Darnell Williams v. ROWING BLAZERS LTD.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Darnell Williams, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Rowing Blazers Ltd. for failing to make their website, Rowingblazers.com, accessible to blind users. Williams alleges that he encountered numerous barriers while trying to purchase a shirt, including issues with navigation and transaction completion. The complaint cites violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, claiming that the website's design excludes blind individuals from accessing its goods and services. Williams seeks a permanent injunction to require Rowing Blazers to make their website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced.

Causes of Action

• Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq. – Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Declaratory Relief
• Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind and visually-impaired persons
• Plaintiff encountered significant access barriers while attempting to use the website
• Defendant's actions violate the Americans with Disabilities Act

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA
• An order requiring Defendant to make its website accessible to blind individuals
• Compensatory damages
• Punitive damages

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Rowingblazers.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Rowingblazers.com, 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) because Defendant conducts business in this District and a substantial portion of the conduct complained of occurred here.