ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit: an online rent-to-own furniture retailer
Plaintiff's Firm: ACACIA BARROS, P.A.
Case Summary
Plaintiff Aishia Petersen, represented by ACACIA BARROS, P.A., filed this lawsuit against an online rent-to-own furniture retailer in the United States District Court Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, on March 21, 2021, alleging violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The complaint focuses on the inaccessibility of the retailer's mobile application for visually impaired and legally blind users, who rely on screen-reading technology.
The lawsuit specifically alleges several WCAG violations, including missing label descriptions for banners and promotional offers, unlabelled sign-up and personal information form fields (such as email, password, first name, last name, and address), and inaccessible maps within the store locator feature. Further issues cited involve unlabeled navigation icons (forward and back buttons announcing only "button" or "toolbar"), and a complete lack of descriptions for product images and details. The mobile app reportedly fails to meet WCAG 2.1 A level accessibility, lacks keyboard-only accessibility, and displays error messages in forms that are visually displayed but neither announced nor given keyboard focus.
This legal action highlights the critical importance for online rent-to-own furniture retailers and similar e-commerce businesses to ensure their mobile applications comply with digital accessibility standards. Businesses operating public-facing digital platforms risk similar litigation if they fail to provide auxiliary aids and services, such as proper screen-reader compatibility and keyboard navigation, for users with visual disabilities, thereby denying them equal access to goods and services.
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Case Q&A
What specific WCAG violations is this online furniture retailer accused of?
The online furniture retailer's mobile application is accused of having missing label descriptions for banners and offers, unlabelled sign-up form fields (email, password, personal details), inaccessible maps in the store locator feature, unlabeled navigation icons (forward/back buttons), and missing descriptions for product images and details. Additionally, the app reportedly fails WCAG 2.1 A level accessibility, lacks keyboard-only accessibility, and has unannounced or unfocused error messages in forms.
Who filed this lawsuit, and which law firm?
The lawsuit was filed by Aishia Petersen, represented by the law firm ACACIA BARROS, P.
What legal risk does this create?
This creates a legal risk for online furniture retailers and similar e-commerce businesses, indicating that their mobile applications must be fully accessible to disabled individuals. Failure to comply with ADA Title III and provide effective communication through auxiliary aids and services on digital platforms can lead to lawsuits and demands for permanent injunctions to ensure accessibility.