As the wave of ADA website compliance lawsuits spreads across Missouri, one name stood out in a recent KMBC news segment covering the issue: Nayan Padrai, a digital accessibility expert and founder of EcomBack.
How Nayan Padrai and EcomBack Are Helping Companies Stay Ahead of Accessibility Lawsuits
As a Missouri businesses, many well known to those in the metro are being sued, sued for not having websites that can be easily used by people with
disabilities. Tech experts say this is a tactic called Sue and Settle. It can cost local businesses thousands of dollars.
KNBCs Krista Tatchell is investigating these lawsuits.
Blue Spring City Theatre, a nonprofit community theatre in eastern Jackson County that's been around for about 38 years.
I steer clear of web design altogether. It makes no sense to me.
What also made no sense to the theatre getting sued over their website, allegedly not being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
And this theatre helps children with disabilities.
I always root for the underdog.
he theatre and 74 other businesses in the state have been sued since last year for website noncompliance.
The suits have been brought by the same man who states he is legally blind and couldn't effectively use the sites.
35 of those cases were settled out of court from the Kauffman Centre to Gates Barbecue and Betty Ray is to an RV park in the Ozarks, all facing web lawsuits.
It's cheaper to settle than it is to fight. All a plaintiff lawyer needs to do is run an automated test, find some errors on your website, put that in a complaint with a lot of boiler plate allegations.
And then now you have a lawsuit.
You're not ever going to have a lot of money to spend on anything you want.
But the show must go on in a state spotted with dots.
Throwing darts at a board and seeing what sticks of web litigation.
Krista Tatchell, KNBC nine news.
Now, on the Kansas side, two years ago, Governor Laura Kelly signed into law a measure protecting small businesses against predatory ADA compliance lawsuits while still offering protections to those with disabilities.
A growing number of Missouri businesses are finding themselves caught in the crosshairs of ADA website compliance lawsuits. From iconic institutions like Gates BBQ to community nonprofits like Blue Springs City Theater, no one seems immune. As this legal trend gains momentum, one expert is stepping into the spotlight with clarity and solutions: Nayan Padrai, founder of digital accessibility firm EcomBack.
Recently featured in a KMBC news segment, Padrai has become a go-to voice on ADA digital compliance a topic many business owners didn’t even know they needed to understand until lawsuits came knocking.
ADA Compliance Lawsuits: What’s Happening in Missouri?
In 2024 alone, over 75 businesses across Missouri were sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for website accessibility violations. Many of these cases follow what Padrai calls a “sue and settle” pattern, law firms identify accessibility issues using automated tools, file lawsuits with boilerplate complaints, and pressure businesses into costly settlements.
“All a plaintiff lawyer needs to do is run automated tests, find some errors on your website, file a complaint,” Padrai told KMBC. “Now you have a lawsuit you can defend and fight—but that’s going to cost you money.”
For small businesses and nonprofits, the financial and legal burden can be overwhelming. Settlements often range from $5,000 to $40,000, and that doesn’t include legal fees or the cost of fixing the website.
Turning Legal Setback Into Industry Leadership
Padrai’s expertise didn’t come from theory, it came from personal experience. After his own business was hit with an ADA lawsuit, he dove deep into the legal and technical complexities of digital accessibility. Instead of walking away, he launched the accessibility division of EcomBack with a mission: to help other businesses become accessible.
Today, EcomBack provides audits, accessibility remediation, and ongoing support to help organizations stay compliant and inclusive.
“Fix the Problem, Not Just the Lawsuit”
At the heart of Padrai’s message is a simple but powerful idea: ADA compliance should be about people, not just legal protection.
“Website compliance is important to help those with disabilities,” Padrai said. “But the ADA was never intended to be a monetary pursuit.”
He warns that the current surge in lawsuits is shifting the focus away from genuine accessibility improvements and turning ADA into a profit engine for legal firms. That’s why he advocates a proactive, educational approach to compliance—one that empowers businesses to take action before a legal notice arrives.
Proactive Help for Businesses at Risk
Padrai doesn’t just raise awareness, he offers tangible help. Through EcomBack, businesses can access a free consultation to assess their website’s accessibility and legal exposure. His team identifies problem areas, recommends fixes, and guides companies through the remediation process.
The goal? Not just to reduce legal risk, but to create better online experiences for the millions of Americans who rely on assistive technology.
Final Word: Don’t Wait Until You’re Sued
Padrai’s feature in the KMBC segment wasn’t just news, it was a wake-up call. As ADA-related lawsuits continue to surge across the country, Missouri businesses have a choice: react after a lawsuit, or act now to protect themselves and their customers.
If your website isn’t accessible, now is the time to change that. With trusted guidance from experts like Nayan Padrai and EcomBack, businesses can turn a potential liability into an opportunity for inclusion and leadership.
Take the first step toward ADA compliance with EcomBack. Schedule your free consultation today.