Navigating ADA compliance can feel overwhelming, but avoiding it altogether or cutting corners can lead to severe consequences. From Costly Mistakes lawsuits to damaged reputations, many businesses unknowingly make mistakes that cost them far more than simple compliance measures would. Let’s explore the top five Costly Mistakes businesses make regarding ADA compliance and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Parking Lot Accessibility and get Costly Mistakes
Why It Matters: Parking lots are often the first interaction customers have with your business. Failing to provide properly marked accessible parking spaces or maintaining smooth, obstacle-free surfaces can result in immediate violations and Costly Mistakes
Common Errors:
- Not having the correct number of accessible spots.
- Faded paint and unclear signage.
- Missing or non-compliant van-accessible spaces.
How to Avoid It:
Regularly audit your parking lot for wear and tear, ensure spaces meet ADA size requirements, and update signage as needed.
2. Overlooking Website Accessibility
Why It Matters: In today’s digital age, websites are as crucial as physical spaces. ADA lawsuits are increasingly targeting websites that don’t accommodate users with disabilities and generating Costly Mistakes for the owners.
Common Errors:
- No text alternatives for images.
- Hard-to-navigate layouts or inaccessible forms.
- Videos without captions or transcripts.
How to Avoid It:
Use tools like accessibility checkers to evaluate your website. Ensure it meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards to avoid digital accessibility complaints.
3. Skipping Regular Inspections
Why It Matters: ADA compliance isn’t a one-and-done process. Over time, facilities degrade, and new regulations may emerge. Without regular inspections, small issues can snowball into expensive problems.
Common Errors:
- Failing to notice cracked sidewalks or malfunctioning ramps.
- Not updating facilities to align with recent ADA standards.
- Neglecting employee training on accessibility practices.
How to Avoid It:
Schedule annual audits of your physical and digital spaces, and train your staff to identify and report potential compliance issues.
4. Assuming “Grandfathered” Exemptions Apply
Why It Matters: Many business owners mistakenly believe their older buildings are exempt from ADA regulations. This myth has led to countless lawsuits.
Common Errors:
- Not updating entrances, restrooms, or parking lots.
- Believing no upgrades are needed unless major renovations occur.
How to Avoid It:
Consult a compliance expert to determine what updates your business must make, even if it’s in an older building avoiding Costly Mistakes
5. Relying on DIY Fixes for Complex Issues
Why It Matters: While DIY improvements can save money, some ADA compliance tasks require expertise. A poorly installed ramp or incorrect signage can create more problems than it solves.
Common Errors:
- Using non-compliant materials or dimensions for ramps.
- Installing grab bars incorrectly in restrooms.
How to Avoid It:
Work with professionals for complex upgrades, ensuring everything is installed to code and documented properly.
Protect Your Business Today
Avoiding these common mistakes can save your business thousands of dollars in fines, legal fees, and lost customers. At Stop ADA Lawsuits, we specialize in helping businesses achieve compliance with ease. From parking lot assessments to website audits, we provide the tools and expertise you need to safeguard your business.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward full compliance. Don’t let avoidable mistakes put your business at risk!