ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: An Online Cannabis Retailer
Plaintiff's Firm: MANNING LAW, APC
Case Summary
JENNIFER CARBINE, a visually-impaired individual, through her legal representation, MANNING LAW, APC, filed a civil rights action against an online cannabis retailer in the United States District Court, Central District of California, on May 28, 2020.
The lawsuit alleges that the retailer's e-commerce website contains multiple access barriers for blind and visually-impaired users. These barriers include graphics, links, and buttons lacking proper labels or alternative text, insufficient navigational headings, unlabeled or mislabeled interactive elements, an inaccessible checkout system, and cursor traps, leading to screen-reader incompatibility and user frustration.
This litigation highlights the legal exposure for businesses operating websites that fail to provide equal access to individuals with disabilities. Similar online retailers, particularly those offering goods and services integrated with brick-and-mortar locations, risk claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act Title III and California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, potentially resulting in demands for injunctive relief and statutory damages for non-compliance.
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Case Q&A
What specific WCAG violations is this online cannabis retailer accused of?
The online retailer is accused of having graphics, links, and buttons that lack alternative text or proper labels, insufficient navigational headings, an inaccessible checkout system, and "cursor traps" that prevent smooth navigation for screen-reader users.
Who filed this lawsuit, and which law firm?
The lawsuit was filed by JENNIFER CARBINE, a visually-impaired individual, and is represented by MANNING LAW, APC.
What legal risk does this create?
This case demonstrates that online businesses face significant legal risks under ADA Title III and state civil rights laws if their websites are not fully accessible to disabled users, potentially leading to lawsuits seeking injunctive relief to mandate accessibility improvements and statutory damages.