California's soaring number of ADA lawsuits, particularly targeting older buildings, can spell trouble for businesses. Failing to comply can result in expensive legal battles and a detrimental impact on your bottom line. However, by prioritizing ADA compliance, you not only avoid potential lawsuits but also tap into a massive market. With more than 25% of Americans having disabilities according to the CDC as of May 2023, and a staggering $490 billion in annual disposable income, catering to their needs is both ethical and financially savvy. Learn about CASp inspections and how to proactively identify and address any potential compliance issues, safeguarding your business from legal troubles while providing inclusive assistance to all.
If you're a business owner in California, you need to know that your state has the highest number of ADA lawsuits in the country. In fact, the number of lawsuits filed in California can be more than all other states combined. Additionally, if your building is 8-10 years old or older, the chances of facing an accessibility lawsuit skyrocket. Even though California has only 12-15% of all businesses in the United States, it often receives a whopping 50% of all accessibility lawsuits. That means if you're a business owner in California, you're 6-7 times more likely to be hit with an accessibility lawsuit, and if your building is older, that number jumps to 10-15 times more likely. Don't take these risks lightly. You could be hit with a lawsuit by attorneys who specialize in these types of cases, and they're often looking for quick settlements.
Non-compliance with ADA regulations can result in costly lawsuits, with settlements reaching millions of dollars and minimums in the 5-10 thousand range. More than a quarter of Americans have some kind of disability according to the CDC, and businesses should prioritize ADA compliance to cater to this influential consumer group. In fact, a survey conducted by Harris Interactive showed that 75% of people with disabilities have avoided certain businesses due to accessibility issues. By making your building accessible, you can avoid the stress, time, and financial burden of accessibility lawsuits, and more importantly, you can cater to the more than 25% of Americans with disabilities, who have a combined annual disposable income of $490 billion. Achieving full ADA compliance may be challenging for some businesses, especially those operating in older buildings or with limited financial resources, but it is crucial to protect your business from financial penalties as well as social backlash from those who may avoid your business due to accessibility issues.
A CASp inspection or Certified Access Specialist inspection is a thorough evaluation of your building's accessibility features, including entrances, parking spaces, ramps, restrooms, and more. A CASp inspector is a certified professional who can conduct these inspections and offer recommendations to make your building accessible and compliant. They are experts in Accessibility Compliance in your local state and city governments. With a CASp inspection, you can get immediate legal protection, identify potential accessibility liability issues in advance, and receive proactive professional assistance to ensure that your business remains protected from lawsuits and compliant. Stay ahead of potential legal challenges and safeguard your business with a CASp inspection.