Slew of lawsuits over disability access frustrates US cafe and shop owners
News Source
β’Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:00:49 GMT
π° What Happened
Small business owners across the US are being hit with lawsuits over disability access rules. Rodrigo Nogueira, who owns No More Cafe in Manhattan, was sued for 35 ADA violations he did not know about. One claim said his outdoor table was not accessible, but he does not have outdoor tables. The lawyer who filed the suit has brought over 100 similar cases in nine years. The person suing Nogueira has 67 other active cases.
π The Backstory
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses to be accessible to people with disabilities. But some lawyers and plaintiffs have turned this into a business model. They file many lawsuits against small shops and cafes, hoping owners will pay to settle rather than fight in court. Hiring a lawyer just to file a motion can cost thousands of dollars. Nogueira tried to fight the case himself but was told companies cannot represent themselves in court.
π― Why It Matters
Small businesses are struggling to survive, and these lawsuits add stress and cost. But disability access is also important. The system needs a fix so real problems get solved without hurting honest shop owners.
Small business owners across the US are being hit with lawsuits over disability access rules. Rodrigo Nogueira, who owns No More Cafe in Manhattan, was sued for 35 ADA violations he did not know about. One claim said his outdoor table was not accessible, but he does not have outdoor tables. The lawyer who filed the suit has brought over 100 similar cases in nine years. The person suing Nogueira has 67 other active cases.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses to be accessible to people with disabilities. But some lawyers and plaintiffs have turned this into a business model. They file many lawsuits against small shops and cafes, hoping owners will pay to settle rather than fight in court. Hiring a lawyer just to file a motion can cost thousands of dollars. Nogueira tried to fight the case himself but was told companies cannot represent themselves in court.
Small businesses are struggling to survive, and these lawsuits add stress and cost. But disability access is also important. The system needs a fix so real problems get solved without hurting honest shop owners.