Plaintiff
- Name: Washington Benavides Moran
- Filing Date: February 13, 2026
- Court: United States District Court Southern District of New York
- State: New York
- Attorney Firm: Gottlieb & Associates PLLC
Defendant
- Name: Rails International, LLC
- Website: www.rails.com
- Industry: Retailing
- Standards Cited: WCAG 2.0
- Summary: Operates an online retail store offering clothing and other goods, providing information about products, pricing, and policies.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, plaintiff WASHINGTON BENAVIDES MORAN, a visually-impaired individual, is suing RAILS INTERNATIONAL, LLC for failing to make its website, https://www.rails.com, accessible to blind users. The plaintiff alleges that the website contains multiple barriers that prevent him from accessing goods and services, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint cites specific issues such as lack of alternative text for images and broken links. The plaintiff seeks 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
- 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 for web 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, as Plaintiff’s claims arise under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.
