MOBILE, Ala.—The dismissal of a court case against a credit union here over alleged violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) by its website could have broader implications than just one CU.
The court has dismissed the case brought against the $19-million The Infirmary FCU here; a case that is part of a wave of similar lawsuits brought against credit unions across the country.
Monique Michel, senior director of advocacy and counsel for CUNA, noted that the attorney representing the plaintiff in the case has also brought similar cases against 10 other credit unions in Alabama.
“Going forward, we think this is a significant,” said Michel.
Earlier, CUNA and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates had filed a brief in the case involving The Infirmary FCU, and had also amended the brief when the plaintiff amended the original complaint.
“Another voluntary dismissal of another frivolous case brought against a credit union is good news, as these predatory suits are simply trying to exploit a law designed to protect disabled Americans,” said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. “Abuse of the ADA at the expense of community financial institutions is not a winning strategy, and CUNA will continue its work across the country to highlight the meritless claims found throughout these lawsuits."
CUNA has filed several similar briefs supporting credit unions around the country, and one case in Texas was dismissed eight days after the brief was filed with the Cornerstone Credit Union League.
CUNA said it continues to engage with the Department of Justice and Congress to find a solution, and has compliance resources available for member credit unions designed to help them ward off legal threats.