Small businesses across the United States are facing a sharp rise in lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with more than 4,000 cases filed in 2025, a 20% increase from the previous year, according to a report from the legal analytics firm Lex Machina.
Impact on Small Businesses
The lawsuits, often focused on website accessibility and physical barriers like parking lot issues, are disproportionately targeting small businesses that lack the resources to comply quickly. "It's a huge burden for us," said Maria Gonzalez, owner of a boutique in Austin, Texas, who faced a lawsuit over her website's lack of screen-reader compatibility. "We had to pay thousands to settle, even though we fixed the issue immediately."
Many plaintiffs are serial litigants who file dozens of suits, seeking quick settlements rather than genuine accessibility improvements. The report notes that 10 plaintiffs accounted for nearly 30% of all ADA lawsuits in 2025.
Legal and Policy Responses
Lawmakers are debating reforms, including a proposed bill that would require a 90-day notice period before a lawsuit can be filed, giving businesses time to correct violations. "We need to balance enforcement with fairness," said Senator John Hickenlooper, a sponsor of the bill. However, disability rights advocates argue that such measures could weaken protections.
The Department of Justice has issued new guidance encouraging mediation over litigation, but the number of cases continues to climb. Small business owners are urged to conduct accessibility audits and seek legal advice to mitigate risks.
