Michael Wood v. KNOTTY TIE CO.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Plaintiff Michael Wood, a legally blind individual, is suing Knotty Tie Co. for failing to make their website, Knottytie.com, accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website contains numerous barriers that prevent blind individuals from completing transactions, such as a lack of alternative text for images and navigation issues. Wood claims that these barriers violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks a permanent injunction to require Knotty Tie to make their website accessible, as well as compensatory damages for the discrimination faced by him and other blind users.

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

• Knotty Tie Co. failed to design and maintain its website to be accessible to blind and visually-impaired persons.
• The website contains significant access barriers that prevent blind users from completing transactions.
• Plaintiff was denied a shopping experience equivalent to that of sighted individuals due to these barriers.

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• A declaration that Defendant's website discriminates against the blind and fails to provide necessary access.
• Compensatory damages for the Plaintiff and Class members.

Proposed Class

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