Plaintiff
- Name: Lucas Rice, Christopher Walters
- Filing Date: November 17, 2025
- Court: United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- State: Wisconsin
- Attorney Firm: Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller, & Sweet LLP
Defendant
- Name: Tarpley Music Company, Inc.
- Website: www.tarpleymusic.com
- Industry: Retailing
- Summary: Designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes musical instruments and related products.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, plaintiffs Lucas Rice and Christopher Walters, both legally blind, are suing Tarpley Music Company, Inc. for failing to make its digital platform accessible, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York State Human Rights Law. They allege that they encountered significant barriers while attempting to access the website, which prevented them from purchasing products. The plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction requiring the defendant to implement accessibility measures and ensure compliance with the ADA. They also request payment of attorneys' fees and costs associated with the lawsuit.
Causes of Action
- Title III of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.
- Violation of New York State Human Rights Law, Exec. Law, Article 15 § 290, et seq.
Key Allegations
- Defendant's digital properties are not accessible to legally blind individuals.
- Plaintiffs encountered barriers that denied them full access to the website.
- Defendant failed to implement adequate corporate policies for accessibility.
Requested Relief
- Permanent injunction requiring accessibility changes to the digital platform.
- Declaratory judgment of violation of ADA and New York law.
- Payment of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
Proposed Class
Individuals with visual disabilities who are denied full and equal access to the digital platform of Tarpley Music Company, Inc.
Jurisdiction & Venue
Jurisdiction is invoked pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331, 28 U.S.C.A. § 1367 and 42 U.S.C. § 12188. Venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)(2).
