Leah Walker v. Lofco Limited Liability Company

Summary

According to the complaint, Leah Walker, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Lofco Limited Liability Company for failing to make their website, Theboardsmith.com, accessible to blind users. Walker alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent her and others from completing transactions, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint details various accessibility issues, including the lack of alternative text for images and the requirement to use a mouse for navigation. Walker seeks a permanent injunction to require Lofco to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The case highlights the need for compliance with accessibility standards to ensure equal access for all users.

About the defendant

Theboardsmith.com provides consumers with access to an array of goods and services, including handmade wooden cutting boards and related accessories, such as charcuterie boards, personalized designs, and wooden utensils.

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 complete a purchase due to accessibility barriers
• Defendant failed to make reasonable modifications to its website to ensure accessibility

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
• Punitive damages

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