A new federal lawsuit has been filed against luxury fashion label Lafayette148, Inc. alleging discrimination due to the company’s failure to provide an accessible online shopping experience for visually impaired customers. The case was brought by plaintiff Nelson Fernandez and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on October 31, 2025, with legal representation by the Law Office Of Pelayo Duran, PA.
Allegations of ADA Violations
At the heart of the complaint is a claim that Lafayette148’s retail website does not comply with the accessibility requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Fernandez asserts that the website excludes visually disabled users by lacking features like properly labeled images, accessible product descriptions, and compatibility with screen reader software—tools that are essential for those relying on assistive technology to navigate online storefronts.
The lawsuit specifically lists claims for digital accessibility violations, disability and medical condition discrimination, and broader discrimination under the ADA’s “Other (446)” civil rights category. The filings argue that these deficiencies amount to denial of equal access to products and services that are otherwise available to non-disabled customers through the website.
Broader Industry Implications
This lawsuit adds to a growing wave of digital accessibility litigation within the retail sector. Retailers and brands are facing increasing scrutiny as courts and advocacy groups interpret the ADA to require public-facing websites, particularly those involved in commerce—to be fully usable by individuals with a range of disabilities. Claims like those raised by Fernandez typically focus on common barriers such as failure to provide text alternatives for images, inaccessible navigation or checkout processes, and incompatibility with mainstream screen reader technologies.
What E-Commerce Operators Should Learn
E-commerce sites are increasingly targeted for accessibility lawsuits because their digital storefronts are legally recognized as “places of public accommodation”. The ADA mandates that disabled users, such as those who are visually impaired, must be able to access online product information, complete purchases, and navigate the website using assistive technology like screen readers and keyboard navigation. Common failing points include images without alt text, poorly structured forms, and confusing navigation, all of which create serious usability barriers and legal risks.
Steps to Mitigate Website Accessibility Risk
- Understand Accessibility Standards: Familiarize your team with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1/2.2 and ADA Title III, which outline principles for perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust website experiences.
- Perform Regular Audits: Use automated tools (e.g., axe, WAVE, Lighthouse) and manual testing to identify accessibility gaps—particularly around image descriptions (alt text), keyboard navigation, clear page titles, logical tab order, and accessible digital forms.
- Optimize for Screen Readers: Ensure semantic HTML usage, descriptive alt text, clear labels, and ARIA roles so screen readers can interpret content accurately.
- Prioritize Key Issues: Form fields and checkout processes must be easily navigable by keyboard and fully labeled for clarity; noncompliant forms are a major source of complaints.
- Test with Real Users: Engage individuals with disabilities to test your site and provide actionable feedback, which often reveals problems that automated scans miss.
- Seek Expert Guidance: When in doubt, consult accessibility professionals for a comprehensive compliance audit and detailed remediation.
Why Compliance Matters
Beyond the legal imperative, investing in accessibility creates a more inclusive brand, expands your customer reach, and prevents costly legal battles, which often cost far more than achieving compliance up front. With accessibility lawsuits surging across the e-commerce sector, proactive efforts are essential to safeguard your business, your customers, and your reputation in the marketplace.
Case: Fernandez v. Lafayette148, Inc. 9:25-cv-81357, U.S., Southern District of Florida
