Christine Thomas v. Naples Soap Company, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Christine Thomas, a legally blind individual, is suing Naples Soap Company, Inc. for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and related state laws due to the inaccessibility of their website, www.naplessoap.com. Ms. Thomas alleges that she encountered multiple barriers while attempting to access product information and complete purchases using screen-reading software. These barriers included missing alternative text for images, empty buttons, and improperly labeled form controls. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to compel the defendant to make its website accessible and requests damages and attorney's fees.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• Violation of the New York State Human Rights Law
• Violation of the New York City Human Rights Law
• Violation of New York Civil Rights Law § 40-c
• Violation of New York Civil Rights Law § 40-d

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website lacks proper alternative text for images.
• Empty and unlabeled interactive buttons and links.
• Missing or improperly implemented form labels.
• Failure to provide screen-reader-compatible markup.

Requested Relief

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Website accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Damages, statutory relief, attorneys' fees, costs.

Proposed Class

All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Defendant's Website and were denied full and equal access due to the Website's failure to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA accessibility standards.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and supplemental jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367.