Justin Bullock v. Pascha Chocolate Company Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Justin Bullock, a visually impaired individual, is suing Pascha Chocolate Company Inc. for failing to make its website, Lovochocolate.com, accessible to blind users. Bullock alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent him from independently navigating and completing purchases, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York state laws. He seeks a permanent injunction to require the company to make necessary changes to its website, as well as compensatory damages for the discrimination he faced. The complaint highlights specific access issues, including lack of alt-text for images and reliance on mouse navigation, which hinder blind users from accessing the site effectively.

Causes of Action

• Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq. - Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Violation of New York State Human Rights Law, N.Y. Exec. Law Article 15 (Executive Law § 292 et seq.)
• Violation of New York State Civil Rights Law, NY CLS Civ R, Article 4 (CLS Civ R § 40 et seq.)
• Violation of New York City Human Rights Law, N.Y.C. Administrative Code § 8-102, et seq.
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind individuals, violating the ADA and state laws.
• Plaintiff was unable to complete transactions on the website due to numerous access barriers.
• Defendant has failed to implement necessary modifications to make the website accessible.

Requested Relief

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its website accessible to blind individuals.
• Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under New York State Human Rights Law and City Law.
• Plaintiff's reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses, and costs of suit.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12181, and venue is proper in this District as Plaintiff resides here and Defendant conducts business here.