A lawsuit has been filed against a home decor company for allegedly failing to make its digital platform accessible to visually impaired individuals. Holger Fiallo, the plaintiff, initiated this legal action on January 9, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against New View Gifts & Accessories, Ltd., doing business as Prinz at Home. The complaint accuses the defendant of violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by not ensuring that its website is accessible to legally blind users.
Holger Fiallo, who lost his eyesight due to glaucoma at age 18 and resides in Chicago, Illinois, uses screen-reader technology to navigate online platforms. According to the complaint, he attempted to purchase a product from Prinz at Home's website but encountered numerous accessibility barriers that prevented him from completing his transaction. The plaintiff argues that these barriers violate ADA requirements for effective communication and equal access. He points out that such digital inaccessibility forces blind individuals like himself to expend unnecessary time and effort or rely on third-party assistance.
The lawsuit highlights the broader issue of web accessibility amid increasing reliance on digital platforms post-pandemic. It cites statistics indicating a significant rise in e-commerce and smartphone usage in recent years, underscoring the necessity for inclusive digital access. The plaintiff references guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice affirming that ADA requirements extend to online services offered by public accommodations.
Fiallo seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the court, demanding that Prinz at Home implement changes to ensure its website becomes fully accessible and remains so. The proposed remedies include hiring a web accessibility consultant, conducting regular audits and user testing with visually impaired individuals, providing staff training on web accessibility best practices, and establishing clear policies for ongoing compliance. Additionally, Fiallo requests payment of costs associated with monitoring compliance as well as nominal damages.
Representing Holger Fiallo are attorneys Benjamin J. Sweet and Jonathan D. Miller from Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP. The case is identified under Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-00243 and awaits adjudication in front of judges assigned by the Northern District of Illinois court.