Can we count your visit?

Our analytics service records the pages you view, so we can see which ones are useful. It saves a random ID in your browser, and we never use it for advertising. Read our privacy policy.

Howard Wilson v. The Hamilton Co., Jewelers

Filed

Case details

Standards cited
WCAG 2.1

Summary

According to the complaint, Howard Wilson, a visually-impaired individual, is suing The Hamilton Co., Jewelers for failing to make its website, www.hamiltonjewelers.com, accessible to blind users. Wilson alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase diamond earrings, specifically the Diamond Classic Hoops. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to the website's inaccessibility, which prevents blind individuals from fully enjoying the goods and services offered. Wilson seeks a permanent injunction requiring the defendant to comply with accessibility standards and to implement changes to ensure equal access for visually-impaired consumers.

About the defendant

Offers a wide selection of luxury jewelry pieces, including diamond earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and other accessories, with features for online shopping and product updates.

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 barriers that denied full access to the website.
  • Defendant failed to comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Legal claims

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

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

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

  • A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
  • An injunction requiring Defendant to make its website fully compliant with the ADA.
  • A declaration that Defendant’s website discriminates against the blind.
  • Certification of the Class under Fed. R. Civ. P. 23.
  • Payment of nominal damages.
  • Pre- and post-judgment interest.
  • An award of costs and expenses of this action together with reasonable attorneys’ and expert fees.

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 Defendant’s Website and as a result have been denied access to the equal enjoyment of goods and services, during the relevant statutory period.