Businesses are getting sued because their websites are hard for people with disabilities—especially blind customers using screen readers—to use. The fixes are usually simple. The legal costs aren't. Here's how to stay out of trouble.

Why are businesses being sued?

Think of your website like your front door. If someone in a wheelchair can't get in, that's a problem. Online, the same idea applies: if a person using assistive technology can't use your site, you may face a lawsuit. Common “gotchas” include:

• Buttons or links with no clear labels (a screen reader says “button” but not what it does)

• Pictures with no descriptions

• Pop-ups or menus you can't reach with just a keyboard

• PDF menus that are really just images (screen readers can't read them)

What do these lawsuits ask for?

Typically: a court order to fix the site and the plaintiff's attorney's fees. In some states, they also ask for money damages. Even if you settle quickly, it's time-consuming and expensive.

Who's getting targeted?

Everyone—from restaurants and retailers to gyms and salons. Many of these cases are filed by the same “tester” plaintiffs and law firms looking for quick wins.

The Practical Playbook (No Tech Degree Required)

1) Post an Accessibility Statement
Add a simple page on your site that says you want your site to work for everyone, gives an email/phone number for help, and invites people to report issues.

2) Fix the “easy wins”
Ask your web person to handle these right away:

• Add text labels to every button and link

• Add short descriptions to images (especially on menus, products, and promos)

• Make sure you can tab through the site with a keyboard (Tab/Shift-Tab)

• Give any embedded tools (online ordering, maps, reservation widgets) a clear title

3) Mind your PDFs and menus
If you use PDF menus or flyers, upload a regular web page version too. PDF images alone aren't readable by assistive tech.

4) Give your team a 1-hour primer
Have your webmaster spend one hour learning “website accessibility basics.” This prevents new problems when you update the site.

5) Keep a simple “fix log”
Write down: the date, the issue you fixed, and the page. If a claim comes in, showing progress and a plan helps a lot.

6) Put accessibility into vendor contracts
If you use third-party tools (online ordering, reservations, chat), require them to be accessible and to fix issues quickly.

If You Get a Demand Letter or Lawsuit

1. Don't panic—do act. Send it to your lawyer immediately.

2. Ask for specifics. Which page? What's broken?

3. Fix fast. Knock out the easy items first and create a short plan for the rest.

4. Consider early resolution. Often cheaper than fighting, especially once fixes are underway.

Quick Self-Check (5 Minutes)

• Can you move through your site using only the keyboard (no mouse)?

• Do your images have short, helpful descriptions?

• Do your buttons/links say what they do (e.g., “Add to Cart,” “View Menu”)?

• Do you have an Accessibility Statement with a real contact method?

• Are your PDF menus also available as a normal web page?

If you answered “no” to any of these, you have an easy place to start.

About that sales email you received

It looks like a law-firm advertisement, not a classic scam. Still, treat unsolicited outreach with caution:

• Don't click links. Look up the lawyer and firm on your own and call the main number to confirm.

• Check the sender. Ask your IT team to verify the email really came from that domain.

• Never hire from a cold pitch without a conflicts check and a signed engagement letter.

We can help

Business Law Group can:

• Post an Accessibility Statement for you

• Run a fast “easy wins” sweep of your site and PDFs

• Set up a simple fix log and a response plan

• Review your vendor contracts for accessibility language