Plaintiff
- Name: Makeda Evans
- Filing Date: January 9, 2025
- Court: United States District Court Northern District of Florida
- State: Florida
- Attorney Firm: Aleksandra Kravets, Esq. P.A.
Defendant
- Name: Raining Berries Holdings, LLC
- Website: www.rainingberries.com
- Industry: Retailing
- Summary: Operates a chain of coffee shops offering freshly brewed coffee, premium bubble tea, and various treats made with high-quality ingredients.
Case Summary
According to the complaint, plaintiff Makeda Evans is suing Raining Berries Holdings, LLC for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to the inaccessibility of their website. Evans, who is blind, alleges that she faced numerous barriers while trying to navigate the website using screen reader software, which prevented her from accessing essential information about the coffee shops, including menu options and services. The complaint cites specific accessibility issues, such as improper heading structures and lack of keyboard navigation, which hindered her ability to use the site effectively. Evans seeks a court order requiring the defendant to make the website compliant with ADA standards and to provide reasonable accommodations for visually disabled individuals. She also requests attorney's fees and costs associated with the litigation.
Causes of Action
- Violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Key Allegations
- Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind and visually disabled individuals.
- Plaintiff encountered multiple accessibility issues while attempting to use the website.
- Defendant has not implemented necessary accessibility features or policies.
Requested Relief
- Declaratory judgment that the website violates the ADA.
- Injunctive relief to require the defendant to make the website accessible.
- Attorney's fees and costs.
Proposed Class
Individuals with visual disabilities who require screen reader software to access websites.
Jurisdiction & Venue
Federal question jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §1331 and ADA provisions.