Received an ADA Website Demand Letter? The First 7 Days

Day 1: don't panic-fix, and don't ignore it

The two worst responses are opposite extremes: making rushed, cosmetic changes to the site without understanding the real scope of issues, or ignoring the letter and hoping it goes away. Neither protects you. Read the letter carefully, note the specific deadline, and start the next steps in parallel.

Day 1-2: retain counsel experienced in ADA/accessibility matters

This is the single most important action in the first week. General litigation counsel without specific ADA website experience can miss nuances that matter - in settlement posture, in what remediation actually needs to look like, and in how to respond to the specific firm, since many of these letters come from a small number of firms with recognizable patterns.

Day 2-4: get an independent, real accessibility audit started

Don't rely solely on the letter's own claims for your understanding of scope - some demand letters are thorough, others cite a handful of issues found by an automated scanner and imply far broader non-compliance than actually exists. An independent audit gives you, and your attorney, an accurate, evidence-based picture to negotiate from.

Day 4-7: build a remediation plan, not just a response letter

Courts and plaintiffs' counsel increasingly want to see a credible, time-bound remediation plan, not just a legal rebuttal. A plan backed by a real audit - with prioritized findings and realistic timelines - is usually the strongest settlement position, and it's also simply the right thing to do regardless of the legal outcome.

What not to do

• Don't install an accessibility overlay as your response - it won't satisfy the claim and can be used as evidence you chose a shortcut.
• Don't ignore the letter past its stated deadline without at least having counsel respond.
• Don't make public statements about the claim before talking to counsel.