Carlton Knowles v. Torchbearer Sauces, LLC

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Carlton Knowles, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Torchbearer Sauces, LLC for failing to make its website accessible, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Knowles alleges that he encountered multiple barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase products, including missing alt-text and broken links. He seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve website accessibility and claims damages for the discrimination faced. The case also includes class action allegations on behalf of all legally blind individuals denied equal access to the website.

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 failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.

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, as claims arise under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.