Darnell Williams v. Shark Zen LLC

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Darnell Williams, a visually impaired individual, is suing Shark Zen LLC for failing to make its website, https://sharkzen.com, accessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Williams alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent him and others from independently accessing and purchasing products. He claims that the website's design relies on visual elements that are not compatible with screen-reading software, making it impossible for visually impaired users to navigate or complete transactions. Williams seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced by him and other class members.

Causes of Action

• Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Key Allegations

• Website is inaccessible to visually impaired individuals
• Denial of full and equal access to goods and services offered on the Website
• Failure to provide necessary accommodations for screen-reader users

Requested Relief

• Preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA
• Injunction requiring Defendant to make the Website compliant with the ADA
• Declaration that the Website discriminates against visually impaired individuals
• Order certifying this case as a class action
• Pre- and post-judgment interest
• Award of costs and expenses of this action together with reasonable attorneys’ and expert fees

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access the Website and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by the Website, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182; venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).