Haron Cole v. TACKLE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, plaintiff Haron Cole, a visually-impaired individual, is suing Tackle Technology, Inc. for failing to make their website, Fishermanswarehouse.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). Key issues include the lack of alternative text for images, improper heading structures, and reliance on mouse navigation, which excludes blind users. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to require the defendant to make the website accessible and compensatory damages for the discrimination faced by him and other 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 encountered significant access barriers preventing him from completing a purchase.
• Defendant has failed to take necessary steps to make the website accessible.

Requested Relief

• Preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit violations of the ADA.
• Injunction requiring compliance with ADA accessibility standards.
• Declaration of discrimination against blind individuals.

Proposed Class

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