Caitlin Walsh v. ISLAND WATCH, INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, plaintiff Caitlin Walsh, a visually-impaired individual, alleges that Island Watch, Inc. has failed to make its website, www.longislandwatch.com, accessible to blind users, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Walsh claims that she encountered numerous barriers while attempting to access the website to purchase an Islander Automatic Dive Watch, including missing alt-text and broken links. She seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to comply with accessibility standards and to ensure that the website is usable for individuals with visual impairments. The complaint highlights the need for equal access to online goods and services for all consumers, regardless of disability.

Causes of Action

• VIOLATIONS OF THE ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
• DECLARATORY RELIEF

Key Allegations

• Defendant’s website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Plaintiff encountered multiple access barriers preventing her from using the website effectively.
• Defendant has failed to comply with the ADA's requirements for accessibility.

Requested Relief

• A permanent injunction requiring Defendant to make its website fully compliant with the ADA.
• A declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against blind individuals.
• Payment of nominal damages.

Proposed Class

All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Defendant’s Website and as a result have been denied access to the equal enjoyment of goods and services, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182; venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).