Julie Dalton v. New Era Cap, LLC

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Julie Dalton, on behalf of herself and others similarly situated, is suing New Era Cap, LLC for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). The plaintiff alleges that the defendant's website, www.neweracap.com, is not fully accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision, which denies them equal access to the goods and services offered online. Key alleged barriers include the website's failure to provide adequate screen reader support and the lack of accessible content. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make its website accessible, along with damages and civil penalties.

Causes of Action

• Violation of Title III of the ADA
• Violation of the MHRA

Key Allegations

• Defendant’s Website is not fully accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
• Plaintiff encountered barriers that denied her full and equal access to Defendant’s online goods, content, and services.
• Defendant failed to provide auxiliary aids and services necessary for effective communication.

Requested Relief

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Website accessible.
• Civil penalty payable to the state of Minnesota.
• Damages and a damage multiplier.

Proposed Class

All blind or have a low vision disability within the meaning of the ADA who use screen reader auxiliary aids to navigate digital online content and who have accessed, attempted to access, or who may access or attempt to access Defendant’s Website.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court’s jurisdiction is invoked pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12188.