Plaintiff
- Name: James Evans
- Filing Date: December 10, 2025
- Court: United States District Court Northern District of Illinois
- State: Illinois
- Attorney Firm: Equal Access Law Group, PLLC
Defendant
- Name: Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation
- Website: okumafishingusa.com
- Industry: Consumer Goods
- Standards Cited: WCAG 2.2
- Summary: Okuma Fishing Tackle provides a wide array of fishing products and services, including rods, reels, lures, apparel, and accessories, available for purchase online.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, James Evans, a visually impaired individual, is suing Okuma Fishing Tackle Corporation for failing to make their website, Okumafishingusa.com, accessible to blind users. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent visually impaired individuals from independently navigating and completing purchases. Key issues include the lack of proper alt-text for images, inadequate labeling of form fields, and the requirement to use a mouse for transactions. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The case is filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Causes of Action
- Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Declaratory Relief
Key Allegations
- Defendant's website is not accessible to visually impaired individuals.
- Plaintiff encountered multiple accessibility issues while attempting to use the website.
- Defendant has failed to take necessary steps to make the website accessible.
Requested Relief
- A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
- An order requiring Defendant to make the website fully compliant with the ADA.
- A declaration that the website discriminates against visually impaired individuals.
Proposed Class
All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Okumafishingusa.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Okumafishingusa.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).
