LAWAL v. WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET, INC.

    Plaintiff

    • Name: Aderiyike Lawal
    • Filing date: June 4, 2020
    • State of filing: California

    Defendant

    • Name: White House Black Market Inc.
    • Website: www.whitehouseblackmarket.com
    • Industry: Apparel
    • Summary: White House Black Market sells classic women's apparel, shoes, and accessories at a chain of retail stores and via its website.

    Case Summary

    On June 4, 2020, Aderiyike Lawal filed a Complaint in California State court against White House Black Market Inc.. Plaintiff Aderiyike Lawal alleges that www.whitehouseblackmarket.com is not accessible per the Section 508 accessibility standard(s).

    Case Details

    Plaintiff alleges issues in its Complaint including the following:

    • Adding invisible alt-text to graphics;
      Ensuring that all functions can be performed using a keyboard and screen reader;
    • Ensuring that image maps are accessible; removing empty links or headings which are confusing; removing documents which do not allow screen-readers to properly read the text; and
    • Adding headings and links so that visually impaired people can easily navigate the site. 

    Plaintiff asserts the following cause(s) of action in its Complaint:

    Unruh Civil Rights Act, California Civil Code § 51 et seq. 

    Plaintiff seeks the following relief by way of its Complaint:

    • A preliminary and permanent injunction enjoining Defendants from further violations of the UCRA, Civil Code §§ 51, et seq., with respect to their Website, https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/, and all of the webpages and urls contained therein;
    • A preliminary and permanent injunction requiring Defendants to take the steps necessary to make their Website readily and fully accessible to and usable by blind and visually impaired individuals. Plaintiff expressly limits the cost of injunctive relief sought in sections A and B to $15,000 or less;
    • An award of statutory minimum damages of $4,000 per violation pursuant to § 52(a) of the California Civil Code;
    • For attorneys’ fees and expenses pursuant to all applicable laws including, without limitation, pursuant to California Civil Code § 52(a);
    • For pre-judgment interest to the extent permitted by law;
    • For costs of suit; and
    • For such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper.

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