Washington Benavides Moran v. Scandinavian Designs, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Washington Benavides Moran, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Scandinavian Designs, Inc. for failing to make its website, www.scandinaviandesigns.com, accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent blind individuals from accessing information about products, including furniture, and completing purchases. The plaintiff claims this violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve website accessibility, along with compensatory damages and attorneys' fees.

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 preventing equal access to goods and services.
• Defendant 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.