Introduction: ADA Lawsuits Are Rising Fast — Is Your Business Next?
If you operate a business in California, there’s one question you cannot ignore in 2025:
“Am I at risk for an ADA lawsuit?”
ADA lawsuits have increased dramatically across California, especially in high-traffic retail areas, restaurants, gas stations, hotels, professional offices, and older buildings. Serial filers continue to target businesses with easy-to-spot violations — and the average settlement ranges from $16,000 to $50,000+, not including repairs.
The good news?
Most ADA lawsuits are 100% preventable if you know what inspectors and attorneys look for.
This guide gives you the 2025 ADA Risk Checklist that every California business owner needs.
✅ 2025 ADA Lawsuit Risk Checklist
Look at each section and check off what applies to your property.
If you say “no” or “I’m not sure” to ANY item, your business is at risk.
1. Parking Lot Compliance (The #1 ADA Lawsuit Hotspot)
Most lawsuits begin in the parking lot because violations are visible before a customer even walks inside.
2025 Parking Checklist
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⬜ Clearly marked ADA stall with blue background & white symbol
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⬜ Van-accessible stall with correct dimensions
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⬜ Access aisle properly striped
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⬜ Signage with correct height and wording
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⬜ Surface is free of cracks, potholes, uplift, or ponding
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⬜ Slope does not exceed ADA limits (2% max in any direction)
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⬜ Faded paint has been refreshed within the last 12–18 months
Why it matters:
If your parking lot fails ADA, you can be sued even if the inside of your business is perfect.
2. Path of Travel (Outside to Inside)
This is the route customers take from the parking lot to your entrance.
Checklist
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⬜ No tripping hazards (cracked concrete, lifted slabs)
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⬜ No obstacles blocking the walkway
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⬜ Slopes meet ADA grade requirements
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⬜ Handrails present where required
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⬜ Ramps properly built and marked
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⬜ Door thresholds not too high
High-risk businesses:
Strip malls, older buildings, gas stations, restaurants with uneven outdoor surfaces.
3. Business Entrance & Doors
Attorneys love to target door-related violations because they’re easy to test and document.
Checklist
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⬜ Door opens with under 5 lbs. of force
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⬜ Proper maneuvering clearance on both sides
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⬜ No tight or obstructed paths
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⬜ Signage is compliant and visible
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⬜ Automatic doors work correctly (if applicable)
⚠️ Common lawsuit trigger:
“Door too heavy” — responsible for thousands of lawsuits every year.
4. Bathrooms (One of the Most Common Sources of Claims)
Bathrooms are complex under ADA — many small details can trigger a lawsuit.
Checklist
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⬜ Grab bars installed at correct height
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⬜ Clear floor space around toilet
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⬜ Sink height meets ADA requirements
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⬜ Pipes insulated
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⬜ Mirror height compliant
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⬜ Faucet is accessible (lever or touchless)
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⬜ Door closure is light enough to open
⚠️ If your bathroom hasn’t been inspected recently, it’s likely not compliant.
5. Counters, Registers & Service Areas
Any place where customers interact with staff must meet accessibility standards.
Checklist
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⬜ Counter section at correct accessible height (36 inches max)
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⬜ No displays blocking accessible surfaces
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⬜ Card readers accessible without awkward reach
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⬜ Wait lines clearly marked and not obstructing access paths
6. Interior Layout & Seating
Checklist
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⬜ 36-inch minimum pathways
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⬜ No blocked aisles
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⬜ Accessible seating available (restaurants especially)
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⬜ Shelves reachable according to ADA standards
7. Business Age & Previous Violations
Older buildings are automatically higher risk.
Checklist
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⬜ Building older than 1993
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⬜ No ADA updates in last 5 years
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⬜ You’ve never had a CASp inspection
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⬜ Previous issues were patched, not properly repaired
8. Online & Digital Accessibility (New in 2025)
Yes — websites are now triggering lawsuits too.
Checklist
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⬜ Website meets WCAG 2.2 standards
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⬜ Accessibility text alternatives
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⬜ Proper color contrast
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⬜ ADA disclaimer & accessibility statement
(This area is exploding with lawsuits in 2025.)
🚨 If You Checked “No” on ANY Item… Your Business Is at Risk
ADA plaintiffs only need to find one violation to file a lawsuit.
And in California, they don’t even need to notify you before suing.
They can file TODAY.
The businesses most often targeted in 2025:
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Restaurants
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Retail stores
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Offices
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Gas stations
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Hotels & motels
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Gyms
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Clinics
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Nail salons / barbers
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Small businesses in older buildings
⭐ What to Do Next: Protect Your Business Before It’s Too Late
Step 1: Get a Pre-Lawsuit ADA Inspection
A professional ADA audit finds the issues before a plaintiff does.
Step 2: Fix High-Risk Areas First
Parking → entrances → bathrooms → counters → interior circulation.
Step 3: Document All Upgrades
Before/after photos help with insurance, CASp inspections, and settlement protection.
Step 4: Refresh ADA Paint, Signs & Markings
Faded paint alone triggers thousands of lawsuits each year.