Plaintiff
- Name: Carlton Knowles
- Filing Date: July 30, 2026
- Court: United States District Court Southern District of New York
- State: New York
- Attorney Firm: Gottlieb & Associates PLLC
Defendant
- Name: Franklin-Christoph, LLC
- Website: www.franklin-christoph.com
- Industry: Retailing
- Standards Cited: WCAG 2.0
- Summary: Operates an online retail store offering a variety of goods including pens and related products, along with information about pricing, terms of service, and policies.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, Carlton Knowles, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Franklin-Christoph, LLC for failing to make its website accessible as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Knowles alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the website, which prevented him from purchasing products and obtaining necessary information. The complaint cites violations of the ADA, New York State Human Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law, seeking injunctive relief to ensure accessibility and compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination.
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 full use of the website.
- Defendant has failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.
Requested Relief
- Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Website accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under various laws.
- 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, as Plaintiff’s claims arise under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.
