If your business or property is open to the public, it must meet certain accessibility standards created by federal and state law. These requirements apply to a range of potential conditions, which can include such commonplace items as round doorknobs or faucet handles, unsecured floor mats, high customer service counters and/or high doorway thresholds.
In addition, accessibility standards may also apply to a range of non-physical issues, including, without limitation, a business’s policies and procedures or its website, to the extent that such things could limit accessibility for people with disabilities.
It is also in this area of law that many businesses find themselves facing lawsuits because one or more standards are not met. In California, the lawsuits are even more prevalent due to penalties allowed under state law. Because access lawsuits became extremely lucrative for some, legislative reforms were passed in 2008, and again in 2012, to curb lawsuits while maintaining accessibility.