Chris Jackson, a legally blind resident of Chicago, has filed a lawsuit against Burdick & Burns, LLC in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 14, 2025. The complaint alleges that the defendant's digital properties are not accessible to individuals with visual disabilities, violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The lawsuit claims that Burdick & Burns, LLC, which operates under the brand name Burdick Chocolate, has failed to make its website accessible to visually impaired users like Chris Jackson. According to the complaint, this failure prevents individuals who rely on screen readers from accessing information about the company's products and services. "Plaintiff was injured when he attempted to access Defendant’s Digital Platform from his home in this District in an effort to shop for Defendant’s products but encountered barriers that denied him full and equal access," states the filing. The plaintiff specifically mentions an attempt to purchase a 'Spring Tote' as a gift for his mother but was unable due to accessibility barriers.
Jackson argues that such barriers contravene ADA requirements for effective communication and equal access. He points out that despite readily available technology solutions and cost-effective measures, Burdick & Burns has not taken steps to ensure its digital content is accessible. The lawsuit highlights several specific issues with the website's design that hinder screen reader users' ability to navigate and complete transactions effectively.
In seeking relief from the court, Jackson requests a permanent injunction mandating Burdick & Burns to adopt comprehensive measures ensuring their digital platform becomes fully accessible. These measures include hiring a web accessibility consultant, conducting regular audits and user testing by individuals with vision-related disabilities, providing employee training on web accessibility best practices, and establishing clear policies for ongoing compliance.
Represented by attorneys Benjamin J. Sweet and Jonathan D. Miller from Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP, Jackson seeks declaratory judgment confirming ADA violations by Burdick & Burns at the action's commencement. Additionally, he requests reasonable attorney fees and costs associated with monitoring compliance with any resulting court orders.
The case is being presided over under Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-01582 in front of Judge [Name not provided].