A new federal lawsuit claims that a major retailer’s website is not accessible to blind and visually impaired consumers, denying them equal access to goods and services in violation of federal law. The complaint was filed by Geovanni Bahena Figueroa on March 4, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Luxury Watches USA Corp.
According to the filing, Figueroa is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites. He alleges that he attempted multiple times, most recently on October 29, 2025, to shop for a Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro dive watch on www.luxurywatchesusa.com but encountered significant barriers that prevented him from making a purchase. The complaint states: “Plaintiff was injured when he attempted multiple times…to access Defendant’s Website from his home in an effort to shop for Defendant’s products, but encountered barriers that denied his full and equal access to Defendant’s online goods, content and services.”
The lawsuit highlights that approximately 8.1 million people in the United States are visually impaired, including two million who are blind. It argues that accessible websites are critical for independent living and equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. The plaintiff asserts that the defendant’s website does not comply with established accessibility guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 developed by the World Wide Web Consortium.
Figueroa claims that while browsing luxurywatchesusa.com—a site described as offering a curated selection of high-end timepieces—he faced obstacles such as missing alt-text for images, hidden elements on web pages, incorrectly formatted lists, unannounced pop-ups, unclear labels for interactive elements, broken links, and requirements for mouse-only navigation. These issues allegedly made it impossible for him to complete his intended purchase using screen-reading technology.
The complaint outlines several legal arguments under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation. The plaintiff cites guidance from the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division stating: “the ADA’s requirements apply to all the goods, services, privileges, or activities offered by public accommodations, including those offered on the web.” Figueroa argues that Luxury Watches USA Corp.’s failure to provide an accessible website constitutes unlawful discrimination because it denies individuals with disabilities full enjoyment of products and services available to other customers.
The lawsuit also describes broader implications beyond this individual case by seeking class action status for all legally blind individuals in the United States who have been denied access to defendant’s website during the relevant statutory period. It alleges common questions exist among potential class members regarding whether defendant’s website qualifies as a public accommodation under federal law and whether it provides equal enjoyment of its offerings.
As relief, Figueroa requests both preliminary and permanent injunctions requiring Luxury Watches USA Corp. to make its website fully compliant with ADA standards—including retaining an accessibility consultant acceptable to plaintiffs—to train staff on compliance measures; regularly check and test accessibility; develop clear accessibility policies; provide contact information for reporting problems; and ensure ongoing monitoring through automated tools and user testing by disabled individuals.
The complaint also seeks declaratory judgment affirming that defendant operates its website in a manner discriminatory toward blind users; certification of a nationwide class; nominal damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorneys’ fees; expert costs; and any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Yaakov Saks of Stein Saks PLLC based in Hackensack, New Jersey. The case is identified as Case No.: 1:26-cv-2409.
Source: 126cv02409_Geovanni_Bahena_v_Luxury_Watches_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
