Plaintiff
- Name: Howard Wilson
- Filing Date: June 2, 2026
- Court: United States District Court Northern District of Illinois
- State: Illinois
- Attorney Firm: Stein Saks, PLLC
Defendant
- Name: Sierra Living Concepts, Inc.
- Website: www.sierralivingconcepts.com
- Industry: Consumer Goods
- Standards Cited: WCAG 2.1
- Summary: Offers handcrafted furniture pieces made from solid wood, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship techniques, with a focus on durability and direct-to-consumer availability.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, Howard Wilson, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Sierra Living Concepts, Inc. for failing to make its website, www.sierralivingconcepts.com, accessible to blind users as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Wilson alleges that he encountered multiple barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase a mirrored buffet hutch, which prevented him from enjoying the same shopping experience as sighted individuals. The complaint cites specific access issues, including missing alt-text and broken links, and seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to comply with accessibility standards. Wilson represents a class of legally blind individuals who have faced similar barriers on 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 accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
- Plaintiff encountered barriers that denied him full access to the website.
- Defendant failed to comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
Requested Relief
- Preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
- Injunction requiring Defendant to make its website fully compliant with the ADA.
- Declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against the blind.
- Order certifying the Class and appointing Plaintiff as Class Representative.
- Payment of nominal damages.
- Pre- and post-judgment interest.
- 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; venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).
