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Houston ADA Lawyer
Your Trusted Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Defense Attorney serving Houston Texas
WATCH OUR HOUSTON ADA LAWYER DISCUSS ADA LAWSUITS ON 60 MINUTES WITH ANDERSON COOPER
If you're navigating the intricacies of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and facing legal challenges, you're not alone. There has been a spark in both genuine and frivolous ADA-related lawsuits in recent years, resulting in businesses and individuals being caught off guard with legal repercussions. In times like these, having a trustworthy and skilled ADA defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Nolan Klein, a top-rated ADA defense lawyer serving Houston, Texas, brings a deep understanding and extensive experience in handling complex ADA lawsuits. He brings more than 15 years of hands-on experience to the table, and his unwavering commitment to his clients has earned him a reputation as one of the best ADA defense attorneys in Houston.
Call +1 877.253.5406 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with Nolan Klein, the go-to Houston ADA defense attorney.
Houston Texas Disability Discrimination Laws
There are various federal and state laws in place to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and access to the same rights as everyone else. These laws aim to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability in areas such as employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. They include:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
This federal law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as individuals without disabilities. The ADA is divided into five titles that relate to different areas of public life. These include:
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Title I: Employment – prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including job application procedures, hiring, promotions, and compensation.
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Title II: Public Services – prohibits state and local governments from denying people with disabilities access to public services such as government programs, transportation, and public buildings.
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Title III: Public Accommodations – prohibits private businesses and organizations that serve the public from discriminating against individuals with disabilities in areas such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, and doctors' offices. These places must make reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.
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Title IV: Telecommunications – requires telephone and internet companies to provide telecommunications relay services for people with hearing or speech disabilities. This allows individuals who use TTY machines, voice carry-over phones, or other assistive devices to communicate with others by phone.
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Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions – covers various other areas such as the National Council on Disability, ADA technical assistance and training centers, and enforcement provisions.
In addition to these five titles, the ADA includes specific regulations for accessibility in new construction and alterations of buildings. These regulations are known as the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and provide guidelines for making buildings accessible to people with disabilities. Houston ADA defense attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses comply with these regulations and do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.
It is important to note that the ADA does not only protect those with physical disabilities but also those with mental or emotional disabilities. This includes conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The ADA considers these conditions as "hidden" disabilities and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals who may need them in order to perform their job duties.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This act forbids discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors. Specifically, Section 504 states that "no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that either receives Federal financial assistance or is conducted by any Executive agency or the United States Postal Service."
The Fair Housing Act
Established in 1968, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. This means that individuals with disabilities cannot be denied housing or forced to live in separate facilities due to their disability. The act also requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.
Air Carrier Access Act
Enacted in 1986, the Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in air travel. This includes providing accessible facilities and services on planes as well as allowing service animals to accompany passengers with disabilities. The act also requires airlines to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities during boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Defense Options
Houston ADA defense attorneys will use all available strategies to defend you against ADA claims. These include:
Challenging the plaintiff's standing to bring a case by proving they have not suffered any injury or harm.
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Asserting that the business does not fall under ADA requirements, such as if it has fewer than 15 employees.
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Arguing that making accommodations would cause undue hardship on the business.
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Proving that the alleged barrier is not covered by the ADA guidelines.
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Demonstrating that the business has been proactive in making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, ADA defense attorneys can also work to negotiate settlements and reduce any potential damages or penalties. They can also provide guidance on how to make necessary accommodations and prevent future lawsuits. It is important for businesses to be informed about their rights and obligations under the ADA in order to avoid discrimination and costly legal battles.
Talk to a Houston Texas ADA Defense Attorney
ADA defense lawyer Nolan Klein represents clients in Houston Texas and is waiting to take your call and discuss your rights as a business owner. He has the skill, knowledge, and experience necessary to defend you against any claims of ADA violations. With his help, you can protect your business from potential lawsuits and ensure that you are in compliance with all ADA regulations. Contact Nolan Klein today for a consultation and find out how he can assist you in defending your business against ADA claims.
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