Introduction: The Rise of Serial ADA Plaintiffs in California
If you own or operate a business in California, there’s one type of lawsuit that should never be ignored:
ADA lawsuits filed by serial plaintiffs.
These are individuals — sometimes partnered with law firms — who file dozens or even hundreds of lawsuits every year, targeting small businesses for quick settlements. California’s ADA laws allow them to file without warning, and each lawsuit can cost a business $10,000 to $50,000+, even if the violation seems minor.
The truth is simple:
Serial ADA plaintiffs don’t file lawsuits randomly.
They look for easy targets — and they know exactly where to look.
This article breaks down how they choose their victims, why certain businesses are sued more than others, and what you can do TODAY to avoid being the next one.
Who Are Serial ADA Plaintiffs?
A serial ADA plaintiff is someone who:
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Files multiple ADA lawsuits every month
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Targets specific cities, neighborhoods, and building types
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Works with attorneys to mass-produce lawsuits
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Often never returns to the business after filing
Some individuals have filed hundreds of cases in California alone.
Many are well-known names within legal circles and court records.
Why do they do it?
Because ADA lawsuits in California have become:
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Fast
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Profitable
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Low-risk
And because most businesses:
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Don’t know the law
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Haven’t inspected their property recently
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Think “we’re probably fine” — until it’s too late
How Serial ADA Plaintiffs Choose Their Targets
Serial plaintiffs follow a predictable pattern.
Here’s exactly what they look for when selecting businesses.
1. Parking Lots With Visible Violations
(The #1 easiest target)
Serial filers love parking lots because they reveal violations instantly.
They look for:
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Faded blue paint
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Incorrect ADA symbols
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Missing or incorrect signage
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No van-accessible stall
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Incorrect slope (over 2%)
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Cracks, uplift, or ponding
A quick photo is all they need to initiate a lawsuit.
2. Older Buildings (Built Before 1993)
If your building is older, they assume:
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No ADA upgrades
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No recent inspections
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Outdated slopes, thresholds, doors, restrooms
Older buildings = easier lawsuits.
3. Businesses With High Foot Traffic
They prefer:
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Restaurants
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Retail stores
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Gas stations
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Hotels
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Coffee shops
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Strip malls
Why?
More customers = more chances to claim “denied access.”
4. Areas Known for Lawsuits
Certain California cities are hot zones:
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San Francisco
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Los Angeles
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Oakland
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Fresno
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San Jose
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Sacramento
These cities historically generate more ADA filings — and serial plaintiffs target them aggressively.
5. Entrances That Look Non-Compliant
They check:
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Door pressure
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Door width
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High thresholds
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Broken automatic doors
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Obstructions blocking the path of travel
A heavy door alone is enough for a lawsuit.
6. Bathrooms That Clearly Don’t Meet ADA Standards
This is one of the most profitable areas for lawsuits.
Frequent violations include:
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Missing grab bars
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Incorrect heights
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Insufficient turning radius
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Pipes not insulated
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Non-compliant sinks
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Door clearance issues
Serial plaintiffs know most business bathrooms are wrong — so they target them confidently.
The “Red Flag Indicators” They Look For
Serial filers don’t inspect the entire property.
They look for quick signs that tell them:
“This business hasn’t updated their ADA compliance in years.”
The biggest red flags:
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Faded pavement markings
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Weathered signage
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Old concrete
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Uneven sidewalks
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Damaged asphalt
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Narrow entrances
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No recent remodels
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Old-style bathroom fixtures
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No van-accessible signage
If your property looks old or neglected, they assume ADA issues are everywhere.
What Happens Once You’re on Their Radar
Once a serial plaintiff notices a violation:
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They take photos
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They send them to a partnering attorney
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A demand letter or lawsuit is filed
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You receive a settlement request
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You’re forced to fix the violation anyway
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You pay thousands in legal fees
Even if you didn’t know about the violation… you’re still liable.
And worse:
You can be sued again if the fix isn’t fully compliant.
How to Avoid Being Targeted (2025 Strategy)
This is where most California businesses fail.
They try to “hope for the best” instead of preventing the issue.
Here’s how to protect yourself today:
✅ 1. Get a Pre-Lawsuit ADA Inspection
A professional ADA audit identifies violations before a serial plaintiff does.
This is the #1 best defense.
✅ 2. Fix High-Visibility Violations First
Start with:
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Parking
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ADA striping
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Signage
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Entrances
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Slopes
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Path of travel
These are the easiest things plaintiffs target.
✅ 3. Update Paint, Signs, and Markings Every 1–2 Years
Faded paint = lawsuit magnet.
✅ 4. Document ALL Repairs With Photos
This helps during settlements, insurance claims, and CASp defenses.
✅ 5. Keep Your Property Looking “Updated”
Serial plaintiffs avoid properties that look maintained and recently inspected.
Should You Get a CASp Report?
YES — especially in California.
A CASp report:
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Proves you’re working on compliance
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Reduces your legal liability
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Can reduce settlement costs
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Creates a timeline for repairs
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Provides legal protection during claims
It’s one of the smartest investments a business can make.
🚨 Final Warning: Serial ADA Plaintiffs Are Not Slowing Down
California continues to be the ADA lawsuit capital of the U.S.
New plaintiffs appear every year.
And every year, more businesses get blindsided.
But with the right steps, you can protect yourself:
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Inspect early
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Fix correctly
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Document everything
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Stay compliant
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Look updated
📞 Get a Free ADA Risk Assessment for Your Business
If you’re worried your business might be a target, we offer a free ADA pre-inspection to identify violations before they become lawsuits.
You’ll receive:
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A walkthrough of your property
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A list of ADA risks
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A prioritized repair plan
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Photos of violations
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Compliance recommendations
👉 Book your free ADA inspection today