Tara Nicole Mueller v. Bering Time Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Tara Nicole Mueller, a visually impaired individual, is suing Bering Time Inc. for failing to make its website, beringtime.com, accessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent visually impaired individuals from independently navigating and completing purchases. Specific issues include a lack of alternative text for images, inaccessible drop-down menus, and a design that requires mouse use, which is not feasible for blind users. Mueller seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The case is filed as a class action on behalf of all legally blind individuals in the U.S. who have faced similar barriers.

Causes of Action

• Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Website is inaccessible to visually impaired individuals
• Denial of equal access to goods and services offered through the Website
• Failure to implement necessary accessibility features

Requested Relief

• Preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA
• Injunction requiring Defendant to make the Website compliant with the ADA
• Declaration that the Website discriminates against visually impaired individuals
• Class action certification
• Pre- and post-judgment interest
• Award of costs and expenses of this action together with reasonable attorneys’ and expert fees

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access the Website and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by the Website, 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).