Navigating the ADA Compliance Maze: Key Insights for E-commerce

New York has solidified its position as the epicenter of ADA website accessibility litigation, with its progressive human rights laws creating both robust protections for disabled individuals and significant compliance challenges for online businesses.

The Winegard (2021) decision from the Eastern District established that standalone websites without physical locations are exempt from ADA Title III compliance. However, the Chalas (2023) ruling from the Southern District reached the opposite conclusion, declaring standalone websites qualify as public accommodations.

Our Law Firm's Insight: This judicial division reflects the evolving application of ADA requirements in the digital age, creating significant uncertainty for e-commerce operators.

Judicial Split Creates Compliance Uncertainty

Our Attorney Perspective: Despite conflicting court decisions, New York has seen consistently rising ADA lawsuit volumes. Plaintiff's attorneys systematically target technical deficiencies including:

• Videos lacking closed captions

• Images without alt text descriptions

• Navigation menus incompatible with screen readers

• Checkout processes not fully keyboard-operable

Practical Risks for Online Businesses

Spring Valley Law Group's Professional Approach

Our bilingual legal team provides:

• Comprehensive litigation response plans

• Emergency response for newly-filed lawsuits

• Compliance gap analysis and remediation guidance

• Settlement negotiation and court representation

ADA civil rights claims require immediate attention, as delays significantly increase resolution costs. Contact Spring Valley Law Group for an urgent case assessment.