ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: An Online Retailer
Plaintiff's Firm: PACIFIC TRIAL ATTORNEYS, A Professional Corporation
Case Summary
Plaintiff Abelardo Martinez, Jr., represented by PACIFIC TRIAL ATTORNEYS, A Professional Corporation, filed a lawsuit against an online retailer in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on May 13, 2020. The lawsuit alleges that the online retailer's e-commerce platform is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired users, violating California's Unruh Civil Rights Act through both intentional discrimination and alleged breaches of ADA provisions.
The complaint specifically details several critical web accessibility barriers, including missing alternative text for graphics, empty buttons that lack descriptive text for screen readers, empty or missing form labels, and redundant links that cause navigation and repetition issues for keyboard and screen reader users. These deficiencies prevent individuals using screen reading software from fully accessing the products, services, and information available on the e-commerce website, failing to adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ("WCAG 2.0") standards.
This action highlights the significant legal risk for other e-commerce websites and online businesses that fail to comply with web accessibility standards. Businesses operating online platforms, particularly those offering products and services, may face similar litigation under state civil rights acts if their digital properties are not designed to be fully accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments.
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Case Q&A
What specific WCAG violations is this online retailer accused of?
The online retailer is accused of having missing alternative text for graphics, empty buttons, empty or missing form labels, and redundant links that cause navigation and repetition issues for keyboard and screen reader users, violating WCAG 2.0 guidelines.
Who filed this lawsuit, and which law firm?
This lawsuit was filed by Abelardo Martinez, Jr., and he is represented by PACIFIC TRIAL ATTORNEYS, A Professional Corporation.
What legal risk does this create?
This case underscores the legal exposure for e-commerce platforms that do not provide accessible websites for disabled users. Similar businesses risk lawsuits under state civil rights acts, such as California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, if their digital offerings contain accessibility barriers for individuals with visual impairments.