STOCKTON - On the very day Stockton business owners were invited to a workshop on how to avoid ADA-related lawsuits, the attorney responsible for filing so many of those lawsuits was across town shopping, and reluctantly, interviewed.
Scott Johnson doesn't deny filing thousands of lawsuits against businesses with disability access issues. Even if those businesses make changes to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, Johnson also alleges personal damages into the many thousands of dollars.
Johnson was insistent on getting into his van and avoiding News10 questions when spotted Wednesday, but he offered a few comments.
When asked if it was fair to file thousands of lawsuits, he responded, "is thousands of non-compliant businesses fair? If they make changes, they don't get sued in the first place."
One of Johnson's Stockton targets is a print shop called Stop the Presses. Even though the business made changes to the parking lot, front door and indoor counter, Johnson's lawsuit still seeks $16,000 in damages. He insists he visited the business, but the stores camera system photographed another person who went into the building with a camera and tape measure.
At that Stockton workshop Wednesday morning, business people were advised by the Civil Justice Association of California to hire an access expert to learn all the ADA rules.
Ironically, Johnson said the same thing later in the day to News10.
"The easiest way to avoid an ADA lawsuit is get an inspection, perform the work so you're in compliance," he said.
