When you think of dangers to your business, what comes to mind? Shoplifters? Rogue hackers out to steal your customers’ data? While those threats are real and should be taken seriously, one danger you may not have considered is non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That’s right – if your commercial parking lot doesn’t meet ADA requirements, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
In this blog post, Laurel Asphalt will look at the dangers of ADA non-compliance and some tips for ensuring that your parking lot is compliant. Stay safe and informed – read on!
Danger 1: Fines and Penalties
The first and most obvious danger of ADA non-compliance is that you could be subject to fines and penalties. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) can assess civil penalties of up to $75,000 for a first and $150,000 for a subsequent violation. And that’s not all – the DOJ can also bring a lawsuit against your business, which could result in an injunction ordering you to make your property accessible and pay compensatory damages to people harmed by your lack of compliance.
Danger 2: Lost Customers and Bad publicity
Another danger of ADA non-compliance is that you could lose customers or suffer bad publicity. If potential customers see that your commercial parking lot is not accessible, they may take their business elsewhere. And if current customers find out you’re not in compliance, they may stop doing business with you.
What’s more, if your enterprise is involved in a lawsuit or there’s negative publicity about your lack of compliance, it could seriously damage your reputation.
Danger 3: Employee Lawsuits
ADA non-compliance can also lead to lawsuits from employees. Suppose your employees cannot access all workplace areas due to ADA compliance. In that case, they may file a lawsuit against you. In addition, if an employee is injured because of ADA non-compliance (for example, if they trip on an uneven sidewalk), they could sue you for damages.
Tips For Ensuring Compliance
There are a few vital things you can do to make sure your business parking lot is ADA compliant:
- Educate yourself and your employees about the ADA and what it requires.
- Regularly check for compliance issues and address them immediately.
- Make sure new construction or renovations are done in accordance with ADA standards.
- Keep up to date on changes to the ADA so you can stay compliant.
The Bottom Line
ADA compliance is important for all businesses, but it’s especially important for small businesses. The risks and penalties of non-compliance can be significant, so it’s crucial to take steps to ensure your business complies with the law.
Let Laurel Asphalt Help You Out!
All commercial parking lots in Altoona should be ADA compliant. That’s why Laurel Asphalt makes sure that our team is always keeping up with the latest changes, so we can help you stay compliant. If you need assistance making sure your commercial parking lot is ADA compliant or if you need any other asphalt services, get a free quote from Laurel Asphalt today!
