Plaintiff
- Name: Arantza Castro
- Filing Date: March 12, 2026
- Court: United States District Court Southern District of Florida
- State: Florida
- Attorney Firm: Mendez Law Offices, PLLC; Adams & Associates, P.A.
Defendant
- Name: Assouline Publishing, Inc.
- Website: www.assouline.com
- Industry: Retailing
- Standards Cited: WCAG 2.0 Level AA
- Summary: sells books, objects, candles, diffusers, and gifts
Case Summary
According to the complaint, Arantza Castro, a visually impaired individual, is suing Assouline Publishing, Inc. for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to accessibility barriers on their website, https://www.assouline.com/. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains numerous issues that prevent effective navigation using screen-reader software, including unlabeled graphics and inaccessible menus. Castro seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to ensure equal access to the website, as well as compensatory damages for the alleged trespass of tracking software on her computer. The complaint emphasizes the need for compliance with ADA standards to provide equal access to individuals with disabilities.
Causes of Action
- Violation of the ADA
- Trespass
Key Allegations
- Plaintiff is visually impaired and relies on screen-reader software to navigate websites.
- Defendant's website contains access barriers that prevent effective use by visually disabled individuals.
- Plaintiff encountered specific access barriers including unlabeled graphics and inaccessible menus.
Requested Relief
- Declaratory relief that Defendant's website violates the ADA
- Injunctive relief requiring Defendant to update its website for accessibility
- Compensatory damages for trespass to Plaintiff's personal property
- Attorney's fees and costs
Jurisdiction & Venue
Southern District of Florida, Miami-Dade Division
