Welcome to Aaron Berger Law

Comprehensive ADA Defense for California Businesses and Commercial Property Owners

If you have received an ADA demand letter or have been served with an accessibility lawsuit, time is critical. Most ADA accessibility lawsuits are filed in federal court, where defendants generally have significantly less time to respond than they would in a California state court lawsuit.

Contact Aaron Berger Law immediately to evaluate the claims, discuss potential defenses, and develop a strategy to minimize liability and litigation costs.

Proven Experience Defending ADA Accessibility Claims

Our firm has successfully represented restaurants and other businesses facing ADA accessibility lawsuits in both federal and state court. We have defended clients against claims involving alleged architectural barriers, challenged unsupported allegations, negotiated aggressively on behalf of our clients, and utilized early mediation procedures available in federal court to pursue efficient and cost-effective resolutions.

We understand that for many small business owners, an ADA lawsuit can be overwhelming. In addition to the stress of running a business, owners are suddenly faced with legal deadlines, technical accessibility standards, and demands for attorney’s fees and damages. We help our clients understand the process, evaluate their legal exposure, and make informed business decisions every step of the way.

Comprehensive ADA Defense for California Businesses and Commercial Property Owners

Every ADA accessibility lawsuit is different. Some claims identify legitimate accessibility issues that should be corrected promptly. Others include unsupported allegations, excessive settlement demands, or claims that require closer legal scrutiny. Our job is to evaluate the facts, explain your options, and develop a strategy that protects both your business and your bottom line.

We represent business owners, tenants, commercial landlords, and property management companies throughout California in all stages of ADA accessibility litigation. Our representation includes responding to ADA demand letters before a lawsuit is filed, defending businesses in federal and state court, evaluating the alleged accessibility violations, coordinating inspections with qualified accessibility consultants, overseeing remediation when appropriate, negotiating favorable settlements, and aggressively defending our clients when litigation becomes necessary.

We also utilize the procedural tools available in federal court, including applications for stay and early mediation, when doing so can reduce litigation costs and create an opportunity to resolve the case before attorney’s fees continue to increase.

Most importantly, we do not assume that every allegation made in an ADA complaint is accurate. We carefully review the applicable accessibility standards, evaluate whether the alleged barriers actually exist, determine whether they constitute legal violations, identify who is legally responsible for correcting them, and challenge unsupported claims whenever appropriate.

Our goal is simple: resolve legitimate accessibility issues while protecting our clients from unnecessary litigation expense and inflated settlement demands.

Based in Sherman Oaks, Aaron Berger Law represents businesses and commercial property owners throughout Los Angeles and California in ADA accessibility disputes.

Businesses and Property Owners We Represent

ADA lawsuit defense for California restaurant owners

Restaurants

Retail stores

Shopping centers

Medical offices

Commercial landlords

Property management companies

Office Buildings

Other businesses facing ADA accessibility lawsuits and California Unruh Act claims

Don't Assume You Have to Pay the Plaintiff's Demand

Many ADA accessibility lawsuits in California are filed by a relatively small number of repeat plaintiffs and law firms that regularly litigate these cases. While businesses should absolutely address legitimate accessibility issues and comply with applicable disability access laws, receiving a demand letter or lawsuit does not necessarily mean you should immediately agree to the plaintiff’s settlement demand.

Every case deserves an independent legal evaluation. In many instances, there are questions regarding whether the alleged accessibility barriers actually exist, whether they violate the applicable standards, whether the plaintiff has accurately described the conditions, whether the tenant or landlord bears legal responsibility, and whether the attorney’s fee demand is reasonable.

An experienced ADA defense attorney can identify potential defenses, develop a strategy to reduce litigation costs, negotiate from a position of strength, and, when appropriate, challenge unsupported allegations rather than simply recommending that you pay whatever has been demanded.

The earlier you involve experienced legal counsel, the more options you typically have. Because most ADA accessibility lawsuits are filed in federal court, defendants often have significantly less time to respond than they would in California state court. Prompt action can preserve important legal rights, reduce litigation costs, and improve the likelihood of achieving a favorable resolution.

Time is Critical

Unlike many lawsuits filed in California state court, ADA accessibility lawsuits are frequently filed in federal court, where defendants have substantially less time to respond. If you have received an ADA demand letter or have been served with a federal lawsuit, you should consult an experienced ADA defense attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and evaluate your options.

Client Feedback & Reviews

Great people. Professional legal services. Highly recommended.

Anya Zabelina-Harper

I was recommended this firm from a realtor that I knew and they did a fantastic job.

Jose Zepeda

One of most professional law offices I have work with. Very knowledgeable and professional.

Vahe Mirzaian

Frequently Asked Questions About ADA Lawsuit Defense

I was sued under the ADA. What should I do?

If your business has been sued under the ADA, do not ignore the complaint or assume you must immediately pay the amount demanded. Contact an experienced ADA lawsuit defense attorney as soon as possible to review the allegations, confirm the response deadline, evaluate the alleged accessibility barriers, and identify potential defenses or early resolution strategies.

How can an ADA defense attorney help my California business?

An ADA defense attorney can evaluate whether the alleged accessibility violations exist, determine which accessibility standards apply, identify whether responsibility may belong to the tenant or property owner, coordinate inspections and remediation when appropriate, negotiate with the plaintiff’s counsel, and represent the business in federal or state court.

Can my landlord be liable for ADA violations?

A commercial landlord may have responsibility for certain ADA accessibility issues, depending on the property, the lease terms, the location of the alleged barrier, and the circumstances of the claim. A commercial landlord ADA defense attorney can review the complaint and lease to help determine how responsibility may be allocated between the landlord and tenant.

Who is responsible for ADA compliance, the tenant or the property owner?

Responsibility for ADA compliance may involve the tenant, the commercial property owner, or both. The answer often depends on the alleged violation, who controls the affected area, and the terms of the lease. Each commercial property ADA lawsuit should be evaluated individually before either party accepts responsibility.

What should I do after receiving an ADA demand letter?

Contact an ADA demand letter lawyer promptly and avoid responding directly to the claimant or agreeing to a settlement before the allegations have been reviewed. Early legal evaluation may help preserve important defenses, control litigation expenses, and determine whether inspection, remediation, negotiation, or another response is appropriate.

How much does it cost to defend an ADA lawsuit?

The cost of defending an ADA accessibility lawsuit depends on the allegations, the number and type of claimed barriers, whether inspections or remediation are necessary, the court in which the case is filed, and whether the matter can be resolved through negotiation or early mediation. An attorney can review the claim and explain the likely options and expenses based on the specific circumstances.

Can an ADA lawsuit be settled quickly?

Some ADA lawsuits can be resolved through early negotiation or mediation, while others require additional investigation, inspections, remediation, motion practice, or litigation. Promptly involving a federal ADA lawsuit defense attorney may create more opportunities to pursue an efficient resolution before attorney’s fees and litigation expenses continue to increase.

What is the California Unruh Act?

The California Unruh Civil Rights Act generally requires business establishments to provide full and equal access to their services and facilities. ADA accessibility claims in California are often accompanied by Unruh Act claims. An Unruh Act defense attorney can evaluate the allegations, available defenses, potential damages, and appropriate response strategy.

What happens after I receive an ADA complaint?

After receiving an ADA complaint, you should contact an experienced ADA defense attorney as soon as possible. The complaint should be reviewed carefully to identify the response deadline, evaluate the alleged accessibility barriers, determine whether the claims are supported, and assess whether responsibility may belong to the tenant, landlord, or both. The next steps may include inspecting the property, reviewing lease obligations, coordinating with an accessibility consultant, addressing legitimate barriers, responding to the complaint, and exploring negotiation or early mediation when appropriate.

Should I immediately settle an ADA lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Receiving an ADA lawsuit does not automatically mean you should accept the plaintiff’s settlement demand. Each case should be independently evaluated to determine whether the alleged barriers actually exist, whether they violate applicable accessibility standards, who may be legally responsible, and whether the requested damages and attorney’s fees are reasonable. An experienced ADA defense attorney can help identify potential defenses, evaluate early resolution options, and develop a strategy designed to reduce liability and control litigation costs.