Accessibility Lawsuits on the Rise: March 2025 Data Highlights Growing Compliance Risks

Digital Compliance: A Growing Risk for Businesses in 2025

With websites playing a central role in business operations, accessibility is no longer optional—it’s a legal requirement. Organizations across the United States are facing increasing legal action for failing to meet digital compliance standards, particularly under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is designed to ensure equal access and inclusivity, including in online environments.

In March 2025 alone, 457 digital accessibility lawsuits were filed: 256 in New York, 113 in Florida, 25 in California, and 63 in other states. These lawsuits highlight a consistent pattern: many businesses, from large brands to small non-profit operations, have not ensured their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. The risks for non-compliance include reputational damage, financial penalties, and growing legal exposure.

Big Names, Big Oversights

Among the companies named in recent cases is Canali U.S.A., Inc., a luxury menswear brand. Despite its high-end positioning, the company's U.S. website was the subject of a legal complaint in March due to alleged inaccessibility for visually impaired users. Another notable case involved E.T. Browne Drug Co., Inc., the maker of Palmer’s skincare products, which also faced claims for operating a website that does not support screen readers or provide accessible navigation.

These examples underscore a key issue: even established brands with significant resources are falling behind on digital accessibility.

Small Businesses Also at Risk

Family-owned and smaller operations are also being caught in the legal dragnet. Sun & Sky – Spa / Salon, a single-location spa in Downtown Brooklyn, was named in a March 2025 lawsuit filed in New York. The plaintiff, Dale Layne, alleged that the spa's website was not sufficiently accessible to users with disabilities, potentially violating the ADA.

Similarly, Omoi, Inc., a small retailer in Philadelphia, faces legal action over an inaccessible online shopping experience for users with disabilities.

For smaller organizations, the impact of even one lawsuit can be substantial, both in legal costs and the resources needed to resolve accessibility issues. Ensuring web accessibility helps mitigate legal risk while promoting inclusivity for all users.

Nonprofits Not Exempt

Importantly, nonprofit organizations are not immune to these challenges. The Academy Museum Foundation, a public charity affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was also named in a March 2025 lawsuit. Despite its cultural mission and nonprofit status, its website was cited for barriers that allegedly prevent users with disabilities from accessing online content and services.

This case is a reminder that ADA compliance is not just a corporate concern—nonprofits must also ensure digital equity for all users.

How AAAtraq Helps Reduce Your Risk

To help organizations manage their compliance risk, AAAtraq provides automated monitoring and scoring of your website’s accessibility, along with a clear program to improve your compliance, reducing your risk at the same time. This program also provides costs coverage and claims management. Each site is assigned a compliance score—ranging from low risk (green) to very high risk (red)—to highlight potential legal exposure and identifies areas that need attention. The score creates a measurable baseline for improvement and helps ensure accountability from service providers.

A low-risk score not only reduces the chance of litigation but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion—reinforcing diversity and inclusion (D&I) goals and building trust with users living with disabilities.

You can check your website for free at https://aaatraq.com/check/ (opens in a new window). This quick scan provides an initial risk score and helps you understand where your organization stands.

The Bottom Line

The surge in lawsuits shows no sign of slowing down. Companies—regardless of size or industry—need to prioritize digital compliance as part of their core operational strategy. This includes:

• Conducting accessibility audits

• Implementing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

• Training web developers on inclusive design practices

• Providing accessible content formats that work with assistive technologies, such as screen readers

As the legal and ethical stakes continue to rise, the message is clear: accessible websites aren't just good business—they're the law.

Explore the March 2025 Cases

To view a sample of companies named in digital accessibility lawsuits during March 2025—including large brands, small businesses, and nonprofits—you can download the data below.

Download the March 2025 Lawsuit Data (Excel) Here: https://help.sitemorse.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Lawsuits_March_2025.xlsx (opens in a new window)

Source: Data compiled from information available at Accessibility.com