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Jessica Towns v. Drunk Elephant Holdings LLC

Filed

Case details

Summary

According to the complaint, Jessica Towns, a legally blind individual, is suing Drunk Elephant Holdings LLC for failing to make its website, www.drunkelephant.com, accessible to blind and visually impaired users. The complaint alleges that Towns encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the website, including unlabeled buttons and inaccessible forms, which prevented her from independently browsing and purchasing products. The lawsuit cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York State laws, seeking a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination.

About the defendant

Offers skincare products, ingredient education, subscription services, and personalized product recommendations.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

  • Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
  • Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers preventing meaningful engagement with the website.
  • Defendant failed to implement WCAG-compliant features across its website.

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.
  • New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)
  • Violation of New York State Civil Rights (NYCRL)
  • Violations of the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL)
  • Declaratory Relief

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

  • Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to revise its corporate policies to ensure website accessibility.
  • Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under New York City Human Rights Law, New York State Human Rights Law, and New York State Civil Rights Law.

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 www.drunkelephant.com and were denied equal access to its products, services, and support due to persistent digital accessibility barriers during the relevant statutory period.