ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: an online Asian specialty goods retailer
Plaintiff's Firm: WILSHIRE LAW FIRM
Case Summary
Crystal Redick has filed an ADA Title III website accessibility lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on June 29, 2021, against an online Asian specialty goods retailer. The plaintiff, represented by Wilshire Law Firm, alleges that the retailer's website is not fully accessible to and independently usable by blind and visually-impaired individuals, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and California's Unruh Civil Rights Act.
The complaint outlines numerous accessibility barriers encountered by the plaintiff and class members. These include a lack of alternative text for graphics and images, empty links without descriptive text, redundant links, and linked images missing alt-text. Further allegations cite the absence of title frames for identification and navigation, equivalent text for scripts, and accessible forms. The website reportedly fails to convey content structure via non-visual means, prevents text resizing, and imposes unadjustable time limits. Issues with link purpose determination, discernible keyboard focus indicators, and programmatically determined language are also raised. The lawsuit also identifies automatic context changes on focus or setting alteration, missing labels or instructions for user input, and markup language errors such as incomplete tags, improper nesting, or duplicate attributes. Additionally, inaccessible Portable Document Format (PDFs) and undeterminable names/roles for user interface elements are cited as barriers.
This class action serves as a warning to other online retailers and service providers regarding the critical importance of digital accessibility. Businesses operating e-commerce websites must ensure their platforms comply with established guidelines like WCAG 2.1 to avoid potential litigation under ADA Title III and similar state laws. Failure to provide equal access to all consumers, including those using screen-reading software, can lead to costly lawsuits, statutory damages, and mandated injunctive relief to remediate accessibility barriers.
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Case Q&A
What specific WCAG violations is this online Asian specialty goods retailer accused of?
The retailer's website is accused of lacking alternative text for images, having empty and redundant links, missing title frames and equivalent text for scripts, and inaccessible forms. Other issues include undeterminable link purposes, poor keyboard navigation, and the presence of inaccessible Portable Document Format (PDFs).
Who filed this lawsuit, and which law firm is representing the plaintiff?
The lawsuit was filed by Crystal Redick, and she is represented by Wilshire Law Firm.
What legal risk does this lawsuit create for similar online businesses?
This lawsuit highlights the risk of legal action under ADA Title III and state civil rights acts for any online business whose website is not fully accessible to disabled users. Non-compliant websites can face demands for injunctive relief, statutory damages, and attorneys' fees.