Plaintiff
- Name: HARON COLE
- Filing Date: November 10, 2025
- Court: United States District Court Northern District of Illinois
- State: Illinois
- Attorney Firm: EQUAL ACCESS LAW GROUP, PLLC
Defendant
- Name: Black Forest Decor, LLC
- Website: www.blackforestdecor.com
- Industry: Retailing
- Summary: Black Forest Decor provides a wide array of rustic and lodge-styled furniture, bedding sets, rugs, lamps, chandeliers, mirrors, wall art, sculptures, and lanterns for home decor.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, plaintiff Haron Cole, a legally blind individual, is suing Black Forest Decor, LLC for failing to make their website, Blackforestdecor.com, accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant access barriers, including lack of alternative text for images and reliance on mouse navigation, which prevent blind users from completing transactions. Plaintiffs allege that these barriers violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They seek a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible, as well as compensatory damages for the discrimination experienced. The case highlights the need for equal access to online services for individuals with disabilities.
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 not accessible to blind and visually-impaired persons
- Plaintiff encountered significant access barriers on the website
- Defendant's actions violate the Americans with Disabilities Act
Requested Relief
- Preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA
- Injunction requiring Defendant to make its website accessible
- Declaration of discrimination against the blind
- 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 Blackforestdecor.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Blackforestdecor.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) because Defendant conducts business in this District.
