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Andre Battle v. M. Leonard International, Inc.

Filed

Case details

Standards cited
WCAG 2.2

Summary

According to the complaint, Andre Battle, a visually-impaired individual, is suing M. Leonard International, Inc. for failing to make their website, Sanita.com, accessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Battle alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to purchase clogs online, including inaccessible navigation and lack of alternative text for images. He seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The complaint also seeks class action status for all legally blind individuals who have faced similar issues with the website.

About the defendant

M. Leonard International provides a website that offers a wide array of professional and comfort-focused footwear, including Danish-style clogs and slip-on shoes for men and women, allowing consumers to view products and make purchases online.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

  • Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired persons.
  • Plaintiff encountered multiple accessibility barriers preventing him from completing a purchase on Sanita.com.
  • Defendant has failed to take necessary steps to make its website accessible.

Legal claims

The laws the plaintiff says the defendant broke, called causes of action.

  • Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq. - Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Declaratory Relief
  • Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

  • A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • A declaration that Defendant’s website discriminates against the blind.
  • Payment of nominal damages.
  • Compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial.
  • Punitive damages.

Proposed class

The group of people the plaintiff asks to represent, so the case can cover them too.

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Sanita.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Sanita.com, during the relevant statutory period.