collect fine up to $4,000 the state should be the one collect the fine not them.

[@ianp1745]

that DA put it right. These guys are suing more for the money instead of for disabled people’s rights.

[@andrewfreeman88]

the only thing SF DA get's right..

[@jontiffinphoto]

Amazing he hasn’t been capped already.

[@SIGINTprivate]

Is it just me, or does it look like that lawyer had two black eyes?

[@empirestate8791]

Shouldn't the government, not private businesses, be enforcing the law? I would assume that ADA compliance should be checked by code enforcement officers as opposed to citizens filing lawsuits.

[@altha2008]

They do if it goes to the Federal Court System fines up to 75K each code violation

[@yekaesh]

This happened a few years back in Glendale. He said he’d settle for $5k from each of the businesses. They all ended up paying because it would’ve cost them more money to go to court.

[@zonker4965]

I think that is the con. They are counting on a settlement. This has been going on awhile all over the country

[@mikemymail7044]

What state? Glendale, wi?

[@yekaesh]

@@mikemymail7044 California

[@chrisbruggers8076]

As if this lawyer actually wants them to stop breaking the law... then he'd be without a racket

[@wayman88]

This has been going on for decades. I worked as an engineering consultant in California 20 years ago and was part of these types of lawsuits even back then because of my building and fire code expertise. It's not just businesses being targeted but schools, universities and other places. All you need is one disabled person and one lawyer and you're off to the races. If you dig into the ADA requirements it is virtually impossible for any building to be 100% compliant if built before the 1990s. Even in new construction its easy to miss an ADA requirement because there are many of them that are super specific. It's ripe for fraud like this and has been for a long time.

[@sierragreen]

The Alameda mayor should be embarrassed by her ignorance. It's California law (The Unruh Civil Rights Act) that allows for this extortion.

[@reikun86]

She sounds like a hippie

[@davidr4523]

Your correct, it sounds like she could careless for the store owners. She needs to be voted out of office.

[@rayray4444kit]

I’m a property manager and this is a HUGE problem. They always target small mom and pop and file over 25 lawsuits a week without prior notice to fix/repair. ADA laws change, how are some people supposed to know without notice to repair?

[@deshaunjackson8188]

You are 100% right! The sheer amount of legislation is impossible for a small business to have complete knowledge of.

[@RyuuOujiXS]

@@deshaunjackson8188 Only the lazy can see anything as impossible. Go be lazy and useless somewhere else.

[@jimaguirre5799]

I sure hope the plaintiff gets dealt with is he stops his fraud.

[@anthonylewis9055]

i'd rather see his lawyers dealt with... that shifty attorney from Potter-whatever cant even look straight into the camera when he is spewing his reasoning

[@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394]

"Come on, give a chance to get back on our feet. No pun intended."

[@DalV]

We got hit by the predatory attorney. Sent him in and measured the bathroom sink. Claimed it wasn’t accessible and his attorney demanded $250,000 to settle. We sold the pizza parlor and gave them the $80k it was this same guy.

[@kevx12172002]

So Califonia doesnt honor immigration laws, which are federal. Why would ADA federal laws be any different?

[@kevx12172002]

@Love it or Hate it IDC federal laws are federal laws amigo.

[@xrpmaxi8839]

@@kevx12172002 Which laws are you referencing?

[@kevx12172002]

@@xrpmaxi8839 complying with immigration Judges order of removal. Local law enforcment were ordered not to comply with ICE.

[@xrpmaxi8839]

@@kevx12172002 But I asked you which immigration laws are you specifically referencing? Municipalities have discretion on how they enforce laws. Also, 35 States are ignoring Federal Marijuana law. So I don't see what the big deal is.

[@kevx12172002]

@@xrpmaxi8839 that's the point, picking and choosing which Federal Laws to follow is silly. And I'm referencing all Immigration Laws pertaining to deportation, CFR title 8 etc.

[@lifesgood6480]

Direct from lawyers. Why do so many tell their kids to grow up and become a scumbag lawyer. This is what society idolizes.

[@DurzoBlunts]

To make the money for the 'good life'

[@sprague49]

2:40 "While Federal lawsuits don't provide for damages, California's state law does." Voila! A new cottage industry. Proof that California lawmakers are pro-business after all! hahaha

[@Chris-pq2jb]

Congress was smart enough to see this was a possibility. California always screws up.

[@altha2008]

Florida does as well but not automatics have to take them to court for damages

[@Grayarea321]

She hit the nail on the head, it’s a shake down.

[@jjn6914]

I hope the ADA plaintiff gets sued to the ground. People in general have this sympathetic and forgiving attitude towards the disabled, when at the end of the day, they're still people who can have very nefarious motives just as any able-bodied person.

[@andygrice424]

I don't see how the scam artist can sue a business without going in there. He'll get sued for everything he won and be back to square one.

[@troika101]

Hes got no legs hes got nothing to lose

[@e-curb]

It's pretty hard to prove after-the-fact that someone didn't come into your store, or didn't try to enter.

[@diana1nicole]

They should just change the law.

[@mscar7609]

Can we make it illegal to file more than 12 lawsuits a year?

[@robertgallagher7734]

This was a huge problem in southern California and Arizona a few years ago. Questionable attorneys pay handicapped individuals to be the face and excuse to sue small businesses. Sad to see this is back.

[@alexipestov7002]

The minute you force accommodation is when you open the door to this crap. There is no other way to say it.

[@wandery2k]

no one seems to realize that this has been going on since 1968 with the Federal Architectural Barriers Act, and California’s Government Code 4450. It’s not new.

[@sebass156]

California is like the Titanic. Everybody thought it was an unsinkable ship…

[@michellenededog3648]

The law for the ADA has been in effect for more than 5 years. Your property management should be involved in helping with ADA compliance for their properties. Although, I do see it as a personalized shake down. There's many other people doing the same up and down the state. There was a story in Sacramento concerning the 1st Squeeze Inn. It was literally so small, hence the name. Someone sued right after the law was in effect. They had to move the business. They couldn't make it ADA compliant. Too expensive. Luckily the business flourished and expanded.

[@altha2008]

I agree simple things like handicapped parking, and ramps are easy to do NO excuse for a business not to do it, was in one place a few weeks ago the handicapped parking could not even see it at first, It was almost covered with Bushes, The spot was uneven fell getting out, had no signs at all

[@andysteward8617]

after seeing this, it's only a matter of time before this wealthy wheelchair dude runs over a merchant's foot, causing them a serious, permenant disabilty. he better be ready to pay up

[@veadair]

They should stand together and sue him instead

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

In my opinion...he seems like a bitter little man in a wheelchair.

[@clydedenby1436]

Bitter; but paid.

[@JohnS-il1dr]

@James Doolittle or the mayor of Chicago

[@Sahadi420]

"the entrance isn't level" *business is on a 45 degree sloped road*

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

Without sleezy, greedy lawyers this would not be possible. They get 10 - 30% of money awarded.

[@tasteslikeawesome]

Somebody has to enforce compliance. The city could start issuing compliance permits, inspections, and ratings in the windows. But they let this happen. I take it you can walk? It’s the responsibility of the business to not treat the disabled like second class citizens. It’s painful to deal with that. This scumbag is still a hero. Think about that.

[@kct9967]

Ambulance chasers have been working this hustle for years.

[@theshiv5288]

“California is dramatically out of wack”...Yes, yes it is.

[@chestonunnewehr6954]

People get what they vote for.

[@ShOOtinGliTteR]

How r they supposed to do more than window shopping if they can't enter?!?!

[@altha2008]

They do not get that either

[@dj4745]

It was a good law when it started but grifters are trying to make a quick buck. There are places that deserve it but many don't. Close the loopholes!!!

[@Beanmaster73]

Yall need to find someone and " take care " of him

[@CxDubxU]

Thatd be funny if someone just pushed over their chair. If you're gonna get sued make it worth it

[@onedollarstiffy]

someone needs to flip that wheelchair in front of a semi

[@jameslee8765]

Time to close up shop and move the business to a friendly business climate.

[@RoofedAsian89]

Wait til the recall election

[@ApriliaRacer14]

@@RoofedAsian89 When is that…we’ve all been waiting a long time.

[@sleeepyeyed]

@Art Vandalay Pretty sure he meant moving the business out of state where these laws aren't so assbackwards with so many loopholes. California is a failed state and is only going to get worse.

[@MrSwedjen]

The fine is $4K per visit from these fraudsters. They can show up multiple times. Do the math.

[@justinh5076]

The Plaintiffs attorney should be reported for abusing the legal system

[@augggie]

There is a lawyer in a wheelchair in Florida that goes to Hotels and sues them if they're not ADA Compliant

[@altha2008]

That is what I do. I live in Florida. I have sued 12 motels so far no excuse for them not even have a handicapped parking spot.. The motels that I go after are where all the poristuties and drug dealers operate out off, 3 of them I just file Federal Law Suits for ADA Code violations they was shut down,

[@josephfitzgeraldnsw5794]

Why isn’t it a choice for a privately owned business to be handicapped capable? That’s their own business that they choose their own they should choose who their customers are as well

[@stoicmillionaire.4631]

This scam be has been around for years. An ADA attorney finds a disabled client and they basically go up and down every street.

[@johnonor7327]

It’s extortion, work with the lawyers. They not even there. If it violate the law. The city shouldn’t pass permit Inspection .

[@JonDulion]

Here we go again, another Loop hole. Completely Done with humans period.

[@TonicofSonic]

Loophole? Handicap access has been a basic human right for decades. Heaven forbid you get hit by a car and cannot access any of your favorite places or try new things. Coming from a natural born entitled african american I can see how anything that does not relate to you would not interest you.

[@JonDulion]

@@TonicofSonic child you missing the whole point

[@bryantmissions4664]

That guy better be careful. If he makes too many business owners angry, he is bound eventually to wrongfully sue the wrong person and end up trying on some cement shoes.

[@andrewfreeman88]

cement wheelchair? sounds brutal but maybe appropriate

[@markstanich64]

The defendants will settle out of court .They have no choice when lawyers are getting 600 per hour .

[@starmc26]

There's no settling... The only thing that SHOULD happen is that the business receives a "non-ada compliant fine" , should be around 200$.

[@haokieto0]

before businesses are issued a license to operate, the fire department comes to check for safety issues. this ADA should be in their check list.

[@dontbestupid6664]

Yep. Then the landlord would need to take care of the problem before the tenant moved in. But that would add thousands of dollars to the rent.

[@altha2008]

@@dontbestupid6664 The land lord can be sued as well as the people renting the business

[@Vib3-1999]

There are thousands of these "Garcia" types! Maybe these business owners should pitch in and treat the governor to a dinner at the French Laundry to change these laws

[@gerrypower9433]

This is a 30 year old Federal Act. The State of California has no power to change it.

[@Vib3-1999]

@@gerrypower9433 not true! The federal Americans with Disabilities Act is not the same as California Disabled Persons Act... The California law is what allows this ridiculous nonsense! Not the federal law ... Please feel free to research

[@gerrypower9433]

@@Vib3-1999 Okay, but why does the headline refer to the ADA? That's apparently not the name of the CA law. This is confusing.

[@Vib3-1999]

@@gerrypower9433 to be fair it says, "California ADA lawsuits". The headline is still not exactly proper but as I understand the federal law forces businesses to make the necessary changes to the property to accommodate the disabled... California's law adds the extra kick in the pants by allowing these turds to sue the company personally for the offense

[@JohnDoe-do3fm]

Whether you think it's extortion or other, it is perfectly legal.

[@joedirt8625]

Good..Socialist Utopia.... You Vote

[@WanderingRationalist]

This shit isn’t right. These people have no right shaking these businesses down. There has to be limits put into this.

[@madbug1965]

This has been going on in Sacramento for years.

[@thejeff2469]

Same thing happened in Eureka. We lost a few mom and pop restraints so some scumbag lawyer could collect a few thousand a business.

[@obey2dmax]

Someone is instructing this person to a T, perhaps a paralegal or a shady lawyer at worse and exploiting ADA Provisions and ADA is in the middle of this mess.

[@bobz3779]

What happens if a homeless encampment makes the public sidewalks and businesses inaccessible for handicapped people? Can you sue the city? CA is a trainwreck.

[@williamzander4732]

Clint Eastwood sold his business because of this Year's ago he had a hotel and they went after him .

[@herbolson8166]

He got screwed over by his attorney. Attorneys in California are lying to public accommodation owners about being guilty of violating the ADA. You would think Clint would have hired a real attorney. Attorneys are filing lawsuits against the public accommodation owners to make themselves rich. They know if they sue the local government agency it will bite off the hand that feeds them. Just like attorneys will not sue other attorneys for not being ADA compliant. Why do you that is? There isn't one attorney in California that has been sued under Title lll. Why don't attorneys tell the disabled to sue the local government agency? They damn sure have no problem telling them to sue the public accommodation owner. I plan to change how this works in California. I know a few big shot ADA attorneys in California. Attorney Guy Wallace is one that has made himself a millionaire using the ADA. I told Mr. Wallace that I am going to make attorneys in California comply with the ADA.

[@williamzander4732]

@@herbolson8166 Wheelchair Clients that meet the ADA standards or ruled totally disable and depending on a wheelchair .But accommodations are what they squeeze the dollars out of business. The larger the business the more cost to replace and repair. They won't sue a orange grove owner because they can't Physically do that work. So a side walk business Is there target .Yes it's a scam and a state judge Should file a injunction on how many lawsuits one man can file .Federal court they are running from .

[@herbolson8166]

@@williamzander4732 I have filed many lawsuits in California. I have filed complaints on some of the largest corporations in California. In one week when I was working for Geotge S. Louie. I wrote up 30 Albertson sores in one week. As his consultant I charged him $45,000.00 for my complaints. I wrote up 27 Safewsy stores the next week. Believe me, I clearly understand just how the ADA works in making attorneys millionaire by screwing over the public accommodation owners.

[@Glenintheden]

The ADA is unfair to small businesses in older buildings that predate the ADA vs corporate big box retailers that have cookie cutter blueprints to easily build new stores that are compliant.

[@jamesstaples7152]

Now see. If they know it’s a get rich quick thing the judges should throw his suit out of court and fine him for a frivolous act. I could understand if it was legit but just to go looking for businesses to file suit on that he hasn’t or done any business with that’s just wrong. That’s what’s wrong with the world today

[@cvn6555]

The judges are lawyers and act to keep the corrupt system funneling money into their pockets.

[@BillinSD]

That is generous of the San Francisco AG, while he fails to prosecute criminals that are robbing stores daily. They voted for him so.......

[@ideamaker]

You know, I have a hard time taking the business's side, when they've had 31 years to comply.

[@deshaunjackson8188]

You don't even know a single word in that legislation. Gfy

[@ideamaker]

@@deshaunjackson8188 WRONG! But thanks for playing.

[@cat3medstudent203]

Man if only these ADA laws were public and available for the owners to review?! Good for him. Everyone should have access.

[@altha2008]

Agree if they are not disable they do not understand, I have Parkinsons hard for me to walk just a step up or step down going into a business is painful a simple ramp or hand bar would had been enough for me

[@am3818]

That judge is delusional if she thinks the people suing have good intentions!

[@whoshotme7001]

How do we sue this ada guy. Hes literally destroying small business