Victor Lopez v. EMERALD LABS, INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Victor Lopez, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Emerald Labs, Inc. for failing to make its website accessible as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The website, https://store.emeraldlabs.com/, allegedly contains multiple barriers that prevent blind users from accessing information about products, including vitamins and supplements. The complaint cites specific access issues such as lack of alternative text for images and broken links. Plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve website accessibility and claim damages for the discrimination faced due to these barriers.

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 individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers while attempting to use the website.
• Defendant has failed to comply with the ADA and other relevant laws regarding website accessibility.

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, and supplemental jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1367 over Plaintiffs’ claims pursuant to New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law.