In 1996, a U.S. military named George Louie was forced to have his leg amputated after a long battle with diabetes. After losing his leg, Louie's life changed dramatically. While navigating his new life as a physically disabled person, he began to see that the disability systems and allowances, such as handicap accessible parking and building entrances, were severely lacking in the majority of California cities. Louie decided to take it on himself to make a change.

Louie took action, forming an organization called Americans With Disabilities Advocates in 1999. The mission of the organization, Louie says, is to file lawsuits against companies who commit violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act in California and throughout the country.

The veteran is believed to have filed several thousands of lawsuits since his organization's formation 12 years ago. To be sure, he may be filling a real need for people with disabilities in California. However, the businesses who his lawsuits target believe that he is filing unnecessary and harassing lawsuits, costing them time, money, and occasionally, their very businesses.

Under the ADA, companies that commit violations of the federal disability law are subject to a fine of up to $4,000. For big companies, this is usually a mere drop in the hat. However, for small businesses, this amount is not so easily reached. Any unexpected expense, regardless of its size, can place the final nail in the coffin of an already struggling business, especially one that is fighting to survive in a difficult economy.

"These are local small businesses and this sort of thing is huge in a struggling economy," says Hussein Saffouri, an attorney who is defending several defendant businesses in Vallejo, California. "And he just comes along and tries to suck them dry."

Source: The Times-Herald, "Disabled veteran files dozens of ADA lawsuits; Vallejo businesses fight 'vexatious litigation'," Rachel Raskin-Zrihen, 23 July 2011