In a compelling legal battle highlighting the intersection of technology and accessibility, a lawsuit has been filed against a prominent watch and jewelry company for failing to make its digital properties accessible to visually impaired individuals. Holger Fiallo, a legally blind resident of Chicago, Illinois, initiated the complaint on March 26, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Timepieces International Inc., alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The lawsuit stems from Fiallo's attempts to access Timepieces International's website using screen-reader technology, which translates visual internet content into an auditory format for visually impaired users. Despite these efforts, Fiallo encountered numerous barriers that prevented him from fully utilizing the website's features. "Several mislabeled or unlabeled elements exist on Defendant’s Digital Platform," states the complaint, detailing how these issues hindered Fiallo's ability to navigate and comprehend the site effectively. The complaint further accuses Timepieces International of not adhering to Title III of the ADA, which mandates effective communication and equal access for individuals with disabilities.
Fiallo's legal team argues that accessible technology is readily available and cost-effective but was not implemented by Timepieces International. They highlight that digital platforms are increasingly crucial in today's society, especially post-pandemic when e-commerce has surged significantly. The plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief requiring Timepieces International to overhaul its digital platform policies. This includes hiring a web accessibility consultant to ensure compliance with ADA standards through regular audits and training for employees involved in digital content development.
Moreover, Fiallo requests that Timepieces International establish a public Web Accessibility Policy and provide mechanisms for feedback from users regarding accessibility improvements. The lawsuit also calls for ongoing monitoring by experts to ensure sustained compliance with accessibility standards over time.
Represented by attorneys Benjamin J. Sweet from Nye, Stirling, Hale, Miller & Sweet LLP in Pittsburgh and Jonathan D. Miller from Santa Barbara, California, Fiallo seeks not only injunctive relief but also payment of costs related to the suit and reasonable attorney fees as per ADA provisions. The case ID is 1:25-cv-03199.