The Dark Side of Litigation: Cesar Cotto, Serial Litigant
CORFEE STONE LAW CORP.
(916) 812-7322
By: David Barclay, Paralegal
In the complex world of law and justice, there are champions who fight for the oppressed, seeking fairness and equality. Not everyone who enters the courtroom is a hero. Enter disabled plaintiff Cesar Cotto, a name that sends shivers down the spines of business owners and legal professionals alike. He alleges he is visually impaired and sues over website violations of the ADA. Corfee Stone Law Corporation is aware of the vast number of lawsuits filed by Cotto, who has carved out a notorious reputation for himself, exploiting legal loopholes and turning litigation into a weapon of profit.
With a staggering number of lawsuits under his belt, Cotto has transformed the courtroom into his personal battlefield. Under the guise of advocating for the rights of the disabled, particularly the visually impaired, Cotto has systematically targeted businesses, large and small, across the country. While advocating for accessibility is undeniably important, Cotto’s methods raise serious ethical and moral questions.
Cotto’s modus operandi involves meticulously searching for minor, often inconsequential, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on business websites. Businesses, wary of the exorbitant costs associated with prolonged litigation, often opt for a quick settlement. This tactic, repeated countless times, has allowed Cotto to amass substantial sums of money, all while portraying himself as a crusader for the disabled.
Corfee Stone Law Corporation believes that the true victims of Cotto’s schemes are the countless small business owners who find themselves ensnared in his legal traps. These entrepreneurs, already struggling to stay afloat in a challenging economic environment, are forced to divert precious resources to fend off baseless lawsuits. Many describe the experience as akin to extortion, with Cotto’s demands draining their finances and disrupting their operations. One such victim, a café owner in Los Angeles, recounts the nightmare of facing Cotto’s legal assault. “It felt like I was being hunted,” she explains. “We strive to make our café welcoming to everyone, but his lawsuit was based on a technicality that no customer had ever complained about. We ended up settling because we couldn’t afford the legal fees, but it nearly bankrupted us.”
By flooding the courts with frivolous lawsuits, he diverts judicial resources away from genuine cases that deserve attention. Moreover, his behavior tarnishes the legitimate efforts of genuine advocates who work tirelessly to improve accessibility for disabled individuals. When the cause is hijacked by those seeking personal gain, it undermines the credibility and urgency of the issues at hand.
Attorney Catherine M. Corfee, Esq. of Corfee Stone Law Corporation have been defending businesses against ADA claims since approximately 1995. For preventative advice and/or legal representation contact Ms. Corfee at 916-812-7322.