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Howard Wilson v. The Mousepad Company, LLC

Filed

Case details

Standards cited
WCAG 2.1

Summary

According to the complaint, Howard Wilson, a visually-impaired individual, is suing The Mousepad Company, LLC for failing to make its website, www.themousepadcompany.com, accessible to blind users as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Wilson alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase a mousepad, including missing alt-text and broken links, which prevented him from fully utilizing the site. He seeks a permanent injunction requiring the company to comply with accessibility standards and to implement changes to ensure equal access for visually-impaired consumers. The complaint also seeks class certification for all legally blind individuals who have faced similar issues with the website.

About the defendant

Offers a variety of mousepads, including limited editions and specialty designs, as well as other computer accessories for online sale.

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 and appointment of Plaintiff as Class Representative.
  • 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.