SF 49ers settle accessibility lawsuit, offer $24 million damages fund and improved access

The San Francisco 49ers and city of Santa Clara have agreed to a proposed out-of-court settlement in a class action lawsuit filed against them by a plaintiff representing persons with mobility disabilities which sets aside $24 million in damages fund in addition to a series of steps the team must take to make Levi’s Stadium more accessible.

The settlement requires the 49ers to make various modifications to Levi’s Stadium, its main parking lot, and the pedestrian right of way connecting the parking lots to the Stadium in order to provide persons with mobility disabilities with improved access to the Stadium and its services and amenities. Such modifications include the provision of additional accessible parking adjacent to the Stadium, an accessible path of travel from the accessible parking to the Stadium entrances and throughout the Stadium, the installation of signage throughout the Stadium directing persons with mobility disabilities to the accessible path of travel, including elevators, for services and amenities provided in the Stadium and to accessible seating; the elimination of excessive slopes in accessible seating areas, the provision of integrated accessible seating in all dining areas and bars, improvements to companion seating, and the modification of service countertops and box office windows necessary to permit access to services provided at those locations. The settlement also requires Defendants to make improvements to Stadium ticketing for accessible seating and shuttle services.

The Court must decide whether to approve the settlement. If it does, and after any appeals are resolved, payments will be distributed to those members of the Damages Class who submit qualifying Claim Forms. 

To file a claim, complete the form by no later than June 28, 2020 HERE.