What Businesses Are at Risk for Web Accessibility Lawsuits?
From local community centers to home-based businesses, every type of website is at risk of receiving a legal threat or falling victim to web accessibility lawsuits. While there have been many high-profile ADA standards lawsuits in the news, even small to medium-sized businesses could face this challenge if they do not become WCAG ADA compliant. However, it is helpful to know that avoiding a lawsuit is just one of many benefits of accessibility compliance. The more you can do to accommodate all users and expand your potential market reach, the more successful your business or organization will be online.
The rise in web accessibility lawsuits continues to grow, expanding from more than 2,000 in 2018 to over 11,000 in 2019. Overall, these suits grew by more than 400 percent from just six years prior, when ADA standards cases were just beginning to be applied to websites and applications. In addition to the lawsuits that go all the way to the courts, there is an increasingly high number of cases being settled out of court and away from the prying eyes of the media. The fines for violating WCAG ADA compliance can vary, depending on the size of the business and the degree of difficulty that individuals have in navigating or using the website.
Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
It is essential for small business owners to understand that it’s not just the big name brands that are being targeted by these web accessibility lawsuits. Mom and pop restaurants, stores, and local shops have lost big in ADA standards lawsuits and were required to pay thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees. Businesses today have a much greater responsibility when it comes to ensuring website accessibility for all. Basic accommodations are not enough to avoid legal action, so it pays to be thorough and offer visitors a comprehensive solution that will allow them to use screen readers and other accessibility tools.
The most recent information available from the U.S. Census reveals that nearly 25 percent of all Americans have some degree of disability that may require accommodations. Millions of individuals might not be able to access the information, use the resources, or purchase goods and services from your website if you do not meet the current WCAG 2.1 AA and ADA standards. The good news is that businesses that make an effort to create a more accessible website will also reap other benefits of accessibility compliance. The more consumers you can reach, the more likely you are to make a sale. Small to medium-sized businesses can increase local, regional, and national sales when they create accessible websites.
Accessible Internet: A Simple Solution
Our clients have access to a simple solution for accessibility compliance that meets WCAG and ADA standards of accommodation. Custom features for advanced users, a certification and accessibility statement, and ongoing 24/7 compliance monitoring help you become compliant and maintain accessibility going forward. Monthly audits and reports assure that everything is working as it should, helping clients to continue creating user-friendly content that accommodates individuals with disabilities. Designed to work with all kinds of websites, regardless of the platform, host, or content management system, our solution is easy to install and customize, providing your visitors with accessibility tools within minutes after installation.
Unlike other accessibility programs that promise the moon yet fail to achieve even basic ADA standards to avoid web accessibility lawsuits, our solution has been proven to work with all websites. A quick AI-powered technology ensures that there are no lagging or loading issues, offers fully encrypted and safe protection, and compliance is even recognized by the search engines. Continued scans are performed every 24 hours to ensure that all website updates and new content posts are also compliant. Video training and ongoing support are provided to help you maximize the benefits of accessibility compliance for your small to medium-sized businesses. It is time to protect your business from potential litigation and ensure that you are able to meet the needs of all visitors and prospective shoppers. Our solution is ADA Title III, WCAG 2.1, Section 508, and many other government regulations and industry guidelines.
How Does Your Website Measure Up?
Take advantage of our FREE Accessibility Scanning Tool to determine whether you are at risk for web accessibility lawsuits due to non-compliance. Our team can answer any questions you might have about our easy-to-use solution and provide details on how it works for small to medium-sized businesses and all types of organizations. Call today at 1-800-999-9999 to start working with one of our customer service representatives or find out more about Accessible Internet and the valuable services we provide.