In a landmark class-action lawsuit, a visually-impaired plaintiff is challenging the accessibility of a popular restaurant’s website, demanding equal access for all. Erika Alexandria filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on November 26, 2025, against Samwoojung, LLC. The lawsuit underscores the ongoing struggle for digital inclusivity and aims to enforce compliance with established accessibility standards.
Erika Alexandria, representing herself and others similarly affected, alleges that Samwoojung’s website is not accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. According to Alexandria, this inaccessibility violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). The plaintiff highlights her personal experience attempting to use screen-reading software to navigate Samwoojung’s website, only to encounter multiple barriers that hindered her ability to place an online order for Korean cuisine. “Due to Defendant’s failure to build the Website in a manner that is compatible with screen access programs,” Alexandria claims she was denied “the benefit of placing an online order.”
The complaint details how these barriers include missing alt-text for images, improperly formatted lists, and broken links—all critical issues that prevent screen readers from effectively interpreting web content. The suit also notes specific technical shortcomings such as navigation controls absent from carousel sections and improper heading hierarchies that further complicate accessibility. These failures are seen as direct violations of WCAG 2.1 guidelines—internationally recognized standards for web accessibility.
Alexandria argues that these digital obstacles represent systemic discrimination against visually impaired users by denying them equal access to services available on Samwoojung’s website. She seeks a permanent injunction mandating changes in corporate policies and practices at Samwoojung, LLC., ensuring their website becomes fully accessible under ADA standards. Furthermore, she demands compensatory damages along with civil penalties for each offense under NYCHRL.
The case raises broader questions about corporate responsibility in maintaining inclusive digital spaces—a growing concern as more businesses move online post-pandemic era—and could set significant precedents regarding web accessibility compliance nationwide if successful.
Representing Alexandria is attorney Rami Salim from Stein Saks PLLC based out of Hackensack New Jersey while presiding over this pivotal case will be Judge [Name], identified by Case ID: 25-9860.
Source: 125cv09860_Erika_Alexandria_v_Samwoojung_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
