Zachary Morris v. Van Vreede TV & Appliances, Inc.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Plaintiff Zachary Morris, a visually impaired individual, alleges that Van Vreede TV & Appliances, Inc. has failed to make its website, www.vanvreedes.com, accessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Morris claims he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase a washing machine, including missing alt-text and broken links. He seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to comply with accessibility standards and to ensure that the website is usable for individuals with visual impairments. The complaint also seeks class certification for all legally blind individuals who have faced similar issues with the website.

Causes of Action

• Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• Declaratory Relief

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered barriers preventing full use of the website.
• Defendant failed to comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Requested Relief

• Preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit violations of the ADA.
• Injunction requiring compliance with ADA standards for website accessibility.
• Declaration of discriminatory practices against blind individuals.
• Class certification and appointment of Plaintiff as Class Representative.
• Payment of nominal damages.
• Pre- and post-judgment interest.
• Award of costs and expenses, including attorney fees.

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, 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).