ADA Website Lawsuit Defense

Website ADA lawsuits are skyrocketing—with over 11,000 federal cases filed in 2024 alone. This dramatic increase in these cases has business owners wondering: are these lawsuits addressing genuine accessibility issues, or are they simply legal technicalities?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses must ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. While there aren't official federal technical standards, courts typically reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) to determine compliance. The most common violations that spark lawsuits include missing image descriptions, insufficient color contrast, and navigation problems that prevent disabled users from accessing content.

But here's the thing—not every lawsuit is created equal. Legitimate claims usually point to specific, substantial barriers and come from people who've actually encountered accessibility problems. These cases tend to get resolved quickly and fairly. On the flip side, some lawsuits get filed without citing any meaningful violations.

Your best defense? Stay ahead of the game. Run regular accessibility audits, fix compliance issues as they arise, and keep detailed records of your efforts. Taking these proactive steps will cost you far less than fighting a lawsuit or paying a settlement down the road.

If you're already dealing with an ADA website lawsuit—or want to avoid one altogether—get in touch with experienced ADA defense attorneys at Law Offices of Nolan Klein. We can assess your risk level and help you build a solid compliance plan.