Dustin Youngren v. PET PROS, LLC

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Plaintiff DUSTIN YOUNGREN, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Pet Pros, LLC for failing to make their website, Shop.petstuff.com, accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent blind individuals from completing transactions, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specific issues include the lack of alt-text for images, improper heading structures, and reliance on mouse navigation, which excludes blind users. Plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to require Pet Pros to make their website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced by the class members.

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 not accessible to blind and visually-impaired persons
• Plaintiff was denied the ability to complete a purchase on the website due to accessibility barriers
• Defendant failed to implement necessary accessibility features such as alt-text and keyboard navigation

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the Americans with Disabilities Act
• An order requiring Defendant to make its website fully compliant with the ADA
• Payment of nominal damages
• Compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Shop.petstuff.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Shop.petstuff.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.