Morgan Cole v. SAVORY SPICE SHOP, INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, plaintiff Morgan Cole, a legally blind individual, alleges that Savory Spice Shop, Inc. has failed to make its website, Savoryspiceshop.com, accessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint details various accessibility barriers that prevent blind individuals from independently navigating the website and completing purchases. Cole claims that these barriers include a lack of alternative text for images, inadequate labeling of online forms, and a design that requires mouse usage, which is not feasible for blind users. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination experienced. The case is filed in the Central District of Illinois.

Causes of Action

• Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq. – Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Declaratory Relief
• Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind individuals
• Plaintiff was denied the ability to complete a purchase due to accessibility barriers
• Defendant failed to comply with the ADA's requirements for website accessibility

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA
• An order requiring Defendant to make its website accessible to blind individuals
• Compensatory damages
• Punitive damages

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Savoryspiceshop.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Savoryspiceshop.com, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182; venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).