In a groundbreaking legal battle that could reshape online accessibility standards, a visually-impaired plaintiff has filed a class action lawsuit against LJC Apparel, LLC. The complaint was lodged by Andre Battle on February 5, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Battle accuses LJC Apparel of failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually-impaired users, thus violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Andre Battle, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites, claims that LJC Apparel's website, Kimesranch.com, is riddled with barriers that prevent him and others like him from accessing its goods and services. "Plaintiff was denied a shopping experience like that of a sighted individual due to the Website’s lack of features and accommodations," the complaint states. Despite technological advancements enabling web accessibility through tools like alternative text and keyboard navigation, LJC Apparel allegedly relies solely on visual interfaces.
The lawsuit highlights several specific accessibility issues encountered by Battle when attempting to purchase a hooded T-shirt from Kimesranch.com. These include ambiguous link texts, inadequate focus order, unclear labels for interactive elements, inaccessible contact information, and inaccurate alt-text on graphics. As a result of these barriers, Battle argues that he was unable to complete his purchase independently.
Battle seeks not only compensatory damages but also a permanent injunction requiring LJC Apparel to modify its website policies and practices to ensure full accessibility for blind and visually-impaired consumers. The lawsuit emphasizes the need for websites to adhere to established guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 to avoid discrimination under the ADA.
The case is being handled by attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, NY. It has been assigned Case No.: 1:25-cv-1222 in front of judges at the Northern District of Illinois court.