Quick Overview On The ADA And Recent Lawsuit Trends

The digital landscape has witnessed a transformation in the application of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), with U.S. courts recognizing the importance of web accessibility. This shift has led to a surge in ADA-related lawsuits (see Figure 1). 
Many companies of all sizes from big name companies such as Nike(CLICK HERE) and Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty (

Source: Seyfarth Shaw LLP, 2023

The best way to protect your website would be adherence to best practices, often reflected in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 and 2.1 (CLICK HERE WCAG 2) as defined by its governing body, the worldwide web consortium (W3C,CLICK HERE).

The multifaceted impact of ADA Title III is evident, highlighting the legal, financial, and market considerations that underscore the pressing need for web accessibility in today’s dynamic digital environment.

Quick TLDR:

• The American Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990
• Title III of the ADA is the section that impacts how businesses cater to their customers.
• Title III extends beyond physical spaces to public accommodations and businesses.
• 2018 amendments broaden the definition of “disabled” (CLICK HERE) and emphasize equal access including the web dramatically increasing lawsuits in the digital space.
• Surge in ADA-related lawsuits, especially impacting small and medium sized businesses.
• Financial risks for businesses and a rising market value for individuals with disabilities underscore the business imperative of ADA compliance.
• Lack of specific legal guidelines, but industry best practices, like WCAG 2.0 and 2.1, are commonly referenced.
• ADA compliance is crucial for legal safeguarding and business inclusivity in the dynamic digital landscape.