Cedric Bishop v. Fabric Textile Products, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Cedric Bishop, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Fabric Textile Products, Inc. for failing to make its website, www.tablecloth.com, accessible to blind users. Bishop alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while trying to access information about table linen products, which prevented him from making purchases. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), New York State Human Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law, seeking injunctive relief to ensure the website is accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. Bishop claims that the lack of accessibility has caused him frustration and humiliation, and he intends to revisit the website once the barriers are removed.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.
• 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 individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers while attempting to use the website.
• Defendant has failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines for web accessibility.

Requested Relief

• A 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 Plaintiff’s claims arise under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.