Caitlin Walsh v. Dean & Hoyle Brands, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Plaintiff Caitlin Walsh, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Dean & Hoyle Brands, Inc. for failing to make its website, www.gratsi.com, accessible to blind users. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent her from independently accessing its goods and services, specifically when attempting to purchase wine. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks a permanent injunction requiring the defendant to make necessary changes to ensure accessibility. The plaintiff claims that these barriers have caused her frustration and denied her the ability to enjoy the same shopping experience as sighted individuals.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered barriers that denied her full and equal access to the website.
• Defendant has failed to comply with the ADA's requirements for accessibility.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
• An order requiring Defendant to make its website fully compliant with the ADA.
• A declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against blind individuals.

Proposed Class

All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Defendant’s Website and as a result have been denied access to the equal enjoyment of goods and services, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182; venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).