CASp Inspection & Certificate
CASp Inspections with CRASCA Reports
A CASp inspection report prepared in accordance to CRASCA is our most popular service because it grants special legal protections that mitigate exposure to “ADA lawsuits”. These benefits are effective deterrents against high frequency litigants who file many construction-related accessibility lawsuits demanding monetary compensation. The benefits of receiving a disability access inspection performed by a Certified Access Specialist include:
Minimum statutory damages could be reduced from $4,000 per occurrence to $1,000 per occurrence.
The defendant can request a 90 stay which freezes the complaint for 3 months.
The defendant can access an Early Evaluation Conference (EEC) in effort to resolve the claim more economically than going to trial.
A signed state certificate that can be displayed to the public.
The intention of Senate Bill 1608 and 1186 (the California bills that regulate the CASp Program and the benefits provided by them) is to encourage owners to become educated about the accessibility of their facilities and make improvements within their means. The benefits listed above provide a layer of protection between the time when the facility is inspected and improvements are made. After receiving a CASp inspection report, the business owner completes an estimated timeline for barrier removal. While the business should make every effort to make improvements in a timely manner, it is up to the business to determine a reasonable timeline. It is important to note that an inspected business receives the benefits listed above on the day of inspection and NOT once corrections are made.
Restaurant CASp Inspections
Restaurants are one of the most targeted facilities by high frequency litigants. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an uptick in restaurant lawsuits because on non-compliant outdoor spaces that were constructed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our CASp Inspectors are very experienced with evaluating large and small restaurants. A typical restaurant inspection will include inspection of: accessible parking, path of travel, dining tables, bars, counters, patios, entertainment spaces and restrooms.
Hotel CASp Inspections
Lodging facilities have many accessibility requirements that are specific to the industry. Our CASp inspectors have surveyed large resorts, small boutique hotels and everything in between. The scope of evaluation at lodging facilities often include inspection of: accessible parking, accessible path of travel, passenger loading zones, lobbies, counters, dining facilities, accessible guest rooms, pools, spas, guest laundry, conference rooms, business centers, vending and restrooms.
Commercial CASp Inspections
Shopping Centers and Strip Malls are exposed to accessibility related lawsuits because they often provide many parking stalls. Non-compliant accessible parking is the most common allegation in ADA lawsuits. High frequency litigants often target facilities using Google Earth. If they know what to look for, it is easy to spot non-compliant parking by just looking at a satellite image. Our CASp inspectors have evaluated commercial facilities of all sizes. The exterior scope of inspection at commercial facilities often include inspection of: accessible parking, accessible path of travel from the public right of way, passenger loading zones, ramps, stairs and tenant entrance landings.
Retail CASp Inspections
All areas that are open to the public in retail facilities must be accessible to people with disabilities. In some cases that may required a ramp of platform lift to access raised or sunken areas. Do you have changing areas? Those spaces have special requirements that can expose a facility to a lawsuit if not constructed property. Our CASp inspectors will thoroughly evaluate all applicable areas and elements of the retail facility including: accessible parking, accessible path of travel, counters, aisles, operable parts and restrooms.
Medical Office CASp Inspections
Medical facilities understandably have a higher level of accessibility standards compared to most public accommodations. Not only do exam rooms have special requirements but depending on the type of medical facility, the number of required accessible parking stalls can be much higher than a standard commercial site. Our CASp inspection experts will inspect all areas and elements of the medical facility including: accessible parking, accessible path of travel, lobbies, waiting rooms, exam/treatment rooms, changing rooms, and restrooms.
Gas Station CASp Inspections
Gas stations are often targeted by high frequency litigants for non-compliant fuel pumps as well as inaccessible convenience stores. Gas stations typically contain many elements that are required to be accessible to people with disabilities. Our Certified Access Specialists (CASp) will inspect all areas and elements of the fuel station facility including: accessible parking, accessible path of travel, fuel pumps, counters, aisles, operable parts and reach ranges, ATMs, and restrooms.