ADA website lawsuits are increasing in volume and significance. These real-world legal cases
show that courts are taking digital accessibility seriously, and no business is too big—or too
small—to be held accountable.
- Domino’s Pizza v. Robles (2019): A blind man sued Domino’s because their website and app were inaccessible to screen readers, preventing him from ordering food online.The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the company’s appeal, allowing the lawsuit to move forward. This case confirmed that websites are subject to ADA requirements.
- Winn-Dixie Stores v. Gil (2017-2021): A visually impaired man sued the grocery chain Winn-Dixie after he couldn’t refill prescriptions on their website. The court initially ruled in his favor, stating the site was a “place of public accommodation.” Although the decision was later overturned on appeal, the case highlighted legal inconsistencies and increased attention on web accessibility.
- Beyoncé’s Website Lawsuit (2019): A visually impaired woman filed a lawsuit claiming that Beyoncé’s website lacked keyboard navigation and alt text for images, making it inaccessible to her and others with visual impairments. The case drew national media coverage and emphasized that even celebrities and major brands must comply with ADA standards.
- Acheson Hotels v. Laufer (2023): Disability rights advocate Deborah Laufer sued a hotel for failing to list accessibility features on its website, as required by the DOJ’s 2010 regulations. Although the Supreme Court ultimately vacated the case as moot, it brought national attention to whether “testers”—individuals who check compliance without intent to use the service—can bring lawsuits. It underscored the legal requirement for hotel websites to disclose ADA accommodations.
These cases serve as a wake-up call. Ignoring accessibility doesn’t just risk compliance—it invites legal action, media scrutiny, and long-term damage to your brand.