Haron Cole v. Robot Factory, Inc.

Summary

According to the complaint, plaintiff Haron Cole, a legally blind individual, is suing Robot Factory, Inc. for failing to make their website, Giantrobot.com, accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant access barriers that prevent blind users from completing transactions and accessing the goods and services offered. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and seek a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible, as well as compensatory damages for the discrimination experienced. The complaint highlights specific accessibility issues encountered by the plaintiff while attempting to navigate the website.

About the defendant

Robot Factory provides a website that offers a wide array of goods and services, including Asian-American pop culture collectibles, books, magazines, art prints, designer toys, vinyl figures, apparel, accessories, stationery, and home wares.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired persons.
• Plaintiff was denied the ability to independently navigate and make purchases on the website due to accessibility barriers.
• Defendant failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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