Richard Johnson v. Buck Mason, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Richard Johnson, a legally blind individual, is suing Buck Mason, Inc. for failing to provide equal access to its website, www.buckmason.com. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains numerous accessibility barriers that prevent him from using screen-reading software to navigate and complete purchases. Key issues include missing alternative text, unlabeled controls, and broken links, which hinder his ability to access product information and make informed purchasing decisions. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York state laws, seeking injunctive relief to ensure the website is accessible to blind users and compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)
• Violation of New York State Civil Rights Law (NYCRL)
• Violations of the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL)
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not programmatically perceivable or operable for users relying on assistive technologies.
• Numerous accessibility barriers prevent blind users from accessing essential content and completing transactions.
• Defendant failed to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.

Requested Relief

• Preliminary and permanent injunction requiring compliance with the ADA and state laws.
• Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under applicable laws.
• Certification of the Class and Sub-Classes.

Proposed Class

All legally blind individuals residing in the State of New York who have attempted to access www.buckmason.com and were similarly denied equal access to its offerings due to the same systemic accessibility barriers.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182 because Plaintiff’s claims arise under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.