A major retail brand is hit with a costly lawsuit after failing to include basic accessibility features on its website. The problem? Missing alt text on product images, making the site unusable for visually impaired customers. The result? A settlement that costs the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This isn’t just a scary story; it’s happening everywhere. Thousands of e-commerce businesses faced similar lawsuits last year due to poor accessibility practices, and this trend is gaining momentum over halfway through 2025.
E-commerce websites top the list for accessibility lawsuits related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By the end of this year, legal scrutiny likely won’t just be limited to large ecommerce websites; it will rapidly extend to every industry. The question is, will your business be ready?
Why E-Commerce Sites Are Most at Risk
Visibility Brings Legal Attention
High traffic means high visibility. Popular e-commerce websites invite scrutiny because of their reach, making them prime targets for lawsuits when accessibility issues exist.
Direct Customer Impact
E-commerce platforms deal directly with consumers. When a website’s design prevents users with disabilities from completing purchases, it crosses into legally actionable territory. Poor accessibility isn’t just an oversight; it’s a violation of rights for millions of customers.
Frustration Leads to Action
For users with disabilities, encountering obstacles like inaccessible product pages or checkout forms can create significant frustration. These frequent, real-world barriers cause many customers to turn to legal action to make their voices heard and ensure lasting changes.
Real-World Consequences for Noncompliance
The Mechanics of ADA Lawsuits
The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, which applies to physical and virtual spaces. Websites that fail to meet reasonable digital accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), are considered noncompliant.
Costly Lessons from Real Cases
Take Domino's Pizza, one of the most notable cases in recent years. The Supreme Court upheld a lawsuit demanding their website comply with screen reader technology, resulting in costly fines and implementation fees.
The truth is, proactive compliance costs far less than fighting a lawsuit. Many settlements run into six-figure sums, while implementing accessibility features is almost always cheaper.
Common Accessibility Mistakes in E-Commerce
Is your e-commerce website accessible? Here are some frequent stumbling blocks to avoid.
- Missing alt text on images: Without alt text, screen readers can’t describe product images, leaving visually impaired users frustrated.
- Unusable shopping carts or checkout forms: Transactions break down when users can’t complete their purchases due to inaccessible buttons, forms, or confusing steps.
- Poor keyboard navigation: Many users rely on keyboards rather than a mouse. Websites without proper tab orders or focus management alienate these users.
- Unreadable fonts and color combinations: Text written in low-contrast colors or hard-to-read fonts fails both aesthetically and functionally.
- Lack of focus indicators: Focus indicators guide users navigating with keyboards or assistive devices. Missing indicators make interactions frustrating.
Accessibility Lawsuits Are Expanding Beyond E-Commerce
While e-commerce is in the spotlight, it’s only the beginning. The legal landscape is shifting, and other industries are at risk too.
Industries Seeing Increased Scrutiny
Schools, restaurants, banks, media, and even local businesses are facing accessibility lawsuits. Virtual barriers matter as much as physical ones.
Awareness Is Growing
The ADA and standards like WCAG are becoming better recognized, increasing legal accountability across all sectors.
Prevention Is Key
If accessibility isn’t built into your website now, you may find it much harder (and more costly) to react after being called out.
Action Plan for E-Commerce Businesses
Why Accessibility is Good for Business
Accessibility isn’t only about avoiding lawsuits; it’s an opportunity to grow your business in multiple ways.
1. Reach a Broader Audience
Approximately 28% of adults in the U.S. live with a disability. By making your site more accessible, you’re opening the door to a new segment of customers.
2. Boost SEO Rankings
Search engines favor inclusive design. Features like alt text and improved navigation also improve how your site ranks.
3. Lower Bounce Rates, Higher Conversions
Accessible sites that are easier to use encourage visitors to stay longer and complete purchases.
4. Showcase Brand Responsibility
Committing to accessibility demonstrates care and inclusivity, building trust with your customers, which is priceless for long-term loyalty.
Ensure Your Website Isn’t the Next Headline
The rise of e-commerce accessibility lawsuits is just the tip of the iceberg. For businesses that act now, compliance is an opportunity—not a challenge.
Your efforts will not only keep your business legally secure but will likely boost your bottom line too. To get started, invest in an e-commerce accessibility audit or consult an expert. Accessible design is no longer optional; it’s the standard.