Sylinia Jackson v. Bauble Bar, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Sylinia Jackson, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Bauble Bar, Inc. for failing to make its website, www.baublebar.com, accessible to blind users. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent her from accessing products and services, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York State laws. Jackson seeks a permanent injunction to require Bauble Bar to improve its website accessibility and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The complaint highlights specific access issues, including lack of alternative text for images and broken links, which hinder the shopping experience for visually-impaired users.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.
• 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 preventing full use of the website.
• Defendant failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.

Requested Relief

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Website accessible to individuals with disabilities.
• Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under New York State Human Rights Law and GBL § 349.
• Reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.

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, as claims arise under Title III of the ADA and New York State laws.