Donna Hedges v. Hollywood Fashion Secrets, LLC

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Donna Hedges, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Hollywood Fashion Secrets, LLC for failing to make its website accessible as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hedges alleges that the website, www.hollywoodfashionsecrets.com, contains multiple barriers that prevent blind users from accessing its products and services, including missing alt-text for images and broken links. The complaint cites violations of the ADA, New York State Human Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law, seeking a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve website accessibility and compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination. Hedges claims that these barriers have caused her frustration and humiliation, and she intends to revisit the website once the issues are resolved.

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

• 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.