Alameda Business Owners Fight Serial ADA Lawsuit Filer

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  • Опубліковано 17 жов 2021
  • Dozens of Bay Area businesses were slapped with lawsuits citing violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act, filed by one disabled man. Allen Martin shows us two merchants in Alameda who are fighting back.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,9 тис.

  • @JohnP538
    @JohnP538 2 роки тому +2444

    Seven hundred eighty-eight cases isn't an ADA tester, it's extortion.

    • @kateysandon
      @kateysandon 2 роки тому +49

      Yeah this guy was also notorious in Stockton

    • @JohnP538
      @JohnP538 2 роки тому +93

      @@kateysandon Hopefully he gets declared a vexatious litigant and his lawyer will have to go back to chasing ambulances.

    • @addanametocontinue
      @addanametocontinue 2 роки тому +42

      Your anger is misdirected. Yes, I don't like the serial litigant, but the problem is with the way the law is written. The law itself needs to be changed. The litigant is filing legitimate lawsuits using a law that wasn't well written.

    • @kateysandon
      @kateysandon 2 роки тому +9

      @@addanametocontinue that’s a great point! ❤️👍

    • @jeffs-reviews
      @jeffs-reviews 2 роки тому +47

      @@addanametocontinue Nope, no individual should be able to just roll down the street and sue eveyone in sight because he wants to. People are afraid to speak out, its the same with racism. People bow down to the left because they are are afraid of ebing called out and the businesses need to stand up to people that violate the good intent of the law.

  • @Andrico77
    @Andrico77 2 роки тому +1959

    If he’s a “tester” the money should go to benefit people with disabilities not his pockets or lawyers pockets.

    • @diskgrind3410
      @diskgrind3410 2 роки тому +44

      Totally agreed! Funds collected by legitimate law breakers who haven't changed the offense should go to the ADA and not some single buthurt individual.

    • @boss-anova
      @boss-anova 2 роки тому +19

      It takes some work to file all these suits, I respect his hustle. The benefit to the community is when the businesses actually meet the ADA standards.

    • @ShainAndrews
      @ShainAndrews 2 роки тому +21

      He is disabled. The remedy does benefit the disabled. The suit does not name the disabled. It names himself.

    • @boss-anova
      @boss-anova 2 роки тому +7

      @@ShainAndrews yeah because he is the one suing. Its a civil case, not a class-action lawsuit. JFC SMH

    • @Andrico77
      @Andrico77 2 роки тому +55

      @@boss-anova No work is required on his part. The lawyers do it all and they take a cut. Its a big scam. The money should go organizations that benefit people with disabilities. Not a single person.

  • @heatherward5053
    @heatherward5053 2 роки тому +356

    He’s not trying to help other handicapped people.... he’s trying to get rich. And it’s working!! The fact that he has filed 700 cases in less than 10 years is outrageous!!

    • @crlcan8121
      @crlcan8121 2 роки тому +1

      That's quite literally what his 'job' is, he's testing the compliance of companies, frivolous or not that's something someone has to do otherwise there's limited ways that compliance can be checked outside of random 'raids' of companies assumed to be lacking compliance with someone who is disabled in the ways the raid is hoping to test.

    • @Westcountrynordic
      @Westcountrynordic 2 роки тому +19

      @@crlcan8121 If he's testing compliance why is is only testing the smaller companies and not the larger ones. Also why doesn't he say to the companies your not ADA compliance and give them the chance to fix any issues instead of going straight to court.
      When I had a problem with a store here in the UK. I spoke to the manager and a few days later met with the owner over a cup of tea and the issue was fixed.

    • @enid0mom
      @enid0mom 2 роки тому

      @@Westcountrynordic There is one simple reason for going after small businesses. Volume. Look at the street in the news story. It is a row of small businesses with a door to a business only a few feet away from the next business. A “tester” can enter, document and leave in a matter of minutes making it easy to get dozens of interactions in just a few hours. It could take all day to inspect/test a high rise building with dozens of floors and rooms. Each floor must have a minimum of handicap bathroom stalls available. You might assume that every bathroom is identical, but that is not necessarily so. A huge corporate headquarters could be a Labyrinth of floors and offices and much of it with limited access. Are they testing only for areas where the public is allowed? That is a fraction of the building in most cases. It is a long way between big offices like that if you are in a wheelchair, further limiting possible infractions. The “tester” may even have to enter and exit his/her vehicle several times. With help I am sure.
      It looks like only mobility handicaps are being tested. What about seeing or hearing impaired? I am mobility impaired but not in a wheelchair. Sometimes I can only walk short distances before my lower back starts hurting. Other times I can go a little longer.
      Soon after the ADA was passed, small businesses had to spend money to redo bathroom facilities, aisles, and other problems. I worked at a business that had only one bathroom for a dozen or so employees and customers that could vary dramatically. The owner wanted to remodel, but refused to because she couldn’t remodel without having to make everything ADA compliant. I knew another business that had to completely redo their bathrooms.

    • @Westcountrynordic
      @Westcountrynordic 2 роки тому +6

      @@enid0mom Nothing to do with the fact that large businesses will more likely have money to fight and a legal department. On another point why go straight to legal action why not give the owners a chance to at least try and address any issues. I get that there may be things needed doing and the "tester" is doing good by highlighting them but to go straight to legal action is a bit questionable to me.
      I have had issues where access has been a problem but a talk to the owner normally gets things done, If not a call to local council who will give the business a 60 day notice to fix the problem has solved it

    • @impishrebel5969
      @impishrebel5969 2 роки тому

      Want to know the problem with the logic of saying "it's a scam"? If they were in compliance with the *federal laws* then he would have no case. Small businesses in particular are horrible at adhering *to the laws* making life even more difficult for people who need that disability accomodation, because the small businesses think they're going to be okay flying under the radar or are exempt *from the laws*.
      As for "why not larger businesses" most larger businesses aren't going to allow a random disabled person access to their complexes unless you have an actual reason to be there. Disabled workers need to file their own cases if they see fit, and they often do if the company refuses their reasonable requests. I can't see Boeing allowing some random dude off the street into their manufacturing or office spaces for example. For front facing side of their businesses, especially on retail like a big department store or franchise restaurants like McDonald's they more or less do follow compliance laws because it's mandated by corporate policy. IE the bigger businesses are on the radar and are more often monitored, and when something does pop up they do get taken to task for it. The bigger the corp the farther they go to prevent potential lawsuits or governmental fines. Workers who don't grant accomodations and get caught are retrained, punished, or fired, even if it's as simple as making sure the customer gets that sugar free soda they asked for rather than saying "sorry we can't replace it once it's been served" and sending the customer into diabetic hell. You don't get that as often with smaller businesses depending on how they're run.
      The ADA department in the DOJ pursues these cases and investigates on their own. They will be the ones to enforce compliance. Stop assuming that the guy is a scammer, it doesn't take a genius to do some research on the subject. There is an mailing list you can subscribe to at the DOJ website that will dump these cases and their resolutions into your email each week. You'd be surprised at how many businesses think they can get away with not adhering TO THE LAWS (Oh right, did I mention the ADA is a FEDERAL LAW? A scam is throwing yourself under a bus. Not making sure people ADHERE TO THE LAWS THAT ARE ALREADY IN PLACE), what would shock you is how many *schools* try to get away with screwing over a disabled child. And if you think 700 cases is bad in one city, imagine what hell it is for disabled Americans in other countries when we don't even get the bare minimum when we expect reasonable accomodations. I *wish* Britain would adopt something like the ADA because a lot of businesses and owners of older "historical" buildings don't even pretend to be disabled accomodating and you get petty elected bureaucrats, not trained social workers, deciding whether or not your illness is "good enough" for what few disability accomodation entitlements there are. And despite people's assurances here to the contrary, the UK is pretty terrible about enforcing accomodations. If you need more idea of what it's like, Jessica Kelgren-Fozard is a disabilty activist in the UK and has tons of youtube videos about accomodation in the UK.

  • @Sgtd-hk2sz
    @Sgtd-hk2sz 2 роки тому +94

    Potter Handy should be investigated independently. I have no idea why integrity, morality and common sense are not required for attorneys.

    • @StudioDaVeed
      @StudioDaVeed 2 роки тому +7

      $$$
      The worst example EVER was when families of the Aurora CO. theater shooting sued the theater chain for not providing 'security'.
      Courts have held time and again that a public business has only certain duties to 'protect'.
      It was a slam dunk Loss for the families suing.
      In Colorado - the loser of a civil lawsuit pays for the winners court/legal costs.
      These attorneys took them on as clients KNOWING they would lose.
      Then the story comes out how the families had to mortgage homes, etc to pay these costs.
      Of course that was a nice talking point gained, boohoo - they lost everything against a big corporation and evil gun manufacturers...but all attorneys walked away with filled pockets.
      Disgusting...

    • @cvn6555
      @cvn6555 2 роки тому +1

      Because there wouldn't be any.

    • @stevepd1
      @stevepd1 2 роки тому

      Because they're not on the Bar Exam.

    • @donaldlayton437
      @donaldlayton437 2 роки тому +4

      That's mostly because the people who are attorneys don't have integrity or morality. 😂

    • @briant6333
      @briant6333 2 роки тому +2

      it is but sadly they also know how to skate the line and with this ADA lawsuit racket they do only hit small business who don't have the money to fight it in court.... Pay 5k or 10k to settle or spend 20k fighting. I personally know of 5 place near me on the same street who were all hit within days of each other by this duce

  • @forrest3
    @forrest3 2 роки тому +1675

    How is it this guy can have 700 cases, but his lawyer doesn't see the pattern?
    Oh right, money.

    • @happyhermit8802
      @happyhermit8802 2 роки тому +61

      His lawyer is probably behind it.

    • @SamP0rterBridges
      @SamP0rterBridges 2 роки тому +40

      The lawyer basically said it's part of the disabled guys job to find people to sue

    • @ryanwaltos2206
      @ryanwaltos2206 2 роки тому +19

      Lawyer is a different breed of ambulance chaser

    • @michaelrogers9720
      @michaelrogers9720 2 роки тому +5

      Theyre a team…. 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @johnnymcblaze
      @johnnymcblaze 2 роки тому +8

      Did you really suggest his LAWYER should be his moral compass?
      You peasants make me laugh.

  • @rufus4779
    @rufus4779 2 роки тому +757

    Anyone with a even a small piece of brain knows what this is! This is a shakedown!

    • @davidritch1021
      @davidritch1021 2 роки тому +9

      Kinda like Biden's Mandates.

    • @machinist7230
      @machinist7230 2 роки тому +3

      This is a common shakedown in most large cities. I remember hearing of a similar situation in Manhattan 20 years ago

    • @bryananderson999
      @bryananderson999 2 роки тому +7

      Sounds like it is time for a Class Action lawsuit against the Law Firm filing the nuisance suits

    • @vz8432
      @vz8432 2 роки тому +5

      @@DannyPellham can libtards ever have a conversation?? Wait no, they're too busy race baiting and using the struggles of POC for their own benefit :)

    • @AcesnEights698
      @AcesnEights698 2 роки тому +1

      @Jake Hiser ZOMG is that Reddit GOLD?!

  • @vexxama
    @vexxama 2 роки тому +146

    Should be able to just use his previous lawsuits as evidence that he’s frivolously suing people for quick payouts

    • @johnbeckwith1361
      @johnbeckwith1361 2 роки тому +4

      Its not frivolous if the violations really exist. This news story doesn't emphasize the fact that these stores were violating the law. Small minor things but still a violation. Blame our never ending ADA laws and how strictly they are enforced (Nationwide).

  • @chelseasummers2365
    @chelseasummers2365 2 роки тому +230

    He keeps filing because everyone keeps settling with him. I’m glad that these business owners are standing up to him and taking it to court because otherwise he’s just going to keep doing it and keep getting rich off of business owners.

    • @stevebengel1346
      @stevebengel1346 2 роки тому

      @Jack W I wonder if "kneecapping" would work? 🤔🤣

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco 2 роки тому

      The reason why business owners always settle is because the law requires the business owner to pay the complainant's legal fees if the complainant wins. (As well as his own, of course.) This creates a virtual no-win situation for the business owner. The only way the business owner can really fight the case is if he was in full 100% compliance at the time of the inspection. Otherwise, he will not only have to pay the $4000 civil penalty, he'll have to pay the complainant's attorneys fees as well.
      So the options for the business owner are: [1] cough up the $4,000 immediately, or [2] litigate it, and end up paying the $4,000 anyway, *_plus_* tens of thousands of additional dollars in legal fees, both for himself and for the complainant.
      While I strongly favor the award of attorney's fees in consumer protection cases (and most other cases as well), in the case of ADA violations, the better approach would be to allow the business a chance to correct the violation before having to pay a $4,000 penalty to a complainant who hasn't actually suffered any loss. A small sandwich shop owner is not going to be an expert on all the technical details of precisely where he has to put the toilet paper dispenser and how low a countrop has to be, etc.
      If the business refuses to make the corrections within, say 60 or 90 days, *_then_* the complainant could sue and collect attorneys fees on top of the penalty. That would vindicate the disabled community's rights without unreasonably burdening small business owners.

  • @zaxbysfan1014
    @zaxbysfan1014 2 роки тому +444

    Change the fines to be donated to a charity or fund and see how quick the lawsuits stop

    • @hart316
      @hart316 2 роки тому +14

      Exactly!

    • @ShainAndrews
      @ShainAndrews 2 роки тому +2

      First how do you select a charity or fund? How do you keep that selection process from influence and a charity or fund receiving preferential treatment? Do you think an individual could set up a charity or fund to receive all the proceeds from all lawsuits? ADA laws are not new. A business can just as easily audit themselves. If you want change then lobby for a remedy period. People like you never think more than one step ahead.

    • @zammmerjammer
      @zammmerjammer 2 роки тому +27

      @@ShainAndrews They said in the news story that California allows the litigants to keep the fine money, and that's likely the reason that there are so many suits like this in California. Other states clearly have a way to enforce compliance without incentivizing unscrupulous litigants from treating the ADA like a slot machine.

    • @ozyankee4403
      @ozyankee4403 2 роки тому +8

      Or the lawsuit stipulated funds used to correct the deficiencies such a make wider doors, add ramps, lower counters… etc.

    • @herculesbrofister265
      @herculesbrofister265 2 роки тому +4

      That's not how lawsuits work, communist. I liked that one guy's idea of giving them so many days to remedy the situation before the lawsuit can go forward.

  • @stevenspencer5948
    @stevenspencer5948 2 роки тому +361

    I'd say 700 suits is worthy evidence of a pattern.

    • @button1ginger1
      @button1ginger1 2 роки тому

      He hasn't targeted one business owner.

    • @snap-off5383
      @snap-off5383 2 роки тому +10

      @@button1ginger1 He has targeted small businesses in general, and accepted settlements in most cases without verifications etc. Vexation would not be as hard as people say but it would cost money. Someone needs to be the philanthropist for the neighborhood and go after him.

    • @jackiebrangard6797
      @jackiebrangard6797 2 роки тому +2

      @@button1ginger1 I'd be interested to know if he has gone after companies like Walmart, Target, Starbucks, companies with large fully funded legal staffs. If he hasn't and the businesses he is suing are just smaller / family owned then that would be enough proof for me.

    • @jongronik8004
      @jongronik8004 2 роки тому +1

      They don't go after large corporations because large corporations build their facilities to meet ada requirements.

    • @Vessekx
      @Vessekx 2 роки тому +1

      Well, 700 successful suits would show a pattern of non-compliance by businesses. But I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the ‘pattern’ you were trying to imply.

  • @cantthinkofone6995
    @cantthinkofone6995 2 роки тому +109

    I’m disabled and I’m saying this guy is a grifter. If it was truly about ADA access, he would approach the business owners and ask them to correct the issues - opening up accessibility to all patrons.
    I hope these business owners win and the man can no longer extort from hard-working men and women.

    • @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648
      @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 2 роки тому +2

      Certainly, being an a$$ about it isn't helping in the long run. If this gets pushed to the current conservative Supreme Court, this California provision could create a category of vexatious law, if not of vexatious litigation itself. This is supposed liberal philosophy gone plain mean.

    • @deborahschumann8286
      @deborahschumann8286 2 роки тому +1

      Why does he have to talk to the business owner about complying with the law? If you sue me because I am breaking the law…you can bet I am going to correct that in a hurry….maybe even just because I don’t want to be sued again?

    • @pjaypender1009
      @pjaypender1009 2 роки тому +1

      Why should you or I have to ask people to obey the law? It's the law.

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco 2 роки тому +1

      @@deborahschumann8286 : Usually, before you sue somebody, you make a *demand* first. That's how it's normally done. But of course, that doesn't put money in the serial filer's pockets, does it?
      _"If you sue me because I am breaking the law, you can bet I'm going to correct that in a hurry."_
      But in the vast majority of cases, the business owner will correct the problem in a hurry _anyway,_ without anyone suing anyone. But again, that doesn't put money in the sue-er's pockets, does it?

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco 2 роки тому +1

      @@pjaypender1009 : The problem is that these serial ADA filers are suing over minor technical violations of obscure regulations that no one other than professional lawsuit filers even know about. They prey on small businesses because they're easy targets. Invariably the complaint is that a countertop is an inch too high or a faucet in the restroom is an inch too low or a store aisle is an inch too narrow.
      These are not "real" violations that have any impact on the lives of disabled people. They're just technical violations that create a payday for predatory ADA filers who take advantage of unsophisticated small businesses who aren't familiar with the thousands of pages of hypertechnical ADA regulations that no one outside the professional ADA compliance industry would even be aware of, let alone understand.
      If you're really concerned about the well-being of disabled people, their needs could just as effectively be met by requiring a complainant to notify the business owner of the problem and allowing him or her a reasonable period of time to bring the business into compliance. And saving thousands of dollars in unnecessary automatic $4,000 fines and attorney's fees in the process.

  • @brucedoolin163
    @brucedoolin163 2 роки тому +85

    I'm Disabled and in a wheelchair. But suing people in small business is ludicrous. But sometimes it's about the money

    • @lowrider81hd
      @lowrider81hd 2 роки тому +7

      It’s ALWAYS about the money.

    • @ALD56
      @ALD56 2 роки тому +2

      ALWAYS about the money. Any time somebody says "It's not about the money", rest assured that it's about the money.

    • @JordanHaisley
      @JordanHaisley 2 роки тому +1

      I’m torn, its been the law for 30 years, they’ve had the opportunity to correct issues, at some point money is a motivator. It isn’t all that different than traffic violations.

    • @lowrider81hd
      @lowrider81hd 2 роки тому

      @@ALD56 YEP!!!

    • @odeode4338
      @odeode4338 2 роки тому +2

      @@JordanHaisley it’s not that simple to be 100% compliant with every law. For one, the aspects of the regulation underlying the law may change over time, but just think about your own life. Do you believe you follow all laws and regulations 100% of the time? If not, is it likely that you have major violations, or is it more likely that you would have minor violations (as these businesses)?

  • @joegug4751
    @joegug4751 2 роки тому +417

    That jerk is making bank of the backs of hard working people!!! I can tell by some of the comments that most of you don’t own a business. When you work 16 hours a day and some low life legally steals your money then you can come back and make a comment

    • @Zurround
      @Zurround 2 роки тому +15

      Suing is just fine if you really have been wronged by uncaring inconsiderate and irresponsible people, then you might deserve restitution but just using serial lawsuits as a source of income to get rich is an ABUSE of a system meant to compensate people who have truly been wronged.

    • @paintingworlds
      @paintingworlds 2 роки тому +1

      @Biden Bites I see that you do not believe in the rule of law.

    • @DF-hl2ds
      @DF-hl2ds 2 роки тому +5

      @@paintingworlds Ah yes, “rule of law”. Like when the law said Blacks weren’t fully human or segregation was legally enshrined. Or Nazi zoning laws that forced Jews into ghettos.
      When man made laws finally hit rock bottom, Sharia law will save this nation.

    • @tylerlott7974
      @tylerlott7974 2 роки тому

      First off let’s talk about your damn state, they don’t give a shit about businesses to begin with. 2nd off The guy did say the business did have minor violations, so the companies did violate the law. So they deserve it just like the state.

    • @ashtastical2622
      @ashtastical2622 2 роки тому +9

      @Kevin Minn Most disabled people can still work. There's jobs that don't require standing. He's just a sack of garbage that wants other people's money. Disabled people should be accommodated, but that's not his goal, money is.

  • @nickhyland7179
    @nickhyland7179 2 роки тому +205

    The definition of grift. Hitting these small mom and pop shops after Covid is downright criminal. But am I surprised in the Bay? Not a chance.

    • @alexjones1017
      @alexjones1017 2 роки тому +5

      Happens everywhere sadly. A place I worked at got served for not having an ADA friendly website… ridiculous

    • @0xsergy
      @0xsergy 2 роки тому +3

      @@alexjones1017 happens everywhere in America. Not much of these nonsense lawsuits elsewhere

    • @autumnrios3222
      @autumnrios3222 2 роки тому

      It’s actually happening here in LA

    • @chalinofalcone871
      @chalinofalcone871 2 роки тому +1

      The firm targets the Bay cuz they know they will get run outta San Diego as crooks if they did any of this malicious criminal activity to local businesses.

  • @ajqueen31
    @ajqueen31 2 роки тому +41

    This person came after a small a family restaurant/bar business in my area in Sonoma County; way outside of their area. It was said he wasn't even there to order food, just passing through to find businesses to extort _ahem_ file a lawsuit for ADA updates. The business didn't have a button to push that'd open the bar door. There was access not requiring a button by going around the side. It costs more money fighting it than settling with small businesses, which appears to be the real M.O..
    This business was later flooded by a huge winter rainstorm that caused thousands in damages. How they stayed alive, especially after/during the pandemic, has got to have been because the owners are loved by the community and keep showing up for them. I want equal access for those with disabilities, but a singular person filing serial lawsuits sounds too intentional and predatory. The law should change to a certain capacity.

    • @ajqueen31
      @ajqueen31 2 роки тому +1

      @James Simpson idk but the bar/restaurant had been around since the 50s and my understanding is that the button was 1 of many things pointed out but that one stuck out in my memory the most.

    • @ajqueen31
      @ajqueen31 2 роки тому +2

      @James Simpson they also did comply with updating the building but they were still hit financially with the lawsuit... so there lays the problem. If it was a "fix it and we'll drop the suit" that'd be great for both parties, but it was not that!

  • @Mexican_Marauder
    @Mexican_Marauder 2 роки тому +54

    If he’s a tester then why isn’t the ADA suing them instead of this man doing it for personal gain?

    • @vexxama
      @vexxama 2 роки тому +4

      Exactly. He’s not appointed to test these places, he’s targeting them and using a private law firm to represent. 100% about profit. If they agreed to pay with clauses that said he wouldn’t personally receive any money, I’m sure his lawsuits would dry up fast

    • @Karen-pk3uv
      @Karen-pk3uv 2 роки тому +4

      ADA is the name of a law not a person or agency. The law is just a tool, it cannot act on its own.

    • @Mexican_Marauder
      @Mexican_Marauder 2 роки тому +2

      @@Karen-pk3uv it’s ran by the justice department. Which is made up of attorneys.

    • @Karen-pk3uv
      @Karen-pk3uv 2 роки тому

      @@Mexican_Marauder The Americans with Disability Act is the name given to a group of regulations that stop people from being discriminated against. There are a few different federal departments that will ENFORCE the ADA, but they arent CALLED the ADA. You basically asked "why isn't the toolbox building the bookcase."

    • @Mexican_Marauder
      @Mexican_Marauder 2 роки тому +2

      @@Karen-pk3uv yes…. And it’s regulated by the justice department. If it’s an “Act“ then how does he work for them? He didn’t say he worked for the DOJ. He said he works for the ADA.

  • @meghans.7886
    @meghans.7886 2 роки тому +293

    I’ve been in my chair for 20 years and have never even thought about suing a small business. Most business owners are happy to accommodate me if I needed anything. This guy is definitely wrong. So crazy.

    • @justinmartin4662
      @justinmartin4662 2 роки тому +3

      Yeah, but this guy is obviously more important than you, silly.

    • @samuelschick8813
      @samuelschick8813 2 роки тому +6

      @Donald Thorpe, That is a pathetic excuse to absolve the guy of any and all guilt.

    • @xyPERSON
      @xyPERSON 2 роки тому

      @@justinmartin4662 You would make a stupid comment like that Justin. Keep trolling.

    • @samuelschick8813
      @samuelschick8813 2 роки тому +1

      @Donald Thorpe, No. You are trying to shift the blame from Garcia onto the law. Garcia is using the law to extort people and to try to blame the law for Garcia's actions instead of Garcia is pathetic and not placing the blame on Garcia where it belongs.
      Is Garcia abusing the law? Yes. Therefore the blame lays squarely on Garcia's shoulders no matter how much to try to twist it otherwise. Absolving Garcia the way you are trying to do by blaming the law instead of Garcia smacks of leftist thinking and ideology.

    • @samuelschick8813
      @samuelschick8813 2 роки тому

      @Donald Thorpe, "Take responsibility" That is a pathetically hypocritical comment coming from you considering you are trying to absolve Garcia of taking any responsibility for his abuse of the system. But then again that what leftists like you do, always blame others for what you are responsible for.
      Now considering this takes place in California and Democrats run California and you sound like a Democrat, that makes your comment all the more hypocritical.

  • @demonatemu
    @demonatemu 2 роки тому +252

    make it a fix it ticket instead, get rid of the money settlement incentive if that disabled person really cared about accessibility

    • @aigtrader2984
      @aigtrader2984 2 роки тому +5

      So you really believe that if you reduce the penalty to a "fix-it ticket", in a capitalist society stores would not be incentivized to just say screw it, I won't do anything until someone finally pointed out at which point I'll get a slap on the hand so why bother making accommodations now? That's not how Americans think or work.

    • @iLife64
      @iLife64 2 роки тому +2

      Fix-it tickets is for criminal cases, ADA cases are civil.

    • @thatjokerperson7062
      @thatjokerperson7062 2 роки тому +5

      @@aigtrader2984 oh yes pay $50,000 or fix it for $5,000 or settle for $10,000 oh yes i bet a business would get a $25 ticket to fix it

    • @oaf-77
      @oaf-77 2 роки тому +6

      @@aigtrader2984 if they get fined by the city, they will be incentivized to fix problems

    • @ShaunHensley
      @ShaunHensley 2 роки тому +2

      @@iLife64 Fix it tickets are for infractions

  • @LambentLark
    @LambentLark 2 роки тому +31

    There needs to be a limit on how many times a person can initiate suits like this. The ability for a handicap person to maneuver in the world is not going to be improved by frivolous law suits.

    • @LambentLark
      @LambentLark 2 роки тому +3

      @John C Do you think this guy and his lawyer are filing these lawsuits to make the world an easier place for handicap people to maneuver through? Or are they using the ADA to destroy other peoples livlihoods to make theirs?
      My mom was in a wheel chair for over 28 years. I was her care giver. I'm not a layman to this issue.
      I can't remember one place that didn't make accommodations for her. I think the night Chippendales came to town had to be her favorite. She said she could become accustomed to be carried around by beautiful men. Damn, I miss her. She was so fun.

  • @3rdlorddiy903
    @3rdlorddiy903 2 роки тому +30

    He’s a very bitter individual, stuck in himself...

  • @tomcondon6169
    @tomcondon6169 2 роки тому +388

    You're missing the point, the disabled guy is just a partner, the attorney is the true litigant. I doubt if the disabled guy has ever been to Alameda.

    • @suedeB05
      @suedeB05 2 роки тому +1

      Tom Condon not real quick on the uptake there are ya

    • @tomcondon6169
      @tomcondon6169 2 роки тому +17

      @@suedeB05 Your comment seems to imply that the characteristics you accuse me of, are your own. OR, you just failed to say anything tangible. I was qui k on the uptake 25 years ago when an attorney/ disabled person team made the same attempt.

    • @suedeB05
      @suedeB05 2 роки тому

      @@tomcondon6169 Yawn.

    • @2themoon863
      @2themoon863 2 роки тому +5

      Either manfly is intentionally forgetting that this “law” is the CA version of the ADA which allows a plaintiff to get up to $4000 per violation or suit-something the federal ADA doesn’t allow, as stated in this video-or he has willfully ignored the stories of serial litigants and law firms that have filed hundreds of lawsuits if this type, not just in CA but in states like Florida. It’s just worst in CA because of the separate ability for plaintiffs to collect.

    • @LM-wz9yw
      @LM-wz9yw 2 роки тому +9

      Someone like this guy from Florida has sued a bunch of colorado businesses too. No one can show he has ever been in Colorado, which has allowed some businesses to get the suits dismissed.

  • @lauralangham9657
    @lauralangham9657 2 роки тому +120

    a total shakedown - the man partnered up with an evil lawyer to make money

    • @Bhatt_Hole
      @Bhatt_Hole 2 роки тому

      Evil lawyer? As opposed to the "heart of gold" lawyers? There is no such thing. If one ever did exist, they'd not have a very profitable business.

    • @ericredbear425
      @ericredbear425 2 роки тому +3

      Or the lawyer found a stooge to make money off of...

  • @jvon3885
    @jvon3885 2 роки тому +18

    There's always someone out there who will use the systems for personal gains, it's pathetic and is why we can never have anything good in life.

  • @makemwunder
    @makemwunder 2 роки тому +45

    I'm actually surprised someone hasn't taken him out.

    • @Wow_wow1
      @Wow_wow1 2 роки тому

      Yeah, like this is Sparta kick, right?

  • @harrw3168
    @harrw3168 2 роки тому +250

    If a business is not complying, and its informed, why isn't the entity given time to correct the issue?
    If i get a ticket for a defective stop light, go to court, show the light has been fixed, the ticket is dismissed.
    I understand the purpose of the ADA, but something here is totally wrong.

    • @OrdinaryDude67
      @OrdinaryDude67 2 роки тому +15

      Along the same lines, are all of these businesses actually not complying with ADA requirements? If they truly are not, then doesn’t this guy have a valid case? If there really are hundreds and hundreds of businesses not in compliance, isn’t that a sign of an even bigger problem? Why is this guy a bad guy for suing to get these problems corrected?
      This seems to be like someone driving down the road like a bat out of hell then complaining when they get a speeding ticket. Stop speeding and you won’t get a ticket. Stop violating ADA and you won’t get sued. Why is everyone missing this simple point?

    • @billybeemus3929
      @billybeemus3929 2 роки тому +17

      @@OrdinaryDude67 - Do you know what all the "violations" are? What if it is a torn piece of rubber weatherstripping sticking out on a door that technically makes the doorway too narrow? The business goes back to being compliant by simply trimming the rubber strip - but this guy's lawyers are demanding $1000 or $5000 for them to drop the suit.

    • @rickd1412
      @rickd1412 2 роки тому +20

      @@OrdinaryDude67 - Its because a lot of small businesses are in older non-compliant buildings that would cost a fortune to comply with the ADA. You will put these businesses out of business. How would you like it if I came into your home and required it to comply with the ADA? Believe it or not, there are organizations that want you to do that and eventually I expect to see it in California. It got so bad that I told people to NOT purchase an older property because it would cost more to comply than to build new. For example - there are organizations that want a completely handi-capped individual in a wheel chair to be able to roll his wheel chair onto a roller coaster like at Universal Studios in Orlando. This is nuts because these people probably would not survive the ride, but these organizations don't care!!!

    • @OrdinaryDude67
      @OrdinaryDude67 2 роки тому +6

      @@rickd1412 I understand, but eventually these buildings need to be upgraded to comply. The ADA was enacted in 1990. It’s been 31 years.
      Also, that’s a bit of a bad analogy. If you get work done on your house by a professional, licensed contractor they are required to bring everything they work on up to current code. Frequently that entails additional cost to the homeowner, but that’s just the way it is. Part of doing the work includes proper inspections by the appropriate inspection agency. If the work is improperly done then it should be failed and re-done properly.
      I’m not saying this guy isn’t a lawsuit troll, but doesn’t it make you stop and think how after 31 years there are still so many business out of compliance?

    • @Tank50us
      @Tank50us 2 роки тому +15

      @@OrdinaryDude67 you see, there's the issue. As stated before, some of these buildings are incredibly old, and long predate the ADA, and were made exempt due to the time, effort, and resources required for them to become compliant. We're not talking about just installing a ramp and calling it a day btw, we're talking about widening hallways and doorways, modifying bathrooms, etc.
      Then there's the work itself, who gets to do it? Odds are the people who wrote the law know of only a few that can do it, and wrote it specifically for them so they could make the money. And if you go to the wrong company, you could still be in violation because the wrong company performed the work.
      If a company has an ADA violation, they should be given a chance to correct it, before they have to show up in a court room. Just like if I have a tail light out, I should be given a chance to get it repaired before the police call someone to tow my vehicle away for noncompliance (this assumes firat strike obviously)

  • @crabbypadty393
    @crabbypadty393 2 роки тому +484

    He’s seems like the type of guy who’ll get up and walk at home.

    • @arvelle4
      @arvelle4 2 роки тому +5

      Lol this is funny lol

    • @ryanwaltos2206
      @ryanwaltos2206 2 роки тому +17

      Like the 'homeless' panhandler that walks a block away from their site and gets into their Beamer

    • @JayPersing
      @JayPersing 2 роки тому +6

      Ambulatory Wheelchair users exsist. Your joke is abilist and punches down at disabled people. Do better.

    • @terenceyuen4424
      @terenceyuen4424 2 роки тому +9

      Would be great if the guy tried to extort a Mafia owned shop😅

    • @kpusa3278
      @kpusa3278 2 роки тому

      Yep

  • @gabrielab4627
    @gabrielab4627 2 роки тому +9

    I’m sure in his mind he thinks he’s fighting the system but really he’s hurting everyday people who are just trying to run an honest business. The money he’s taking is directly from their pockets not the governments.

    • @jimeagle5483
      @jimeagle5483 2 роки тому +5

      No. He knows EXACTLY what he is doing. He is a d-bag.

  • @DillonBA
    @DillonBA 2 роки тому +36

    "Somebody doesn't stand up and say enough is enough..." lol

  • @adf286
    @adf286 2 роки тому +34

    Hats off to the small businesses for having the balls and fighting back 👏 👏 👏

  • @JK-uj9hs
    @JK-uj9hs 2 роки тому +230

    His lawyer is so full of it. If Garcia was really about the message, he wouldn't be taking settlements and instead try to make change by going all the way with the cases. But I doubt he actually wants to go to court at all.

    • @erikh9991
      @erikh9991 2 роки тому +8

      He couldn't even look straight into the camera. It's about the money.

  • @leadpilled5567
    @leadpilled5567 2 роки тому +29

    Here’s an idea. How about he gives the settlement back to the business to use to correct the issue. Seems like a solution to help all would be the important thing.

    • @redguy8941
      @redguy8941 2 роки тому +4

      How about the bussines owners comply with federal law or continue to be sued?

    • @leadpilled5567
      @leadpilled5567 2 роки тому +2

      @@redguy8941 I don’t care what business and in general with any code. If you go looking for a violation you’ll find one. You can find violations in new construction that was built to code. This guy has filed 700 lawsuits. I’m all for making sure businesses meet code. I have one family member in a wheel chair. My mom is also disabled. I have worked professionally with disabled people for 10 years. I want every place to be accessible but nitpicking small business owners does not help the situation. Chances are the vast majority of these businesses had no idea they weren’t in compliance and they’d gladly correct the issue. How does them paying money out which may hinder their ability to correct the issue help. Why isn’t the jurisdictional building inspectors not making note of these violations. It’s like a car when you get pulled over if the cop wants to pull out the motor vehicle code he will find a violation. If it’s a blatant violation yes that’s an issue but if it was a blatant violation code enforcement and people in the community would complain.

    • @maxpulido4268
      @maxpulido4268 2 роки тому +2

      So the person who is being punished gets the money back? Sounds like a waste of time.
      Fix the issue or get sued again. No reimbursement.

    • @lemostjoyousrenegade
      @lemostjoyousrenegade 2 роки тому

      @@redguy8941 Well said!

  • @hkobel3358
    @hkobel3358 2 роки тому +6

    Being disabled, the law is right. There should be an ♿ compliance for all who need it. However, there are NO financial damages suffered by the complainant. Protect the small business. The plaintiff needs a mental hospital or anger management.

    • @scottbc31h22
      @scottbc31h22 2 роки тому +1

      The plaintiff and his lawyer need prison.
      Any violations and should handled by the local building dept or health dept.

  • @chrisdooley6468
    @chrisdooley6468 2 роки тому +240

    How embarrassing for the disabled community who for the most part doesn’t act like this creep. I’ve used a wheelchair for 36 years since I was 15 and it never occurred to me to sue a business. If I thought it was too difficult to get around or I didn’t like the people I simply SWITCHED to another store.

    • @johnree6106
      @johnree6106 2 роки тому +28

      As a disabled person if I had a problem I would bring it up politely with the owner and they would apologize and fix the issue by the time I next visited the business. Because they want people to come and buy their products.

    • @heatherh1690
      @heatherh1690 2 роки тому +18

      It's obvious this man is in it for the money, not accessibility for the disabled. Pure greed.

    • @h.s.6269
      @h.s.6269 2 роки тому +4

      @@johnree6106 Exactly! And they would also happily fix anything rather than being sued. They just need to know it's a problem and small businesses in particular would be very accommodating I'd imagine.

    • @younes2415
      @younes2415 2 роки тому +3

      Or you ask the business owner to install something to make it easier to enter..

    • @harrw3168
      @harrw3168 2 роки тому +7

      As a business owner, i cherish my customers.
      You should not have patronize a different store. I may be unaware that my establishment is violating ADA.
      Even without ADA, i would want to know my store is preventing a customer from entering.
      I would fix the issue immediately.

  • @strangerbrothers9902
    @strangerbrothers9902 2 роки тому +137

    He's filed more than 700 lawsuits, I imagine you can find a pattern there without much effort. Both he and his lawyers should be ruled as vexatious.

    • @AcesnEights698
      @AcesnEights698 2 роки тому

      Or the lawyers should be kneecapped. Then they can go do their own dirtywork.

    • @Vessekx
      @Vessekx 2 роки тому

      Finding a minuscule portion of the numerous examples of non-compliance with federal law isn’t “vexatious”.

    • @AcesnEights698
      @AcesnEights698 2 роки тому +5

      @@Vessekx I'm glad you support some useless eater and his conniving lawyer who do nothing but shakedown small business owners. I bet you're a great benefit to society as well.

    • @SilvaDreams
      @SilvaDreams 2 роки тому +2

      @@Vessekx So lots of small businesses likely running out of small shops that are rented or have no easy way of changing the decades old building should be slapped with fine for one asshole who likely has never even set foot (well wheel) in the place? Yeah no....

    • @Vessekx
      @Vessekx 2 роки тому

      @@SilvaDreams, guess what? If you’re *renting* the location, the *landlord* is responsible for those building improvements. But the business itself is responsible for most other accessibility issues.
      This really isn’t difficult for anyone to understand who recognizes that people with disabilities are *people*, and have the same right to exist in public as everyone else.

  • @katiefernandez7419
    @katiefernandez7419 2 роки тому +10

    Shame on him. Using the system. You know what they said about the boy who cried wolf…..

    • @Piterdeveirs333
      @Piterdeveirs333 2 роки тому

      But the businesses did have ada infractions...

  • @Faesharlyn
    @Faesharlyn 2 роки тому +29

    Guys like him make bad feelings for everyone who needs the ADA
    vexatious indeed.

  • @annb5610
    @annb5610 2 роки тому +522

    Is he also suing the city for the homeless that are blocking the streets...

    • @ncrtransport5993
      @ncrtransport5993 2 роки тому +58

      THAT is the LAWSUIT we need honestly. It'll help the most people

    • @j2simpso
      @j2simpso 2 роки тому +3

      Amen brother!

    • @konsumer
      @konsumer 2 роки тому

      10 BTC to make it all go away. Or name your price for a mass show.

    • @dodobono452
      @dodobono452 2 роки тому +5

      @@ncrtransport5993 the city has been taking steps to get them into shelter they just do it. But yea the city needs to force them out of the street out this point

    • @romariohylton3963
      @romariohylton3963 2 роки тому +4

      Did you watch the video because it did state that he was disabled and he’s suing restaurants and businesses that are not making their business accessible to disabled people what the hell does hummus people blocking traffic have to do with him if you have an issue with that how about you sue the city

  • @superduperboyx
    @superduperboyx 2 роки тому +203

    This happened to my business about 15 years ago. The guy who sued was also someone who went around small shops to do the dirty work and the lawyer he used was popular among those ADA lawsuits. We ended up settling, but what cost a lot more was our lawyer fees. Thinking back now I feel both the disabled guy, his lawyer, and MY lawyer were scums. You live and you learn.

    • @abcdedfg8340
      @abcdedfg8340 2 роки тому

      You should look up other businesses who got hit by him, you could do class action suit against the individual..if you can prove its just dirtywork.

    • @KM-pm6qe
      @KM-pm6qe 2 роки тому +2

      So you think you should have been allowed to remain out of compliance indefinitely? Why aren’t you taking any responsibility for being out of compliance?

    • @KM-pm6qe
      @KM-pm6qe 2 роки тому +2

      @Donald Thorpe how do you know they didn’t cause anyone any problems?

    • @marthas8108
      @marthas8108 2 роки тому

      how much would it have cost you to bring your business into compliance before the plaintiff found you? Did you have to pay the settlement AND fix the store, or did the settlement allow you to avoid the fix? Thanks.

    • @marthas8108
      @marthas8108 2 роки тому +1

      @Donald Thorpe That's not really true, Sir. My mother-in-law is 97 and living on a fixed income. When we come to stores I can't push her into, we just leave. We don't have the knowledge, funds, or time to launch a lawsuit. This guy is doing it for all the people like us, for quadriplegics who can't use their arms to get over the lip of the floor, and etc. Until the government enforces this, the plaintiff is the only game in town for people with disabilities.

  • @STB-jh7od
    @STB-jh7od 2 роки тому +8

    My father was a small business owner twice, I myself was one too as a teen (vending machines), things like this are why we both ended up with govt jobs.

    • @DadMouse
      @DadMouse 2 роки тому

      Yep. Being a lazy and worthless government worker pays far better than taking risk and actually contributing to society. Atlas Shrugged in real life today.

    • @mikeymaiku
      @mikeymaiku 2 роки тому +1

      @@DadMouse lol you just jelly they got a pension and make more without breaking thier back, too bad thier only issues is how to keep fit since they sit all day

  • @nancyirwin3150
    @nancyirwin3150 2 роки тому +6

    Folks like this make it more difficult to file for the rest of us when it’s legitimate

  • @droppedboez4270
    @droppedboez4270 2 роки тому +24

    788 law suits from this man alone and he still get away with it?

  • @davinxi5926
    @davinxi5926 2 роки тому +41

    Say his name. People with ADA do have morals but this guy is taking advantage of the system and California has allowed it. Same thing happened to the Vietnamese and some Indian restaurant that made awesome stuff. Shuttered it’s door because of these type of lawsuits. This is so bad

    • @nn3277
      @nn3277 2 роки тому +2

      You can look him up on the internet considering how many cases he had filed

    • @Hamlet137475
      @Hamlet137475 2 роки тому +1

      Orlando Garcia. Alfredo Garcia is a previous one.

  • @moosecat
    @moosecat 2 роки тому +3

    "Active ADA tester"...more like "shakedown artist".

  • @jayjohn9680
    @jayjohn9680 2 роки тому +26

    Its these kinds of people that ruin it for everyone else… put him in prison and believe me bubba will find a way to get complete access to his ‘entryway’

    • @sarahwilhite3856
      @sarahwilhite3856 2 роки тому +1

      I'm not sure your idea of justice is any less disturbing than the potential extortion we learned about in the video. You think because he may have taken advantage of the system, he should get raped?? Oof.

    • @jayjohn9680
      @jayjohn9680 2 роки тому

      @@sarahwilhite3856 think of it as a metaphor for poetic justice.

    • @sarahwilhite3856
      @sarahwilhite3856 2 роки тому

      @@jayjohn9680 You missed what I said entirely.

  • @Crystifodere
    @Crystifodere 2 роки тому +86

    As a disabled person in a wheelchair myself I give you permission to push this guy into the ocean

  • @ricoludovici2825
    @ricoludovici2825 2 роки тому +159

    This guy makes a comfortable living doing this stuff. He first surfaced in LA, driving around to find businesses that did not comply. Typically there were individual owners located in older structures that were categorically exempt due do size or location. He has even forced several businesses out of business with the fines and costs they suffered.

    • @jackabug2475
      @jackabug2475 2 роки тому +3

      If they were exempt, they wouldn't have been fined. Wanna try again?

    • @ricoludovici2825
      @ricoludovici2825 2 роки тому +11

      @@jackabug2475 If they do not have inside seating. If they do not have a public restroom. If they make other provisions, like bringing the food. If the building itself cannot accommodate a ramp, a 5' radius in the restrooms, they are exempt from certain ADA requirements according to the building code.
      Then someone makes a federal case out of it. And who will say no to a helpless cripple? Yeah. It's like that. The guy is a jerk. And his lawyer is profiting off of the guy's handicap.
      AND he will claim discrimination when the owner puts up a wheelchair-compatible porte-potty.

    • @DennisMartinezCalifornia
      @DennisMartinezCalifornia 2 роки тому

      @@ricoludovici2825 cry harder

    • @238MayheM
      @238MayheM 2 роки тому +6

      @@DennisMartinezCalifornia ignorant response. I bet when someone screws you over, you smile and spread your cheeks wider? Lmao.

    • @tonymarselle8812
      @tonymarselle8812 2 роки тому +1

      Surprised someone didn’t roll up on him in l.a.
      my city has changed.

  • @DanielMosey
    @DanielMosey 2 роки тому +6

    If he was suing and then giving the money to a disable charity then I could understand, but his not.
    It's lining his and the lawyers pocket.
    This is an easy way to make mono / duopolies. Sue the smaller companies out of business. You'll eventually come across a company with more lawyers than you and that's when you stop.

  • @maranara1425
    @maranara1425 2 роки тому +2

    I’m not sure I’ve even visited that many businesses throughout my entire life. This guy clearly goes around looking for this stuff.

  • @chrisray1567
    @chrisray1567 2 роки тому +23

    These types of legal frameworks (bounty systems / private attorney general) are a poor substitute for simple regulation. Instead, we’ve created a cottage industry of lawyers and their disabled clients, who go around basically committing legal extortion.

  • @yvonne2546
    @yvonne2546 2 роки тому +237

    Someone needs to check if he's committing fraud himself. Like if he's receiving disability and living in subsidized housing, is he still paying a third of his income, including from the settlement funds.

    • @davidho9238
      @davidho9238 2 роки тому +17

      Him and the lawyers are taking advantage of the other for sure.

    • @coryc9040
      @coryc9040 2 роки тому +9

      Be careful he might sue you

    • @turkey1337
      @turkey1337 2 роки тому +5

      Settlements aren't considered "income". They're "protected assets".

    • @davidho9238
      @davidho9238 2 роки тому +1

      @@turkey1337 it would be very low for people who do settlements as income. Settlement can be taxable depend of the type.

    • @nokiot9
      @nokiot9 2 роки тому +1

      Lol right? You wanna play this game?? 😂

  • @tom-dznuts
    @tom-dznuts 2 роки тому +19

    If “civil rights violations” settlements and fines all went to community equity instead of the pockets of individuals, it would mean a lot more to underserved communities. But America is an individualist, “me first” society… even for the individual minority group member.
    It takes community to make change and better the country.

    • @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648
      @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 2 роки тому

      To say "this is the American way" is not at all to say it is a good way. This isn't even liberal. It's a caricature of liberal.

    • @JordanHaisley
      @JordanHaisley 2 роки тому

      A $4,000 fine per business, most of which goes to attorneys and court costs isn’t all that much, and importantly it gives the person who filed the law suit some reimbursement for their time.

    • @tom-dznuts
      @tom-dznuts 2 роки тому

      @@JordanHaisley that’s $4,000 under California law… on top of the $75,000+ under federal law. Equity should never be a for-profit enterprise.
      Harm to a community should be compensated. The current ADA is more about individual wealth than accessibility for all.

  • @charger8020
    @charger8020 2 роки тому +4

    Tell him his money is 10 feet off a dock next to the ocean

  • @Serenitie3
    @Serenitie3 2 роки тому +47

    As a small business owner not even giving me a chance to fix it would be so detrimental to my business. People think if someone has a business they're rich and for some that's not the case

    • @marthas8108
      @marthas8108 2 роки тому

      As a small business owner are you unaware of the ADA? Are you unaware of health and safety laws? Are you unaware of tax laws affecting your operation? Or is compliance with applicable laws part of what it means to be a business person?

    • @SilvaDreams
      @SilvaDreams 2 роки тому +2

      @@marthas8108 Are you even aware of the ADA laws yourself and the fact that many places can be exempt for MANY reasons. Most of those small shops can do little to actually comply because they rent the building and local building codes or even altering the building makes it impossible.
      If you have isles of any kind they have to be a minimum of 5ft wide so a wheel chair and person can pass each other... In my store which is in an old building we have 3 isles and technically it might not pass because there isn't space to adjust stuff that much without making the isles themselves only like 3ft long.

    • @marthas8108
      @marthas8108 2 роки тому

      @@SilvaDreams Right, so have you followed a process to get your store exempted?

  • @steelman86
    @steelman86 2 роки тому +56

    San Luis Obispo county had a man who was suing everyone over trivial things like grab bars being an inch too low or not having the right angle entry Ramps etc. a judge finally put a stop to his trivial lawsuits forbidding him to bring anymore of them!!!

    • @mikefowler301
      @mikefowler301 2 роки тому +1

      @phillip miller LOL it's called trivial for a reason, My gawd yer a dweeb.

    • @vblic
      @vblic 2 роки тому

      @John Thornton In your opinion.

    • @vblic
      @vblic 2 роки тому

      @John Thornton Is that a question or a statement?🤷‍♂️

    • @ough8091
      @ough8091 2 роки тому

      @John Thornton sO yOu HaTe DiSaBlEd PeOpLe hurrr durrr

    • @spikethompson2000
      @spikethompson2000 2 роки тому

      @John Thornton hey Johnny boy what’s a “sslack”, I’ve never seen a word with a double s at the start like that before?

  • @UncLester
    @UncLester 2 роки тому +16

    There should be some leeway for business owners in cases like this one to correct the problem before lawsuits come into play. It is pretty difficult to know every law. That is why lawyers specialize in particular fields.
    I doubt a sandwich shop could have major ADA violations unless the doorway was blocked or hindered entrance/exit of the business. So to go after a small business owner with a lawsuit seems a bit unreasonable. Especially considering another handicapped customer didn't see a problem with accessing/using the business.

    • @nacoran
      @nacoran 2 роки тому +1

      There are people you can hire to come in and check for you. Handicaps differ from person to person. Hand powered vs. electric wheelchairs are very different. I've got a couple friends in electric chairs. Looking at that lip on the sandwich shop I'm still not sure one of them could get in. Chairs can be prone to tipping backwards.
      The reason they don't always give them the option to come into compliance is to serve as a warning to others, and that's why the law is that way... because if you don't businesses will look at the cost of making a repair and just wait until someone complains. Game theory- Cost if you don't get caught= 0, Cost if you do get caught= Cost of repair. Which option do you choose?
      Now, if you change it to Cost if you don't get caught=0, Cost if you do get caught= a fine or lawsuit plus the cost of the repair.
      That changes the math. Someone like this can go down a street, file a few lawsuits, and everyone on that street will try to get into compliance. Everyone on all the streets around it will try to get in compliance. Now, that other part of the ledger can be code enforcement going around to every building and checking and issuing fines (insert joke about how easy it is to bribe the code enforcement guy here) or you can let a private citizen do it. Unlike the code enforcement guy their motivation is to find problems. A code guy is there for the paycheck and to hopefully not screw anything up so bad he gets fired or arrested when a building burns down.
      Now, if I walk into a store and see a safety issue I just tell the store, but I'm not making safety or ADA compliance my day job. This guy does. I actually personally know someone who does this. He sued the city where he used to live to bring their mass transit system into ADA compliance (he won). Hiring lawyers is expensive. Even lawyers who are doing it for social justice have to eat.
      This story is way too light on details. They talked to the stores but couldn't be bothered to ask what compliance issues they fixed? Or stop by any of the other stores and ask them what compliance issue they had and if they fixed it?
      I mean, yes, he is suing for money. If you want to call it a shakedown though it's pretty easy, but time consuming, to look into it. The lawsuits are all on file. Look them up and see what the complaints were. Go to those businesses and see if they are now in compliance. If he's running a shakedown he'll almost certainly take the money and run. If, on the other hand, all the compliance issues have been fixed he is at least getting things fixed. You still don't know his personal motivations. That would take a deeper investigation into how much it costs him to do all of this. Some people see this as a crusade and are in it to fix things. If you are rich and can afford to fund it all yourself then you don't need to collect money, but if you arent?

    • @snap-off5383
      @snap-off5383 2 роки тому

      Its not that at all. The wheelchair guy was 100% accommodated. He was looking for other accommodations he doesn't need but others do (handrails).

    • @marthas8108
      @marthas8108 2 роки тому

      @@nacoran Thanks very much for explaining this so thoroughly. As I said elsewhere, these store owners have had decades to bring their establishments into compliance. Do they get a free warning on fire-code violations? What about food safety violations? The law is the law, and has been since 1990. Anyone who wanted to comply has had ample time to do it. Anyone who hasn't is a scofflaw playing the odds, as you've explained so clearly.

    • @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648
      @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 2 роки тому

      @@nacoran fallacy of excluded middle

    • @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648
      @SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648 2 роки тому

      @@marthas8108 fallacy of excluded middle

  • @machich.1368
    @machich.1368 2 роки тому +4

    "Tester litigation" is that what they're calling extortion now?

  • @billschiller6649
    @billschiller6649 2 роки тому +63

    I’ve personally worked on numerous jobs, where we had to raise countertops in restroom sinks literally 3/4”. Tore out a perfectly good countertop and sink to raise it 3/4”. There were numerous fixes like this I personally performed. They all came from a California lawyer. He advertises in publications read by folks in wheelchairs. He musta missed the classes in ethics. In my opinion.

    • @JayPersing
      @JayPersing 2 роки тому +4

      Hey no, that's on the architect and building manager, accounting for the ADA is part of thier job. They fucked up.

    • @billschiller6649
      @billschiller6649 2 роки тому +9

      These were older ADA sinks that didn’t meet the exact ‘specs’. It was a scam. One California law firm, and 6 or 8 jobs all around San Antonio Texas.

    • @doom9242
      @doom9242 2 роки тому +2

      Raised? Usually it’s dropped.
      What was the height? Over 34”?

    • @rvr2882
      @rvr2882 2 роки тому

      We were 1/4" higher, inspector made us fix that

    • @craigjensen6853
      @craigjensen6853 2 роки тому +1

      Nope, sounds like a bog standard lawyer to me.

  • @sj6919
    @sj6919 2 роки тому +14

    As if small businesses haven’t had enough trouble since March 2020. Greedy, hateful man filing suits.

  • @gaittr
    @gaittr 2 роки тому +1

    I've been in the rehab Mobility industry for three decades and this stuff happens more than you think. People tend to give others in wheelchairs the benefit of the doubt when the fact the matter is these people in wheelchairs are the same as any of us they just have one physical disability. They have personalities and mental and emotional issues just like we all have.

  • @timtherrien7843
    @timtherrien7843 2 роки тому +5

    A lawyerveanted to sell his soul to the devil but Satan wasn't interested in buying something he already owned.

  • @tonyp2632
    @tonyp2632 2 роки тому +14

    Should sue the lawyers for these "Bogus" lawsuits!

  • @blueeyesxp
    @blueeyesxp 2 роки тому +15

    All the gun violence and they can’t hit a person that can’t move, what a shame

    • @BrighamYen
      @BrighamYen 2 роки тому +3

      Exactly. This Garcia guy is a criminal and needs to be treated like one.

    • @herculesbrofister265
      @herculesbrofister265 2 роки тому +1

      They're in CA, not texas or florida aka the brazils of the US

    • @blueeyesxp
      @blueeyesxp 2 роки тому

      @@herculesbrofister265 it states in the article it’s California, this man is heartless not stupid

  • @James1987nh
    @James1987nh 2 роки тому +15

    If they were a "tester", they would inform the businesses of the infractions. Not just sue. Just look at proper 1st amendment testers. They inform the officers of the law to allow them to correct their actions before filing a lawsuit.

  • @su20mm00er
    @su20mm00er 2 роки тому +2

    There are loopholes in the ADA law and libs refuse to fix them as I was told by a lawyer who fights this type of lawsuits.
    It sucks to live in Calif.

  • @nlpnt
    @nlpnt 2 роки тому +37

    The problem with the ADA is that it has no enforcement mechanism *except* individuals filing lawsuits.

    • @W4t3rf1r3
      @W4t3rf1r3 2 роки тому +1

      This is a good take

    • @effscottfitz-gee2024
      @effscottfitz-gee2024 2 роки тому +1

      Does California not have builder inspectors or building codes?

    • @W4t3rf1r3
      @W4t3rf1r3 2 роки тому +6

      @@effscottfitz-gee2024 AFAIK they do. The issue is that the ADA, which is a federal law, does not have any mechanism for enforcement besides individual lawsuits. I think there's a lot of obvious reasons why that's not a good system, both for disabled people and businesses.

    • @johnree6106
      @johnree6106 2 роки тому +4

      @@W4t3rf1r3 As a disabled person myself I found a very simple solution to issues I have encountered that is to inform the owner of the business and guess what its usually fixed the next time I go there. In all honesty lawsuits should be the last resort and for ADA I think that it should be required for the person to be a customer and if an issue is encountered have brought it up to the owner. Only if not fixed should a lawsuit be filed.

  • @Fulkren
    @Fulkren 2 роки тому +93

    Some people use the court system as a lottery. all it takes is a filing fee with the city clerk (usually under 30$)and presto! you have a lawsuit. they can pull the jackpot lever over and over. imagine having to go to court over and over becuase someone uses the court system as a weapon... people have no idea how easily it can be abused.

    • @Malepical
      @Malepical 2 роки тому

      Ssshhhh! You're giving me ideas 😂😂😂 jk

    • @martinsaunders7925
      @martinsaunders7925 2 роки тому +1

      You'd think a Judge would have noticed and deemed the environment too dangerous for the defendant and ordered him to be confined to his homefor his own safety

    • @johnnymcblaze
      @johnnymcblaze 2 роки тому

      @@martinsaunders7925 Yeah and we should all be given free solid gold cars and unlimited food without cost! What you said sounds much more ridiculous than what I said.

    • @JayPersing
      @JayPersing 2 роки тому

      @@martinsaunders7925 that's illegal dude. And unethical

    • @martinsaunders7925
      @martinsaunders7925 2 роки тому

      @@JayPersing oh,and racketeering isn't?

  • @lpointmpoint3736
    @lpointmpoint3736 2 роки тому +1

    A shake down, pure and simple.

  • @headmondronary2127
    @headmondronary2127 2 роки тому +2

    So if the guy filing the lawsuits loses does that open him to be counter sued for all previous cases?
    A "tester" is not a position unless required by the ADA correct?

  • @efone3553
    @efone3553 2 роки тому +17

    Their are always a few jerks that want to ruin it for everyone else.

  • @okayyyy8028
    @okayyyy8028 2 роки тому +29

    filing BS lawsuits by plaintiff should be subject to punitive measures

  • @jonsmith7063
    @jonsmith7063 2 роки тому +2

    I guess if you're in a wheelchair it's hard to slip and fall in the grocery store so this is the next best thing. Legitimate violations are worthy of forced compliance but milking the money cow should be prosecuted to.

  • @dougguard1
    @dougguard1 2 роки тому +2

    Its a shame the courts allow these lawyers to extort using these provisions. Criminal blackmail is what this is and the courts are complicit.

  • @TheGardenMG
    @TheGardenMG 2 роки тому +36

    if it all comes from just one person seems like an easy fix to me, just have the businesses chip in some money and hire a few handy people from our neighbor city Oakland....

    • @ChiliSkwertz
      @ChiliSkwertz 2 роки тому +4

      You clearly haven’t been following the story. This POS just rolls by a spot looks inside and then rolls away, then the biz gets served with a lawsuit and they won’t let the people correct the infractions.

    • @Alexandra-xt1vf
      @Alexandra-xt1vf 2 роки тому +7

      Exactly. $15,000. Problem over.

    • @MrTmenzo
      @MrTmenzo 2 роки тому

      What city does he live in huehue

    • @CEOkiller
      @CEOkiller 2 роки тому +8

      He messes with the wrong business that may happen…

    • @mrjones2721
      @mrjones2721 2 роки тому

      This is how you can tell they don’t have the Mob in that area. If he tried to hit up one Mob front, his career would come to an abrupt end. He might still be around, but he’d have completely lost interest in being a “tester.”

  • @predictorbibulous3327
    @predictorbibulous3327 2 роки тому +114

    Pretty soon it will be impossible to run a business in California, especially in the Bay area.

    • @imjoekang
      @imjoekang 2 роки тому +12

      Its already impossible...in most major cities.

    • @rorschachguy2055
      @rorschachguy2055 2 роки тому +9

      "'You will own nothing and be happy"

    • @RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia
      @RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia 2 роки тому +5

      Can’t be that impossible if California is the 5th largest economy in the world

    • @imjoekang
      @imjoekang 2 роки тому +4

      @@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia Why are companies leaving California? Heard of a small company called Tesla?

    • @RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia
      @RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia 2 роки тому +5

      @@imjoekang still 5th largest economy in the world, with or without your precious Tesla lol

  • @puddincup9879
    @puddincup9879 2 роки тому +3

    The government needs to do their part and help the business owners comply with the ADA.

  • @Microphonecheckher
    @Microphonecheckher 2 роки тому +1

    If he’s an ADA tester *why sue first without giving them opportunity to correct it* ?!

  • @norwegianblue2017
    @norwegianblue2017 2 роки тому +59

    This happened to a guy I know that had retired, but bought an oil-change franchise for some supplemental income. A man in a wheel chair came in and asked to use the restroom. Normally they don't allow customers to use the restroom, but they made an exception for him BECAUSE he was in a wheel chair. Not long after they got slapped with a law suit.

    • @danlab99
      @danlab99 2 роки тому

      Plumbing code requires a public restroom in businesses.

    • @norwegianblue2017
      @norwegianblue2017 2 роки тому +8

      @@danlab99 Not all businesses are required to have public restrooms. Especially those that are small and don't serve food.

    • @danlab99
      @danlab99 2 роки тому

      @@norwegianblue2017 You're wrong. Where I live we use the international plumbing code which states that all businesses are required to have a restroom and it has to be open to the public.

    • @tookitogo
      @tookitogo 2 роки тому +3

      @@danlab99 😂

    • @SoManyRandomRamblings
      @SoManyRandomRamblings 2 роки тому +3

      @@danlab99 depends on local regulations. But nothing at all like that around here.

  • @gitouttamyway7611
    @gitouttamyway7611 2 роки тому +7

    Working as a plumber in a brand new golds gym a couple decades ago and Ada compliance made the owners put a wheelchair ramp up to the treadmill platform.
    Yes you read that right.

    • @ReineDeLaSeine14
      @ReineDeLaSeine14 2 роки тому +1

      Wheelchair ramps aren’t just for wheelchairs. I’m a crutch user and yes, I can get onto and walk on a treadmill by holding onto it. I’m also visually impaired with messed up depth perception.

    • @lponm
      @lponm 2 роки тому

      Single leg amputee could use their wheelchair to get up there and then train with a prosthetic leg. Lots of veterans with legs blown off.

  • @redclayscholar620
    @redclayscholar620 2 роки тому +5

    This guy's gonna piss off a "mom & pop" Italian joint and wind up in a trunk.

  • @carlap9859
    @carlap9859 2 роки тому +1

    As a disabled person, I find Garcia & his shyster lawyers 700+ lawsuits offensive. If he was truly filing these lawsuits to further accessibility for the disabled he would put his settlements towards just that instead of making a buck off of it and claiming it was because he was a disability "tester"! To be honest, with as much money as this attorney has made off of Garcia's suing the mom and pop shops, he needs to hire a stylist!

  • @Ps7apple
    @Ps7apple 2 роки тому +12

    I call BS for people suing to force them to be compliance. They have city code, sue the city for not making them compliance. Not your job. They just trying to get rich.

  • @sideshowhomer9056
    @sideshowhomer9056 2 роки тому +80

    Unfortunately this has been going on solid in Ca for over 10 plus years. Sadly all lawmakers have done zero to protect their constituents

    • @authenticapparel1906
      @authenticapparel1906 2 роки тому +5

      Why would they. They are not making any money off it. It doesn’t affect them.

    • @zookeeper69
      @zookeeper69 2 роки тому +2

      The businesses are noncompliant and should be fined since they refuse to address ADA issues. They know the laws and refuse to follow the law. Fix the issues and there wouldn’t have a problem.

    • @CAC6363
      @CAC6363 2 роки тому +2

      It’s been happening since the McDonald’s lady burnt herself like an idiot lol

    • @ShainAndrews
      @ShainAndrews 2 роки тому

      @Persian Sicario What makes you think a Judge has anything to do with it? Is comprehension not your thing?

    • @ShainAndrews
      @ShainAndrews 2 роки тому

      @@CAC6363 Ever study that case? You realize that went before a jury?

  • @Michelle-85
    @Michelle-85 2 роки тому +2

    That’s sad that he’s making money with his disability by being litigious. He could get a job specifically for disabled people but he chooses to sue.

  • @jenn1916
    @jenn1916 2 роки тому +2

    I love how the dude in the wheelchair is like, this is my favorite spot, never had an issue. Big old wheelchair sign on the counter. Someone who truly wanted to help other disabled people wouldn't be taking these businesses to court looking for a payout. There is other ways to get to comply. Getting a payout implies you want to help your wallet.

  • @barbarashults1713
    @barbarashults1713 2 роки тому +83

    Attorney should be turned into the State Bar

    • @aigtrader2984
      @aigtrader2984 2 роки тому +3

      Yes, for doing their job. It's literally their job to represent the client.

  • @dallin1178
    @dallin1178 2 роки тому +6

    788 cases since 2014.....That's at least 2 cases filed a week since then. How is that not enough evidence for serial litigation or being vexatious? Is an ADA tester a job?

  • @timcisneros1351
    @timcisneros1351 2 роки тому +1

    He's extorting two friends of mine about 40 miles away on the coast in Half Moon Bay Ca.. Should be put in jail. Too many Lawyers. Ca. has the highest per capita of Lawyers in the world. See a pattern?

  • @junit483
    @junit483 2 роки тому +1

    If they're not in compliance with the law, then they should be sued.

    • @trickmiller8169
      @trickmiller8169 2 роки тому

      The average person breaks 3-4 federal laws a day without knowing it. Should you be arrested for unknowingly breaking several peculiar laws? Just because something isn't in compliance with the law doesn't make it inherently immoral. 100 years ago, men could legally beat their wives.

  • @incipidsigninsetup
    @incipidsigninsetup 2 роки тому +25

    Over 7000 lawsuits since 2014 with settlements of 4gs a pop? That's 28 million dollars and the law firm talking like their clients a hero.

  • @JD-lt7uv
    @JD-lt7uv 2 роки тому +80

    Don’t pay these people off! Work together to FIGHT IT.

    • @frankyflowers
      @frankyflowers 2 роки тому +3

      if the law says their door needs to be so wide then how would going to court help if its not?

    • @boss-anova
      @boss-anova 2 роки тому +3

      Businesses should meet ADA standards. End of story.

    • @frankyflowers
      @frankyflowers 2 роки тому +2

      @@boss-anova these same news stories have been reported for a long time. 10 years from now buisness will complain if they get caught still.

    • @boss-anova
      @boss-anova 2 роки тому +3

      @@frankyflowers absolutely. Businesses tend to do everything illegal to save money then look to the community for help when they get caught and get in trouble. Its pathetic.

    • @frankyflowers
      @frankyflowers 2 роки тому +2

      @@boss-anova its really better if this habitual litigant goes there and busts them before a legitimate customer tries and can't use it. he has time to deal with it.

  • @larrysorenson4789
    @larrysorenson4789 2 роки тому +4

    This is a direct result of making a Law that should be an ordinance incorporated into building codes. The law has penalties for noncompliance. The law handbook for design is several hundred pages long and compliance is easy enough for new buildings to accommodate. But the law applies to existing facilities and that is the problem. Regardless of the law being on the books for many years, owners may be unaware that their facility does not meet the ever changing mandate. For heavens sakes the section on boat docks is five pages long and let’s not even discuss swimming pools.
    Immediately upon its passage there were thousands of lawsuits and settlements. The owners or their insurance companies gagged up hundreds of thousands of dollars that enriched the handicapped plaintiffs and their attorneys leaving nothing to fix the problem. So this is just one more individual who makes his living by abusing the good intent of the legislators.
    This law should have been included in the building codes and thereby incorporated into new work and renovation work when covered by the code. Making it a law was a poorly conceived action when other avenues for compliance were and are readily available. The unintended consequence (lawsuits) will continue until the law is changed or repealed altogether and inserted into the building code.
    The code that is universally adopted across the country is mistakenly titled the “International Building Code”. The title is silly in light of the fact that no other countries really care how we build in America. It used to be called the National Building Code which should have been good enough.

    • @nikolaikalashnikov4253
      @nikolaikalashnikov4253 2 роки тому

      It applies to *_existing_* facilities ??? ...That sounds unconstitutional:
      *_Article I, Section 9, Clause 3:_* " _No Bill of Attainder or_ *_ex post facto_* _Law shall be passed_ ".

    • @larrysorenson4789
      @larrysorenson4789 2 роки тому

      @@nikolaikalashnikov4253 Yes. Unbelievable as it seems , yes. Originally owners and government agencies were given several years to attain compliance but that has long since passed. Today, if you find any noncompliant issue, you can sue the owners and probably receive a settlement. This is the subject of the video. And of course all new designs are scrutinized closely for compliance before a permit will be issued.

  • @pmberkeley
    @pmberkeley 2 роки тому +1

    Wheelchair access isn't the only form of ADA accessibility. I had to call many Bay Area businesses for my deaf friend because they'd hang up on her calling service. The piece doesn't mention why he was filing the ADA complaince complaints, and visually implied it was all about wheelchair access. Bad news report.

  • @sherrywyllie2163
    @sherrywyllie2163 2 роки тому +5

    Both my parents were in wheelchairs for many years. I can't tell you how many times I lifted my mother out of her chair and wrestled her into a bathroom stall, fought our way through department store aisles jammed full of merchandise and racks and bins, up and down steps or curbs etc etc. We never would have sued anyone! Shameful.

    • @herculesbrofister265
      @herculesbrofister265 2 роки тому +1

      Maybe you should have. Progress doesn't happen through inaction. What if rosa parks had just done what she was told and not made a fuss?

    • @sherrywyllie2163
      @sherrywyllie2163 2 роки тому +2

      @@herculesbrofister265 that's no excuse to be rude. Small business owners should not be targets they have razor thin profit margins. I didn't even sue the school district that wouldn't accommodate my insulin dependant kindergarten son. I educated them until they felt they could do the job.

    • @Scooterbeerrun
      @Scooterbeerrun 2 роки тому

      @@herculesbrofister265 Progress also rarely happens through vengeance and spite, it's more often through a mutual agreement and compromise. Rosa Parks is just a figure among many others at the time, the only reason she gets remembered is because of her emotional impact but as far as real change, it was put through by others who were willing to work with people.

  • @FoamandStuff
    @FoamandStuff 2 роки тому +10

    There’s a lot of scammers who take advantage of these types of laws. It’s not just ADA. This is old news. This is why you don’t do business in your personal name aka sole proprietorship. Businesses use corporations such as an LLC, limited liability company to protect themselves. You can only sue the separate entity and not your personal assets. There’s ways to even set it up so that your business shows no assets or profits so it’s not worth suing even in small claims court because the person suing will have court fees and legals fee in excess of what they can get so it’s not worth it. The easy targets are small mom and pop businesses who have sole proprietorships. And no you can’t fight it until the laws changes. Unfortunately they will need to pay to settle because fighting it will cost 3 times more.

  • @ombra711
    @ombra711 2 роки тому +1

    There should be a Grace period for compliance before it turns into an actual cash lawsuit.

  • @christopherharris3229
    @christopherharris3229 2 роки тому +35

    Sounds like someone isn't just satisfied living off the taxpayer's dime.

  • @xiaoka
    @xiaoka 2 роки тому +14

    Clint Eastwood was complaining about these people 25 years ago.

  • @fractode
    @fractode 2 роки тому +4

    What about people who can only get around by being inside an ambulance or box truck? (Ever see _My 600 lb. Life_ ?) So maybe now all entrances need to be reworked in order to accommodate ambulance access.
    The tail can only wag the dog so far, before the dog dies. Then you'll have to make your OWN %$*O*& sandwiches. Have a nice day.

  • @triggersafe1
    @triggersafe1 23 дні тому

    These lawsuits ought to be thrown out.

  • @damiansgaragebuilds7663
    @damiansgaragebuilds7663 2 роки тому +42

    He has plenty of enemies wouldnt be surprised if someone catches him in the street