Howard Wilson v. Leather Goods, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Howard Wilson, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Leather Goods, Inc. for failing to make its website, www.wkleinberg.com, accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Wilson alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase a belt, which prevented him from enjoying the same shopping experience as sighted individuals. The complaint cites specific access barriers such as missing alt-text and broken links. Wilson seeks a permanent injunction requiring the defendant to comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines and to ensure that the website is accessible to blind users. He also seeks class certification for all legally blind individuals who have faced similar issues with the website.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant’s website is not equally accessible to blind and visually impaired consumers.
• Plaintiff encountered barriers that denied full access to the website.
• Defendant failed to construct and maintain a website that is sufficiently intuitive for visually impaired individuals.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• A declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against the blind.
• Payment of nominal damages.
• An award of costs and expenses of this action together with reasonable attorneys’ and expert fees.

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, 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.