MIAMI – A blind consumer claims an animal supplies store does not have an accessible website to the visually impaired.
Andres Gomez, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, filed a complaint on March 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Petco Animal Supplies Inc., doing business as Petco, alleging that the defendant violated the American with Disabilities Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that he visited the defendant's website. However, Gomez claims the website does not properly interact with screen-reader software in a manner that will allow blind and visually impaired to enjoy the website. As a result, Gomez claims he and other visually impaired consumers suffered loss of dignity, mental anguish and other tangible injuries.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to make its website fully accessible and independently usable to persons with disabilities and failed to make any prompt and equitable changes by integrating screen-reader software in order to satisfy all consumers visiting the website.
The plaintiff seeks declaratory judgment, payment for attorneys' fees, costs incurred and other relief the court deems just, equitable and appropriate. He is represented by Anthony J. Perez and Alfredo Garcia-Menocal of Garcia-Menocal and Perez PL in Miami.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida Case number 1:17-cv-21153