Architectural Barriers

Macy’s Cases

September 21, 2012

In one of the first cases under the ADA concerning access to business to go to trial, DRA prevailed on behalf of a class of all persons with mobility disabilities who were denied access to Macy’s flagship store at Union Square in San Francisco. Subsequently, in Camalo v. Macy’s, a global settlement was reached resolving … Continue reading “Macy’s Cases”

PADD v. Equity Residential

September 21, 2012

In September of 2005, a settlement was reached to improve access for soldiers and their family members with disabilities to housing and access at Fort Lewis in Washington, the West Coast headquarters of the U.S. Army. DRA, Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Withey & Coluccio, Brancart & Brancart, and Trial Lawyers for Public Justice represented the plaintiffs … Continue reading “PADD v. Equity Residential”

United Spinal Association v. N.Y. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

September 21, 2012

In July of 2011, DRA reached a settlement with the N.Y. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that resulted in the installation of an elevator at the Dyckman Street subway station. DRA represented the United Spinal Association, whose members live with physical disabilities due to spinal cord injuries and disorders, in this lawsuit against the MTA. The … Continue reading “United Spinal Association v. N.Y. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)”

Barden v. Sacramento

September 21, 2012

This case set a nationwide precedent requiring cities and other public entities to make all public sidewalks accessible to people with mobility and vision disabilities. The court ruled that public entities must address barriers such as missing or unsafe curb cuts throughout the public sidewalk system, as well as barriers that block access along the … Continue reading “Barden v. Sacramento”

Californians for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR), et al. v. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

September 14, 2012

In 2010, DRA; Jose Allen, partner at Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom LLP; and AARP Foundation Litigation (AFL) achieved a landmark $1.1 billion dollar settlement with Caltrans, the largest architectural access settlement to date for people with disabilities. Under the settlement, Caltrans agreed to improve the surface conditions of thousands of miles of sidewalks and … Continue reading “Californians for Disability Rights, Inc. (CDR), et al. v. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)”

Thompson v. Sutter Health

August 28, 2012

The Sutter Health network of hospitals, medical foundations and other health care service providers has agreed to improve health care access for its patients with mobility, vision, hearing, and speech disabilities. Under the terms of the Agreement reached in 2008, Sutter has been removing architectural barriers, acquiring and installing accessible medical equipment, and reviewing and … Continue reading “Thompson v. Sutter Health”

Sterling VisionCare

August 28, 2012

DRA’s client – an individual who used a wheelchair – was denied service at a Sterling VisionCare Center because he was unable to walk from his wheelchair to the examination chair. To avoid litigation, Sterling VisionCare committed to ensure that accessible examination chairs are made available to patrons with disabilities at all of its facilities, … Continue reading “Sterling VisionCare”

Massachusetts General Hospital Structured Negotiations

August 28, 2012

In 2008, DRA and Co-counsel Greater Boston Legal Services reached a settlement through structured negotiations with Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. The hospitals agreed to make the following improvements to health care access for patients with mobility, vision, and hearing disabilities: Remove physical and programmatic barriers Provide accessible medical equipment … Continue reading “Massachusetts General Hospital Structured Negotiations”

Metzler v. Kaiser

August 7, 2012

In March of 2001, DRA and Co-counsel John Burris reached a landmark settlement with Kaiser Permanente, to improve access to health care for people with disabilities. The settlement plan has been used as a model for the health care industry on how to deliver medical care for men, women, and children with  mobility, vision, and … Continue reading “Metzler v. Kaiser”