HARRISBURG, Penn.–Credit unions across Pennsylvania are receiving demand letters from law firms concerning the accessibility of the credit unions’ websites, and compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.
The issue is one confronting credit unions in numerous states, and a number of CUs are known to have already reached settlements with plaintiffs in such cases. One law firm has been running ads in several states seeking new plaintiffs for the suits, which allege a credit union’s website is in violation of the ADA if it doesn’t provide equal access for people with various disabilities.
The Pennsylvania demand letters are coming at the same time the National Association of Attorneys General has been asked by NAFCU to help address the growing challenge of such lawsuits, as CUToday.info reported here.
NAFCU Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel Carrie Hunt wrote the NAAG, bringing their attention to the lack of guidance for website accessibility under the ADA.
Meanwhile, other state associations are also seeking to respond. The Maryland/DC Credit Union Association recently hosted a webinar for its member credit unions on the issue. Credit unions in Maryland and the District have also received similar demand letters.
“There is a disclaimer you can put on your website that, at very minimum, lets consumers know you are working on this matter,” said MDDCCUA CEO John Bratsakis. “We know that is what many attorneys are recommending. It’s not a silver bullet, but at least it is something. But the scariest part about all this, is that if a credit union settles with one person, that does not preclude someone else from bringing a suit against you, as these are not class-action suits.”
The PCUA said it is asking any CU within its membership that receives such a demand letter forward it to the Association. The PCUA said it is exploring avenues on behalf of credit unions and addressing the matter with members of Congress.