Court Preliminarily Approves Nationwide ADA Parking Settlement Against Cracker Barrel

On May 15, 2017, the Honorable Robert C. Mitchell, sitting in the Western District of Pennsylvania, entered an Order preliminarily approving the proposed class actions settlement, directing the issuance of settlement notice and scheduling a hearing on final approval in Sarah Heinzl v. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. This relief achieved on behalf of the mobility-disabled community is nothing less than extraordinary. The settlement is the culmination of two and a half years of vigorously pursued and hotly contested litigation in which Ms. Heinzl successfully defeated each and every motion filed by Cracker Barrel. The comprehensive and historic relief achieved here obligates Cracker Barrel to, not only, ensure that all of the Cracker Barrel Parking Facilities are accessible to individuals with mobility disabilities but it also puts in place a policy and process for identifying and removing barriers at Cracker Barrel Parking Facilities nationwide for years to come. Ms. Heinzl has proven her importance and dedication to the disabled community not only through her advocacy and past employment but also as a class representative in this case and others. Carlson Lynch partner Ed Kilpela led the firm’s litigation efforts behalf of the Class. Carlson Lynch partner Ed Kilpela led the firm’s litigation efforts behalf of the Class.