Sylinia Jackson v. Unclaimed Baggage, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Sylinia Jackson, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Unclaimed Baggage, Inc. for failing to make its website accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Jackson alleges that the website, www.unclaimedbaggage.com, contains multiple barriers that prevent blind users from accessing its goods and services, including lack of alternative text for images and broken links. The complaint cites violations of the ADA, New York State Human Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law, seeking a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve website accessibility and compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination.

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 has failed to comply with WCAG 2.0 guidelines.

Requested Relief

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its Website accessible to blind individuals.
• 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.