Digital access is a civil right. Yet, countless websites still exclude people with disabilities from fully participating online, whether by blocking screen readers, omitting captions, or using designs that make navigation impossible. These barriers don’t just create inconvenience; they amount to discrimination under the law.
If you’ve encountered a website that prevents equal access because of your disability, you may have grounds to take legal action. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses that operate online are required to provide accessible digital services to all users. This guide explains when website barriers become ADA violations, how to file a claim, and why working with an experienced website accessibility lawyer or ADA attorney New Jersey can help you enforce your rights effectively.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Although it was enacted in 1990, before the rise of the internet, courts and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have affirmed that its protections extend to online platforms.
Under Title III of the ADA, any business that serves the public must ensure its goods, services, and communications are accessible. This includes not just physical locations but also websites and mobile applications.
When a website’s design or functionality blocks access for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or physically limited, it may constitute an ADA violation.
Inaccessible websites often prevent users with disabilities from completing essential tasks such as purchasing products, applying for jobs, or accessing medical services. Common accessibility issues include:
These design flaws are not just inconveniences; they are barriers that violate equal access rights under the ADA.
To achieve ADA website compliance, most organizations follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a globally recognized set of standards created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
While the ADA doesn’t name WCAG specifically, the DOJ and courts often rely on it as the benchmark for determining compliance. WCAG guidelines require that websites be:
Businesses that fail to meet these standards can be held accountable under ADA regulations.
If you encounter accessibility barriers that prevent you from using a website, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit under the ADA.
A valid claim typically requires that:
Many successful lawsuits have involved businesses in retail, education, healthcare, and financial services industries, where digital accessibility is critical to daily life.
Once you contact a website accessibility lawyer, the legal process begins with an initial evaluation of your experience. Your attorney will:
In many cases, disputes are resolved through settlement negotiations, where businesses agree to fix accessibility issues and provide compensation. However, if they refuse, your ADA lawyer can file a federal or state lawsuit to enforce compliance.
For plaintiffs in New Jersey, an ADA attorney in New Jersey can also pursue claims under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). This state law strengthens protections beyond the federal ADA.
Filing an ADA website lawsuit does more than resolve individual grievances; it fosters systemic progress. When businesses are held accountable, they not only fix the barriers at hand but also often implement long-term accessibility programs to avoid future violations.
These lawsuits set industry precedents, compelling other organizations to adopt ADA website compliance proactively. Over time, this collective movement expands digital access and ensures the internet is inclusive for all.
A website accessibility lawyer combines legal experience with technical understanding to strengthen your case.
They can:
Their goal is not only to win your case but also to create lasting accessibility improvements that benefit the entire disability community.
Accessibility is a right, not a privilege. If a business website prevents you from using its services because of your disability, you are entitled to take action.
Contact our team today for a free consultation with a website accessibility lawyer. Together, we can hold businesses accountable and make the digital world more inclusive for everyone.
Yes. Any business that provides public goods or services, whether in-person or online, must ensure accessibility under the ADA.
Even partial inaccessibility can qualify as an ADA violation if it denies you equal access or participation.
No. Your ADA attorney in New Jersey will handle the investigation, technical analysis, and legal filings.
It varies, but many cases are resolved within a few months through settlements, while others may proceed to court if compliance is disputed.
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