Dustin Youngren v. West Paw, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Plaintiff DUSTIN YOUNGREN, a visually impaired individual, is suing West Paw, Inc. for failing to make their website, Westpaw.com, accessible to blind and visually impaired users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent these users from independently navigating and completing purchases. Specific issues include lack of alternative text for images, inadequate labeling of forms, and reliance on mouse navigation, which is not usable for visually impaired individuals. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to require West Paw to make their website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The case is filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Causes of Action

• Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to visually impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered significant access barriers on Westpaw.com that hindered his ability to complete a purchase.
• Defendant failed to implement necessary modifications to make the website accessible.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
• An order requiring Defendant to make Westpaw.com fully compliant with the ADA.
• A declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against visually impaired individuals.

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Westpaw.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Westpaw.com, 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).