Welcome to my blog! Today, I would like to give you some insight into the numbers reported in our recent 2024 Mid-Year ADA Web Lawsuit Report. Our team has worked diligently to compile and analyze this data.
I hope to offer a deeper understanding of our uncovered trends and figures. Let's dive into the details and explore the significant findings from this mid-year report.
Methodology: How We Compile the Report
For those new to our report, I want to thank the exceptional team at UsableNet for their dedicated work compiling these insights. What sets our approach apart is our comprehensive review of federally filed ADA cases and every filed federal ADA case. We meticulously distinguish cases related to digital properties—such as websites or apps—from those involving physical properties. This method enables us to offer precise insights into the evolving landscape of digital accessibility.
Additionally, we analyze state-level filings in states like California and New York, providing a comprehensive view of the legal environment.
Download your copy of the Mid-2024 Report on Digital Accessibility Lawsuits now!
Decrease in Overall ADA Lawsuit Numbers
We've observed a slight decrease in ADA lawsuits for the first time. Increased judicial scrutiny influenced this shift. Judges now demand more detailed claims from plaintiffs and their legal teams. Additionally, recent defense victories in federal ADA claims have prompted some firms to shift their focus to state courts, impacting filing volumes.
New York: Epicenter of ADA Lawsuits
New York continues to lead in ADA lawsuits, particularly in New York City. Businesses operating there face risks of federal and state-level claims alleging unequal services to people with disabilities. Factors contributing to New York's prominence include a high concentration of plaintiffs and plaintiff firms and broad judicial interpretations of ADA in digital spaces.
Highly Concentrated Plaintiff Activity
Plaintiff firms focus on high-volume representation due to the potential for settlements. This concentrated activity contrasts with more dispersed defense representation across various companies. Our data shows that the top ten plaintiff law firms defend almost 16% of lawsuits. The top ten plaintiff firms filed roughly 83% of all digital accessibility lawsuits this year.
Industries and Websites Targeted
ADA lawsuits predominantly target e-commerce and complex websites due to their frequent updates and accessibility challenges. These platforms are considered essential for plaintiffs, facilitating arguments about the harm caused by inaccessible designs.
The Pitfalls of Accessibility Widgets
Despite companies' investments in accessibility widgets, they often fail to mitigate legal risks. Reports suggest these widgets can create additional barriers for users with disabilities, highlighting their limitations in providing adequate legal protection.
The Mid-2024 Digital Accessibility Lawsuit Report is here. Download your copy now!
Conclusion
I hope this analysis has provided valuable insights from our report on ADA lawsuits and digital accessibility trends. For a deeper dive into our findings, download the full report. Stay tuned for our upcoming end-of-year analysis, typically published between December and January.
A trusted partner can help you improve accessibility and reduce legal risk. Contact UsableNet for a free consultation with an accessibility expert.
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