Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Lawsuits Filed Against New York Businesses Under Americans with Disabilities Act
In a contemporary twist on alleged exploitation schemes, a series of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuits targeting businesses in New York City have sparked controversy. These legal actions, filed on behalf of a plaintiff with paraplegia, raise questions about potential abuses of the ADA.
Series of ADA Lawsuits Target City Businesses
Lawyer brothers Bradly and Darren Marks have initiated 113 federal Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits against various businesses across the city, representing Jocelyn Pierre, a New Yorker with paraplegia.
Plaintiff’s Lifestyle Raises Questions Amidst Legal Actions
Following the lawsuits, Pierre is reportedly residing in upscale accommodations and has acquired a Mercedes-Benz, suggesting considerable financial gain, presumably also benefiting the Marks brothers.
The Premise of the Lawsuits
The lawsuits are based on claims that Pierre attempted to patronize businesses but encountered accessibility barriers. Subsequently, his legal representatives pursue litigation alleging violations of the ADA.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Businesses Opt for Settlement Over Legal Battles
Many businesses find it more economical to reach a settlement rather than engage in protracted and costly court proceedings.
Businesses Ranging from High-End to Local Targeted
Pierre and the Marks brothers have reportedly targeted a diverse range of establishments, from luxury retailers like Paul Stuart on Madison Avenue and the popular Lucali pizzeria in Carroll Gardens, to smaller, local businesses. This includes Electric Lotus, a tattoo studio in Fort Greene, and Emma’s Torch, a non-profit culinary training program for refugees.
Questions Arise Regarding Plaintiff’s Claims
Critics suggest skepticism regarding the legitimacy of harm claimed by Pierre, implying the lawsuits are opportunistic.
Doubt Cast on Plaintiff’s Presence at Businesses
The operator of Electric Lotus reportedly has no recollection of Pierre ever visiting the establishment, a detail allegedly echoed by other businesses named in similar lawsuits.
Timeline Discrepancies in Complaint Against Pizzeria
The complaint against Lucali was filed reportedly two years after the alleged accessibility issues occurred, raising concerns about the timing, especially given the typical auto-deletion of security footage within such timeframes.
Prior Reports of Similar ADA Legal Actions
Reports of similar ADA lawsuits and serial plaintiffs date back to 2011, indicating a pattern of such legal actions.
Federal and State Legal Frameworks Enable Lawsuit Schemes
While federal reforms could potentially curb such ADA-related lawsuits, New York state laws are perceived to contribute to the environment that enables these types of legal actions.
Call for Public Protection Against Legal Actions
The prospect of state intervention to safeguard the public from what are described as exploitative legal tactics remains uncertain.