Milton Williams v. JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Milton Williams, a visually-impaired individual, is suing JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation for failing to make its website, www.jvc.com, accessible to blind users. Williams alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while trying to access information and purchase products, which violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related New York laws. He seeks a permanent injunction to require the company to improve website accessibility and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The complaint also seeks to certify a class of all legally blind individuals who have faced similar issues with the website.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA
• Violations of the NYSHRL
• Violations of the NYCHRL
• Violation of GBL § 349

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired persons.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers while attempting to use the website.
• Defendant has failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA and related laws.
• A declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against the blind.
• Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under New York laws.

Proposed Class

All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Defendant’s Website and as a result have been denied access to the equal enjoyment of goods and services offered by Defendant’s Website, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

The Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12181, and supplemental jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1367.