Erika Randolph v. PATRICIA NASH DESIGNS INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Erika Randolph, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Patricia Nash Designs Inc. for failing to make their website, Patricianashdesigns.com, accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent blind individuals from independently accessing and purchasing products, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Randolph claims that despite her attempts to use the website to purchase a handbag, she encountered numerous accessibility issues, including ambiguous link texts and a lack of necessary features for screen readers. The plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced by Randolph and others in similar situations.

Causes of Action

• Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq. – Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Declaratory Relief
• Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired persons
• Plaintiff was denied the ability to independently navigate and make purchases on the website
• Defendant failed to implement necessary accessibility features as per ADA guidelines

Requested Relief

• Preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA
• Injunction requiring Defendant to make its website accessible to blind individuals
• Declaration of discrimination against the blind on the website
• Class action certification
• Payment of nominal damages
• Pre- and post-judgment interest
• Award of costs and expenses
• Punitive damages
• Compensatory damages

Proposed Class

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