Jeffrey Parker v. Williams-Sonoma, d/b/a Mark & Graham

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Jeffrey Parker, a legally blind individual, is suing Williams-Sonoma, doing business as Mark & Graham, for failing to make its website, www.markandgraham.com, accessible to blind and visually impaired users. Parker alleges that he encountered numerous accessibility barriers while attempting to purchase personalized leather goods, which are essential for his independence. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York State laws, seeking injunctive relief to compel the defendant to make the website accessible and to certify a class of similarly situated individuals.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• New York State Human Rights Law
• Violation of New York State Civil Rights Law
• Violations of the New York City Human Rights Law
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered numerous accessibility barriers while attempting to use the website.
• Defendant has failed to take corrective action despite prior notice of accessibility issues.

Requested Relief

• Preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendant from violating Title III of the ADA.
• Preliminary and permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make the website fully accessible.
• Declaration that Defendant discriminates against blind individuals through its website.
• Certification of the proposed Class and New York Subclass.
• Award of costs, litigation expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

Proposed Class

All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access www.markandgraham.com and, as a result of Defendant's failure to design, construct, maintain, and operate the Website in an accessible manner, were denied equal access to the goods, services, and information offered thereon, including Defendant's personalized leather goods, accessories, travel items, and gift products.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 because Plaintiff’s claims arise under the laws of the United States, including Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.