A landmark class action lawsuit targeting a major online retailer over fundamental **screen reader and keyboard navigation failures** across its digital storefront.
In early 2020, Fashion Nova, a leading online fashion retailer, faced a lawsuit filed by Maribel Alcazar, a visually impaired customer. The plaintiff alleged that Fashion Nova’s website was not compatible with screen readers, making it impossible for blind and visually impaired individuals to browse, select, or purchase clothing independently.
The class action suit claimed that this violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, which both require equal access to goods and services, including those offered online. The lawsuit was filed in February 2020 in the Superior Court of California (Los Angeles County). The plaintiffs sought statutory damages and demanded that Fashion Nova make its website compliant with the WCAG 2.1 AA standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
The key issues revolved around fundamental design failures that prevented assistive technology users from completing basic shopping tasks, violating WCAG principles across the user journey.
In July 2025, Fashion Nova agreed to a $5.15 million settlement, marking one of the largest public website accessibility settlements to date.
The settlement included cash compensation of up to $4,000 per eligible class member in California. A nationwide compensation fund was established for visually impaired users. Fashion Nova was required to overhaul its website, implement ongoing ADA audits, and conduct employee accessibility training. Regular third party audits and public progress reports on accessibility improvements were mandated.
E-COMMERCE
ACCESSIBILITY
Focuses on digital storefront compliance and class action defense.
This case highlights how **eCommerce brands** must ensure ADA compliance for digital storefronts. The Fashion Nova case became a landmark reminder that accessibility isn’t optional it’s a legal and ethical requirement. The $5.15 million figure underscores the severe financial risks of noncompliance, especially for large, customer facing online businesses.