Shaleah Raines, Christopher Walters v. Peanut Butter & Co., Inc.

Summary

According to the complaint, plaintiffs Shaleah Raines and Christopher Walters, both legally blind, are suing Peanut Butter & Co. for failing to make its digital platform accessible, violating the ADA and, for Christopher Walters, the New York State Human Rights Law. They allege that they encountered significant barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase products, including inaccessible pop-ups and unlabeled buttons. The plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to require the defendant to improve accessibility and comply with legal standards, along with attorneys' fees, and Christopher Walters seeks compensatory damages.

About the defendant

Designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a variety of flavored and classic gourmet peanut butter spreads, almond butter, powdered peanut butter, and related products.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

• Defendant's digital properties are not accessible to legally blind individuals
• Plaintiffs encountered barriers preventing them from accessing information and services on the digital platform
• Defendant failed to implement adequate corporate policies for accessibility

Legal claims

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

• Violation of Title III of the ADA
• Violation of New York State Human Rights Law (brought by Christopher Walters only)

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

• Permanent injunction requiring accessibility improvements
• Payment of costs of suit
• Payment of reasonable attorneys' fees
• Payment of compensatory damages (sought by Christopher Walters only)
• Payment of nominal damages