Real-world Examples of Businesses That Faced Penalties For Non-compliance and How They Solved It
Businesses of all sizes and industries can be at risk of facing penalties for non-compliance with website accessibility regulations. Real-world examples of businesses that have faced penalties for non-compliance include:
- Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. – In 2018, the grocery store chain was sued for not having an accessible website for individuals with disabilities. The company agreed to settle the lawsuit by making their website and mobile app fully accessible and paying a $250,000 fine.
- H&R Block – In 2016, the tax preparation company was sued for not having an accessible website. The company settled the lawsuit by agreeing to make their website and mobile app accessible and paying a $45,000 fine.
- Domino’s Pizza – In 2019, the pizza chain was sued for not having an accessible website. The case went to court and the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff, ordering the company to make their website and mobile app fully accessible.
- Peapod – In 2016, the online grocery delivery company was sued for not having an accessible website. The company settled the lawsuit by agreeing to make their website and mobile app accessible and paying a $250,000 fine.
- The Home Depot – In 2018, the home improvement chain was sued for not having an accessible website. The company settled the lawsuit by agreeing to make their website and mobile app accessible and paying a $250,000 fine.
These examples demonstrate the importance of website accessibility and the potential financial penalties that can result from non-compliance. To avoid penalties and legal action, businesses can take several steps to ensure that their website is accessible, such as:
- Conducting regular accessibility audits to identify and fix any issues
- Implementing accessibility features such as alternative text for images and captioning for videos
- Training employees on website accessibility best practices
- Utilizing website accessibility software and tools
- Hiring a professional to evaluate the website’s accessibility and provide recommendations for improvement
By taking these steps, businesses can ensure that their website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, and avoid the potential financial penalties associated with non-compliance.
