03/28/2024

Serial ADA lawsuit filer striking Bay Area

SAN RAMON — In November, Sameer Misson found out his family’s Valero gas station had been sued for violating disability access laws.

Surprised, the 29-year-old East Bay resident quickly made the relatively minor fixes to the handicap parking striping and signage, plus changes to the door pressure, counter height and bathroom sink to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It cost him about $300, and he paid an access specialist to certify that his San Ramon Valley Boulevard service station was up to code.

Misson thought the problem was resolved, so he was shocked when he received a demand for a $25,000 settlement, which would only get higher if he didn’t pay it immediately. That’s when Misson first learned about Scott Johnson, owner of Disabled Access Prevents Injury Inc. Johnson has filed thousands of ADA lawsuits across Northern California for what experts say is millions of dollars in settlements and attorney fees.

“I don’t like getting ripped off at all, whether it’s $1 or a thousand dollars … and that’s exactly what’s happening here,” Misson said. “A lot of people say just make a deal and make it go away. I think it’s a legal form of extortion.”

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