Plaintiff
- Name: Christopher Walters, Jared Charlap
- Filing Date: December 10, 2025
- Court: United States District Court Western District of Pennsylvania
- State: Pennsylvania
- Attorney Firm: Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller, Sweet LLP
Defendant
- Name: Shimano North America Holding, Inc.
- Website: www.gloomis.com
- Industry: Consumer Goods
- Summary: Designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes fishing rods, apparel, and related products.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, plaintiffs Christopher Walters and Jared Charlap, both legally blind, are suing Shimano North America Holding, Inc. for failing to make its digital platform accessible, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They allege that they encountered significant barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase fishing rods, which prevented them from completing their transactions. The plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction requiring the defendant to implement changes to ensure accessibility, along with costs and attorneys' fees. They emphasize the importance of digital accessibility for individuals with visual disabilities, particularly in the context of increasing online shopping.
Causes of Action
- Title III of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.
Key Allegations
- Defendant's digital properties are not accessible to legally blind individuals.
- Plaintiffs encountered barriers that denied them full access to Defendant's online goods and services.
Requested Relief
- A Declaratory Judgment that Defendant was in violation of the ADA.
- A permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Digital Platform accessible.
- Payment of costs of suit.
- Payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees.
- Payment of nominal damages.
- Provision of other relief deemed just and equitable.
Jurisdiction & Venue
Jurisdiction is invoked pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12188; venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(2).
