Many businesses underestimate the true cost of failing to comply with ADA web accessibility
standards—until it’s too late. The financial, operational, and reputational consequences of noncompliance can be devastating, especially for small and mid-sized companies.
Legal Costs and Settlements:
The average cost to settle an ADA website accessibility lawsuit ranges from $10,000 to $50,000.
This doesn’t include legal defense fees, which can add another $15,000 to $100,000 depending
on the complexity of the case. In some instances, penalties from the Department of Justice can
reach up to $75,000 for a first violation, and $150,000 for subsequent violations.
State-Level Damages:
Some states have additional civil rights laws. For example, California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act
allows individuals to claim $4,000 per visit if the website is found to be inaccessible. Multiple
visits or plaintiffs can multiply this amount rapidly.
Business Disruption and Brand Damage:
Non-compliance can also lead to:
- Temporary shutdown of your website
- Loss of web traffic and SEO rankings
- Permanent damage to brand trust and reputation
- Exclusion from government or enterprise contract opportunities
Proactive Compliance Is Cheaper:
The cost to proactively make a website accessible is far lower than facing a lawsuit. A typical
audit and remediation can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the website’s size and
complexity. Investing early in accessibility is not only more affordable—it also helps futureproof your business.
Bottom line: Non-compliance is a legal risk, a financial liability, and a missed opportunity.
Making your website ADA-compliant is a smart, strategic investment.