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Dustin Youngren v. Williams-sonoma, Inc.

Filed

Case details

Summary

According to the complaint, Plaintiff DUSTIN YOUNGREN, a legally blind individual, is suing Williams-Sonoma, Inc. for failing to make their website, Potterybarn.com, accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent blind individuals from independently navigating and completing purchases. Specific issues include inadequate alternative text for images, misimplemented navigation features, and reliance on mouse-only interactions. Plaintiffs allege these barriers violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seek injunctive relief to require the Defendant to make the website accessible, along with compensatory damages for the discrimination experienced.

About the defendant

Potterybarn.com provides consumers with access to an array of goods and services, including the ability to view furniture, bedding products, rugs, lighting, decor, kitchenware, and outdoor accessories, allowing customers to purchase home goods and decor online.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

  • Defendant's website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
  • Plaintiff encountered significant access barriers on Potterybarn.com that hindered his ability to complete a purchase.
  • Defendant has failed to take necessary steps to make its website accessible as required by the ADA.

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 and fails to provide access for persons with disabilities.
  • Compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial.

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 Potterybarn.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Potterybarn.com, during the relevant statutory period.