Xinyue Hippe v. Hemlock Hat Company

Summary

According to the complaint, Xinyue Hippe, a visually impaired individual, is suing Hemlock Hat Company for failing to make its website, https://www.hemlockhatco.com, accessible to blind and visually impaired users. Hippe alleges that the website contains significant access barriers that prevent her and others from independently navigating and completing purchases. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make necessary changes to the website to ensure accessibility. Hippe claims that without these changes, she and others will continue to face discrimination and be unable to access the goods and services offered online.

About the defendant

Provides an array of goods and services, including the ability to purchase premium headwear products such as hats, caps, and complementary accessories like visors, beanies, and fedoras.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

• Website is inaccessible to visually impaired individuals
• Denial of equal access to goods and services offered through the Website
• Failure to comply with ADA requirements

Legal claims

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

• Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Declaratory Relief

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

• Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make the Website accessible
• Compensatory damages for Class Members
• Certification of the case as a class action

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