Website accessibility is no longer optional in the United States. Businesses that fail to make their websites usable for individuals with disabilities are at risk of legal action under federal and state laws. This guide explains how inaccessible websites can lead to lawsuits, the laws you need to follow, and how to fully protect your business.
Why Website Accessibility Matters
Accessibility ensures that all users, regardless of ability, can access your website. Non-compliance can have serious legal and financial consequences.
Website accessibility is not just a moral or social obligation—it is a legal requirement under laws such as:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Applies to most businesses and public services.
- Section 508 – Federal standard for government websites.
- State laws – California, Florida, and New York enforce stricter compliance.
Learn more about ADA compliance
Common Lawsuits for Inaccessible Websites
Businesses across the U.S. have faced lawsuits for failing to provide accessible websites. Examples include:
| Case | Industry | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Robles v. Domino’s | Restaurant | Website and mobile app inaccessible to blind users |
| NAD v. Netflix | Media/Entertainment | Video captions not accessible |
| NFB v. Target | Retail | Website incompatible with screen readers |
| Fashion Nova Settlement | E-commerce | Accessibility and privacy violations |
These cases show that any business, regardless of size or industry, can be sued for non-compliance.
Federal Laws Governing Website Accessibility
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
The ADA is the most commonly cited law in website accessibility lawsuits.
- Requires public-facing websites to be usable by people with disabilities.
- Applies to businesses with 15 or more employees.
- Enforced by Department of Justice (DOJ) and private lawsuits.
Section 508
Mandatory for federal government websites and contractors.
- Ensures all electronic content is accessible.
- Covers text, images, forms, and multimedia.
State-Specific Accessibility Regulations
Certain U.S. states are especially aggressive in enforcement:
| State | Law | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | ADA + CCPA | Strict enforcement; many lawsuits filed |
| Florida | Florida Accessibility Laws | Focus on retail and healthcare websites |
| New York | Public Service Accessibility | Lawsuits target state agencies and businesses |
Businesses must consider both federal and state requirements when evaluating accessibility.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Lawsuits: Both individual and class-action suits are possible.
- Fines: Penalties can range from $10,000–$75,000+ per incident.
- Forced remediation: Courts may require your website to undergo accessibility upgrades.
- Reputation damage: Customers notice inaccessible websites and may lose trust.
Steps to Avoid Lawsuits
| Step | Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Audit | Evaluate website accessibility gaps | Identify potential compliance issues |
| Remediation | Implement fixes like screen reader compatibility, captions, and alt text | Reduce risk of lawsuits |
| Employee Training | Educate staff on accessibility standards | Maintain long-term compliance |
| Monitoring | Continuous testing and updates | Ensure ongoing legal adherence |
Accessibility Best Practices
- Use alt text for all images.
- Ensure form fields are labeled and accessible.
- Provide captioning for videos and multimedia.
- Design keyboard-navigable interfaces.
- Test regularly with assistive technologies.
FAQs About Website Accessibility Lawsuits
Q1: Can any business be sued for an inaccessible website?
Yes. Lawsuits have targeted both small businesses and large corporations.
Q2: What types of websites are most at risk?
E-commerce, media, educational, healthcare, and government-related sites are frequent targets.
Q3: What happens if I get sued?
Legal action may result in fines, mandated remediation, and legal fees.
Q4: How can I ensure my website is safe?
Implement professional accessibility compliance solutions covering ADA, Section 508, and state laws.
Real-World Case Examples
- Sweetgreen Mobile App: Inaccessible app features led to redesign.
- Bank Inaccessible Online: Legal settlement for lack of accessibility.
- Harvard/MIT v. NAD: Universities faced digital accessibility lawsuits.
- Discord Accessibility Suit: Service platform updated features to comply.
No organization is immune—taking proactive steps is critical.
Take Action: Protect Your Website Today
Accessible websites are legally required in the U.S. Protect your business from lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage by ensuring full accessibility compliance.
Safeguard your website today with our expert accessibility compliance services. Explore full-service solutions and stay fully compliant with federal and state laws.
ADA compliance solutions | Industry compliance resources | Legal case studies