ADA Lawsuits Are Exploding — What Hotel Owners Need to Know
46 minutes
Season 5
Episode 2
In This Conversation
ADA compliance is becoming one of the fastest-growing legal risks in the hospitality industry — and most hotel owners don't realize how exposed they are. Bryan sits down with attorney Lindsay Leavitt, Director at Fennemore, to break down what's really happening behind the surge in ADA-related lawsuits against hotels across the U.S.
From service animal policies to accessibility requirements, website compliance, and franchisee responsibility, the conversation covers the real-world legal challenges facing hotel owners, operators, and developers today.
Lindsay draws on her experience defending hundreds of ADA cases to explain why so many lawsuits come from repeat "serial plaintiffs," why franchisees remain fully liable even under major brand flags, and how addressing "low-hanging fruit" issues early can prevent costly litigation later.
Key Topics
ADA Litigation Surge
Serial Plaintiffs & Franchisee Liability
Proactive Compliance
In This Episode:
The most common ADA violations hotels get sued for
Why many lawsuits come from "serial plaintiffs"
The difference between service animals and emotional support animals
How ADA requirements apply to hotel websites and online booking
Why franchisees remain fully liable even under major brand affiliation
The costly mistake of waiting too long to involve an attorney
How to fix "low-hanging fruit" issues before they become lawsuits
Lindsay Leavitt
Director
Fennemore
About Our Guest
Lindsay Leavitt is a Director at Fennemore, where his practice focuses on business litigation, employment and labor law, and civil rights. Licensed in Arizona since 2012 and a graduate of Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, he has been recognized in Super Lawyers (2026) and Rising Stars (2019–2024). His practice includes defending hospitality clients against ADA-related litigation.
