Carlton Knowles v. Brighton-Best International, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Carlton Knowles, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Brighton-Best International, Inc. for failing to make its website accessible as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint alleges that the website, https://ironclad.com, contains multiple barriers that prevent blind users from accessing information and purchasing products, including work and safety gloves. Knowles claims that these barriers violate his rights under the ADA and other New York laws. He seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve website accessibility and compensatory damages for the discrimination he has faced.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA
• Violations of the NYSHRL
• Violations of the NYCHRL
• Violation of GBL § 349

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired persons.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers preventing him from purchasing products.
• Defendant has failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines for web accessibility.

Requested Relief

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Website accessible to blind individuals.
• Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under New York State Human Rights Law and GBL § 349.
• Reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

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 offered by Defendant’s Website, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

The Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12181, and supplemental jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1367.