A new federal lawsuit claims that a major online mattress retailer is failing to provide equal access to its website for blind and visually impaired consumers, raising questions about digital accessibility standards required by law. The complaint was filed by Tammy Hampton on March 5, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Mattress Depot USA, Inc.
According to the filing, Hampton is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to navigate websites. She alleges that Mattress Depot USA’s website, https://www.mattressdepotusa.com, contains significant barriers that prevent her and other visually impaired individuals from independently browsing products or completing purchases online. The suit is brought as a proposed class action on behalf of all similarly situated individuals across the United States who have been denied access to goods and services offered by the company’s website.
The complaint outlines that approximately 8.1 million people in the United States are visually impaired, including 2 million who are blind. In Illinois alone, an estimated 260,000 residents are affected. Hampton asserts that accessible technology—such as alternative text for images, accessible forms, descriptive links, resizable text, and keyboard navigation—is widely available and used by other retail websites but not implemented on Mattress Depot USA’s site.
Hampton describes multiple specific issues encountered while attempting to purchase a mattress online in November 2025. These included missing ‘Skip to Content’ links needed for efficient navigation with a keyboard or screen reader; dropdown menus inaccessible via keyboard; product size options that could not be selected without a mouse; ambiguous link texts; missing alternative text for icons; and interactive elements not properly labeled or focusable. As a result of these barriers, she was unable to complete her intended purchase independently.
The lawsuit claims these issues violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation—including commercial websites offering goods and services. The complaint cites guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice stating that ADA requirements apply to web-based offerings by public accommodations.
Hampton argues that making websites accessible does not fundamentally alter business operations nor impose undue burdens on companies because well-established guidelines exist—such as those published by the World Wide Web Consortium (WCAG 2.2) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act—that detail how sites can be made usable for people with disabilities.
In addition to seeking compensatory damages for herself and other class members subjected to alleged unlawful discrimination, Hampton requests both preliminary and permanent injunctions requiring Mattress Depot USA to bring its website into compliance with ADA standards. She also asks for declaratory relief affirming that current practices discriminate against visually impaired users; certification of a nationwide class action; appointment as class representative; attorneys’ fees; expert costs; pre- and post-judgment interest; and any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The suit contends that unless remedial steps are taken by Mattress Depot USA, Hampton and others will continue to be denied full participation in online commerce—a growing part of daily life—and will face ongoing harm such as emotional distress and interference with daily activities due to exclusion from digital services.
Hampton is represented by Michael Ohrenberger of Equal Access Law Group PLLC based in Flushing, New York. The case is identified as Case No.: 1:26-cv-2485.
Source: 126cv02485_Tammy_Hampton_v_Mattress_Depot_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf