Attorney known for plethora of ADA lawsuits making rounds in South Lake Tahoe

A Sacramento area lawyer called the "Serial ADA lawsuit filer" by the San Jose Mercury News is back in South Lake Tahoe according to several recent reports from local businesses.

Between 2009-11, Carmichael attorney Scott Johnson inundated small businesses with letters requesting they bring buildings in line with access laws for the disabled. He followed up the letters with several lawsuits in South Lake Tahoe.

After South Lake Tahoe, Johnson made his through Northern California, suing thousands of small businesses in several cities, but he hadn't been seen locally again until recently.

The Tahoe Chamber issued a statement this week, warning local businesses that he was back in town though they didn't name him by name, and that this time going after painted handicapped parking spots.

"The Tahoe Chamber urges local businesses to ensure that their parking lots are appropriately marked for disabled visitation, and that they conduct a CASp inspection at the earliest possible time in attempt to protect themselves from an ADA Lawsuit," they said in their emailed warning.

Chamber Executive Director Betty "B" Gorman told South Tahoe Now that she knows of five businesses in town that have been contacted by the attorney.

ADA Senate Bill 269 became law last month and incentivizes businesses to proactively take steps to become disabled accessible by providing them with 120 days from receipt of a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) report to resolve any violations identified without being subject to statutory penalties or litigation costs.

A San Jose gas station owner found out the hard way that Johnson means business. After finding out he was being sued in November of 2015, the San Jose Mercury News said the 29-year-old businessman quickly made the relatively minor fixes to the handicap parking striping and signage, plus changes to the door pressure, counter height and bathroom sink to comply with ADA. He was certified by an access specialist and thought that was the end of it. In April, 2016, the station owner received a demand for a $25,000 settlement, which would only get higher if he didn't pay it immediately.

Legal experts say Johnson has has filed thousands of ADA lawsuits across Northern California for what they say is millions of dollars in settlements and attorney fees.