So many disabled-access complaints are brought in Florida that it has become a kind of lawsuit mill, with insurers paying quick settlements and lawyers profiting. But critics say the whole point -- increasing access to facilities for the disabled -- is ignored, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Florida has more of these disabled-access suits than any other state; in fact, the southern district of Florida accounts for one-fifth of the national total.
The suits concern violations on wheelchair ramps, the height of towel dispensers, the width of doors, etc. They often involve only a handful of attorneys and plaintiffs who claim to be enforcing the American With Disabilities Act (ADA).
Most result in a quick settlement, and never go to trial.