News

Woman files ADA lawsuits across US as ‘tester’ of compliance

Woman files ADA lawsuits across US as ‘tester’ of compliance

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A disabled Florida woman has paid a virtual visit to Maine and left a trail of lawsuits in her wake. Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – A disabled Florida woman has paid a virtual visit to Maine and left a trail of lawsuits in her wake.

The six lawsuits filed by Deborah Laufer in Maine are among hundreds she has filed in more than a dozen states. She is described in the lawsuits as “tester” for the purpose of ensuring that places of public accommodation comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Her lawsuit contends the lodging businesses and their online booking services failed to identify accessible rooms, provide an option for booking an accessible room, and provide sufficient information about accessible features.

A lawyer for lodging establishments says more guidance is needed because the ADA was passed in 1990 before the World Wide Web went live.

Latest Headlines

4 hours ago in Local

Why Are There So Many Hotels in Portland?

Quincy Hentzel with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce says the hotels are continuing to be built for a reason.

5 hours ago in Trending, World

Living hostages and Palestinian prisoners are released as part of ceasefire in Gaza

All 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel walked free Monday as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war that decimated the Gaza Strip and killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

18 hours ago in Local

Mills Briefly Posts/Deletes Video Announcing Senate Run

Axios first reported Mills would likely announce her Senate run in the upcoming week.

19 hours ago in Local

Maine Man Shot By Deputy After Chase

Androscoggin County Deputies say they tried to arrest a man on an existing felony warrant

21 hours ago in Local

Biddeford Motorcyclist Arrested going 114 in 40-MPH Zone

A Biddeford motorcyclist was arrested Saturday night after deputies clocked him going almost three times the speed limit in Arundel.…