ADA Filing Mills

[Jadis]

ADA filing mills
Seems they've now arrived in Sacramento and nearby Solano County: Ron Wilson and Byron Chapman, who say they're disability rights activists, "together have filed more than 100 ADA lawsuits in Sacramento federal court in just the past four years. In some cases, the lawsuits come without warning." "The number he quoted to me was $75 an hour, he'll do the consulting," said Vacaville businessman Tom Phillippi, of Wilson. "You pay him $75 an hour as a consultant and you won't necessarily face him in court." ("Businesses Come Together To Fight Disabled Lawsuit Abuse", KXTV, Mar. 8). For more, see Mar. 18 and many other posts linked from there.

http://www.overlawyered.com/archives/001700.html

I wasn't sure where to put this -- but what's your opinion on this? I think these "activists" are doing more harm than good, and we are suffering the brunt of the backlash because of it. Granted, i believe access needs to be available but i don't think suing everyone under the sun is the answer either. Ragged Edge magazine supports it.

[Hunker]

I agree the ADA is big money for "lawyers" if I file they get the $ I get very little plus in my case my employer was hostile and I even called the Fire Marshall. His money is hidden and maybe a "Grandfather clause" with the help of the Fire Department etc could help his business more compliant.Instead doors are closed and payoffs are made. The ADA could get with Habitat for Hummanity for example but the employer feel personally attacked. Bottom line I have no job and who would hire someone that sued under the ADA when I look for a new job? How much did Walmart pay lawyers to defend themselves and they will just up your cost in the store to pay for it. I like the concept of the ADA but it needs work to get people to work together. Yes there are people taking advantage of the system, and that is wrong. However, to say that anyone who files suit is "doing more harm than good" is to say the victim is at fault and that is also wrong.

[bigbob]

The problem is they did the legislative part and expected us to enforce it through lawsuits. If you think about my advocacy and Rutgers, they very well may not do anything until either I or someone else starts a lawsuit, or they face negative public opinion. It's the way it was set up that creates the lawsuits, and yes some abuse it also. If it was policed better there would be less violations, hence less lawsuits. Currently the lawsuits act as the police.

[Jadis]

However, to say that anyone who files suit is "doing more harm than good" is to say the victim is at fault and that is also wrong.

That's nto what I am saying. I am saying the ones that are continually suing for the sake of suing are doing more harm than good.

I get my new chair this week. My friend is so excited to take me "out and about" in my new chair. (She's a sociologist and talks about interaction with PWD in her classes. She's made some interesting observations when she's been pushing me in the store-provided WC.) She made a crack about seeing how many different buildings in this town I can get into. She also wants to see if I am treated differently when using my chair in comparison to how I am treated when I shop and use the store chairs.

For example, I am on a mission. I proceed to hit every business in town. I make a list of the ones I can't get in and out of, can't reach products, can't access bathrooms, etc. Then, the next day I go to a lawyer, complain, and file lawsuits. Repeat next week.

Those are the types I have a problem with. I don't think they are promoting good environment. I think they are just breeding hostility towards PWDs. Does that make sense?

The whole situation with your workplace is founded! I have no idea how to go about dealing with that, but I agree something has to be done. No PWD should have to crawl to the bathroom to go. Was an AB in the HC bathroom?

I know for a fact that I can't get into Wheatons. As an AB, I could barely get around in their store because they are overcrowded. My son is big into skateboards/bmx, etc. So, do I sue them because I can't get my WC in the store? (Actually, I was turned off by their snotty attitude when I asked if they could mount some handrims on a pair of rims for me. So, i will take my business elsewhere.) Bike Rite and Boards does WC repairs for Stoick so I am hoping they will be more friendly towards me in a chair. Wheatons acted like they couldn't be bothered. Quite sad since I used to buy all my bike stuff and my roller blades, accessories, etc there. They lost a long time customer.

[Hunker]

I agree no PWD should crawl in a bathroom and I believe the Fire Dept should be the police. They are suppose to do inspections and are capable of policing a business. I did get lighted exit signs for the office but no sink? Good topic I will read more later. I need some