Gottlieb & Associates ADA Website Lawsuits: What to Know
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Gottlieb & Associates, headed by Jeffrey Gottleib, is a New York law firm that files a high volume of ADA website accessibility lawsuits against businesses. If your website is not compliant with accessibility standards, your business is at risk of receiving a federal complaint from this law firm.
Few legal threats catch business owners more off guard than an ADA website accessibility lawsuit. No altercation, no injured customer—just a demand claiming your website failed to accommodate users with disabilities. Gottlieb & Associates, a New York-based plaintiffs' firm, has filed hundreds of these cases in federal court, making it one of the most active filers in this space.
Understanding how these lawsuits work—and what Gottlieb & Associates specifically targets—is the first step toward protecting your business.
Who are Gottlieb & Associates?
Gottlieb & Associates is a plaintiffs' law firm operating out of New York that specializes in ADA litigation, with a particular focus on website accessibility claims. The firm files lawsuits in federal courts—primarily the Southern District of New York (SDNY)—alleging that business websites violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The firm typically represents visually impaired plaintiffs who use screen-reading software to navigate the web. When a website is incompatible with that software, the firm argues that the business has discriminated against users with disabilities by denying them equal access.
What Does an ADA Website Lawsuit Actually Claim?
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination in "places of public accommodation." Courts in New York have broadly interpreted this to include business websites—meaning companies with no physical storefront can still face ADA liability for online activity.
A typical web accessibility complaint will allege that a defendant's website contains barriers such as:
Missing alt-text on images, making them unreadable by screen readers
Unlabeled form fields that prevent users from completing purchases or inquiries
Videos lacking closed captions or audio descriptions
Poor keyboard navigation, which affects users who cannot use a mouse
These claims are filed under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—the internationally recognized standard for digital accessibility—typically WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance.
Why Do Businesses Receive These Lawsuits?
Any business with a public-facing website is a potential target. E-commerce retailers, restaurants, hotels, healthcare providers, and professional services firms have all appeared as defendants in these cases. The geographic reach extends beyond New York—businesses headquartered elsewhere but operating websites accessible to New York residents have been sued in New York federal courts.
What Are the Consequences of an ADA Website Lawsuit?
ADA lawsuits carry real financial and operational consequences:
Attorney's fees: Under the ADA, prevailing plaintiffs can recover attorney's fees—often the most significant cost for defendants.
Injunctive relief: Courts can order businesses to bring their websites into compliance within a defined timeframe.
Settlement costs: Many businesses choose to settle, with amounts varying based on the scope of alleged violations and the defendant's size.
It is important to note that the ADA does not allow for compensatory damages in Title III cases. However, some state laws—including New York's Human Rights Law—may provide additional remedies.
How Can Your Business Reduce Its ADA Website Lawsuit Risk?
Proactive compliance is the most reliable defense. Businesses should consider the following steps:
Conduct an accessibility audit using both automated tools (such as WAVE or axe) and manual testing with screen readers.
Remediate identified barriers in alignment with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Publish an accessibility statement on your website outlining your commitment to accessibility and a contact method for users who encounter issues.
Audit on a recurring basis, as website updates can inadvertently introduce new barriers.
Protect Your Business Before a Lawsuit Arrives
Receiving a demand letter from Gottlieb & Associates does not mean litigation is inevitable—but it does require an immediate, strategic response. Businesses that have already been served should consult with an experienced ADA defense attorney as quickly as possible to assess their options.
The most effective defense is a compliant website. Investing in accessibility not only reduces legal exposure but also broadens your potential customer base—a measurable business benefit alongside the legal one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a New York ADA lawsuit apply to businesses located outside New York? Yes. If your website is accessible to New York residents and you conduct business in the state, you may be subject to lawsuits filed in New York federal courts, regardless of where your business is headquartered.
Does having an accessibility widget on my website protect against a lawsuit? Not necessarily. Overlay widgets are frequently cited as insufficient by plaintiffs' attorneys and do not guarantee WCAG compliance. A full accessibility audit and remediation is strongly recommended.
What should I do if I receive a demand letter from Gottlieb & Associates? Do not ignore it. Contact an ADA defense attorney at Law Offices of Nolan Klein promptly to evaluate the claims, assess your website's current compliance status, and determine the most appropriate course of action.
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