Haron Cole v. NATURAL FOODS, INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, plaintiff Haron Cole, a legally blind individual, is suing Natural Foods, Inc. for failing to make their website, Bulkfoods.com, accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent blind users from completing transactions, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Key issues include the lack of alternative text for images, inaccessible navigation, and reliance on mouse-only functionality. Plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination experienced. The case highlights the need for compliance with established web accessibility standards.

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 encountered significant access barriers on Bulkfoods.com that prevented him from completing a purchase.
• Defendant has failed to take necessary steps to make its website accessible as required by the ADA.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the ADA.
• 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 Bulkfoods.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Bulkfoods.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, and venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2).