Gabriela Cruz v. Spring Footwear Corp.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Gabriela Cruz, a visually impaired individual, is suing Spring Footwear Corp. for failing to make its website, https://www.springstepshoes.com, accessible to blind and visually impaired users. Cruz alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent her from independently navigating and completing purchases, violating her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint details specific access issues, such as the lack of alt-text for images and reliance on mouse navigation, which hinder visually impaired users. Cruz seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced by her and other class members.

Causes of Action

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

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 of discrimination against visually impaired individuals
• Class action certification
• Award of costs and expenses

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).