ADA PLAINTIFF SUES NAPA WINERIES FOR WEBSITE VIOLATIONS
By Catherine M. Corfee, Esq. ADA Attorney
Corfee Stone Law Corp. 916-812-7322 or 916-487-5441
In June 2024, Disabled Plaintiff Jose Casillas has sued a series of ADA lawsuits against wineries in the Napa and Saint Helena for alleged violations of their websites. Who is Jose Casillas? He claims he is visually impaired and uses screen-reading software to read websites for its content. On or about June 3, 2024, Jose Casillas filed ADA lawsuits against the following wineries: Artesa, Eleven Eleven Winery, the Prisoner Winery, and Sattui Winery. The problem is that Jose Casilla alleges “conclusions” and does not identify any specific problem with the websites. He fails to notify the wineries about the “facts” as to how or why he allegedly cannot access their websites.
Corfee Stone Law Corporation has dealt with Jose Casillas and his law firm. He is abusing the system by filing numerous lawsuits making conclusory allegations of website violations. The worst part is that he never contacts the owners to inform them of his “purported” injuries by being denied access. This is likely because he desires a lawsuit to extort early settlement.
Corfee Stone Law Firm defends businesses sued by the disabled and can help businesses comply with the ADA. In general, a website is covered by the ADA if it provides information about a “brick and motor” location. This could include the address and location of the business. By contrast, an on-line business, that does not have a building for the public to visit, is not covered by the ADA. In California, a plaintiff must “intend” to use the goods and services. The plaintiff cannot sue for disabled access violations if the plaintiff has no intent to visit the business to use its goods and service like the non-disabled.
For a consultations and/or legal defense, contact Ms. Catherine M. Corfee Esq. at Corfee Stone Law Corp. She has been an ADA litigator sine 1995, and previously worked for two U.S. Federal Magistrate Judges. She has the bird’s eye view of a court room, and knows how to potentially avoid such.
916-812-7322 or 916-487-5441
This article is not intended to provide any legal advice whatsoever.