A visually-impaired individual has taken legal action against a prominent online retailer, accusing the company of violating federal accessibility laws. Erika Randolph filed a class-action complaint on February 13, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Charlie Hustle, LLC. The lawsuit alleges that the company's website is not accessible to blind and visually-impaired users, thereby denying them equal access to its goods and services.
Erika Randolph, who is legally blind and requires screen-reading software to navigate websites, claims that Charlie Hustle's website, charliehustle.com, contains significant barriers that prevent her and others with similar disabilities from fully utilizing it. According to the complaint, these barriers include inaccessible forms, non-descriptive interactive elements, and an interface that relies heavily on visual cues without providing alternative text or keyboard navigation options. As a result, Randolph argues that she was unable to complete a purchase on the site due to these obstacles.
The lawsuit highlights how Charlie Hustle's failure to implement accessible technology violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates equal access for individuals with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation, which includes websites offering goods and services. Randolph asserts that despite readily available solutions for web accessibility—such as alternative text for images and keyboard-friendly navigation—Charlie Hustle has neglected to make necessary modifications.
Randolph seeks a permanent injunction requiring Charlie Hustle to update its website policies and practices to ensure compliance with ADA standards. Additionally, she demands compensatory damages for herself and other class members who have experienced similar discrimination. The plaintiff also requests punitive damages as well as coverage of legal fees associated with the case.
Representing Randolph is attorney Paul Camarena from Chicago-based law firm North & Sedgwick Law. The case is assigned Case No.: 1:25-cv-1545 in front of an unnamed judge at this time.