Frangie Espinal v. LT Foods Americas, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Frangie Espinal, a visually-impaired individual, is suing LT Foods Americas, Inc. for failing to make its website, www.authenticroyal.com, accessible to blind users. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent her from accessing information about products, including rice, and completing purchases. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), New York State Human Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law. Espinal seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve website accessibility and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA
• 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 persons.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers preventing her from purchasing products.
• Defendant 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, and supplemental jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1367.