Retail stores can also be sued for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if they fail to provide access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Some common reasons retail stores are sued for ADA violations include:
- Inaccessible entrances: Retail stores must have accessible entrances for individuals with disabilities, which includes ramps, elevators, and automatic door openers.
- Inaccessible aisles and displays: Retail stores must have accessible aisles and displays for individuals with disabilities, which includes a minimum width for aisles, and accessible height and location of merchandise displays.
- Inaccessible restrooms: Retail stores must have accessible restrooms for individuals with disabilities, which includes stall dimensions, grab bars, and wheelchair accessibility.
- Inaccessible checkout counters: Retail stores must have accessible checkout counters for individuals with disabilities, which includes lowered counters or a separate accessible checkout counter.
- Inaccessible fitting rooms: Retail stores must have accessible fitting rooms for individuals with disabilities, which includes minimum dimensions, grab bars, and accessible seating.
- Inaccessible parking: Retail stores must have accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities, which includes designated spaces, signage, and accessible routes to the store.
- Inaccessible websites: Retail stores with an online presence must have accessible websites for individuals with disabilities, which includes compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technology.
It’s important for retail stores to ensure that their facilities and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities to avoid potential lawsuits and to provide equal access and opportunities to all customers.