{"id":20032,"date":"2023-10-20T05:32:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T05:32:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atxwebdesigns.com\/?p=20032"},"modified":"2023-10-23T05:49:42","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T05:49:42","slug":"could-your-website-be-putting-you-at-risk-for-an-ada-lawsuit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atxwebdesigns.com\/could-your-website-be-putting-you-at-risk-for-an-ada-lawsuit\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Your Website be Putting You at Risk for an ADA Lawsuit?"},"content":{"rendered":"
A lot of small business owners don\u2019t realize there are ADA requirements for websites\u2014let alone understand the consequences if those requirements aren\u2019t met. <\/p>\n
The CEO of ATX the Brand was recently featured in an Inc. Magazine article titled How Poor Website Accessibility Can Hurt Your Brand and Business.<\/a> The article explains how ADA compliance lawsuits over websites have increased significantly in recent years, and that any size business may be at risk.<\/p>\n The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that mandates accommodations to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities. While many people associate ADA requirements with physical adjustments, such as building ramps, the scope of the ADA extends to the virtual realm, specifically website accessibility. An ADA lawsuit can be initiated against your company if your website fails to meet the necessary accessibility standards.<\/p>\n Several factors can trigger an ADA lawsuit against a company. Inaccessible content can be a significant issue. Websites that do not provide text alternatives for images or videos make them unusable for those who are visually impaired, effectively excluding them from your digital presence. <\/p>\n Another common issue is the lack of proper heading structure. Missing or incorrect headings can make navigating the website difficult for screen reader users, an essential tool for many with visual impairments. <\/p>\n Non-compliant forms are a source of frustration for many users with disabilities. Online forms that are not compatible with screen readers or lack proper labels can be a major roadblock. Unintuitive navigation further compounds the problem. <\/p>\n Websites without clear navigation pathways hinder users with cognitive disabilities and may drive potential customers away. Inadequate color contrast, poor color choices that make content hard to read for those with vision impairments, can lead to non-compliance. Additionally, videos without captions are a common issue. Video content without proper captions makes it inaccessible to the deaf and hard of hearing, further limiting your audience.<\/p>\n To prevent ADA lawsuits and ensure your website is accessible, consider the following steps:<\/p>\n Compliance with ADA not only reduces the risk of legal action and damage to your brand reputation but also offers several additional advantages:<\/p>\n Today, website accessibility is not merely a legal obligation but a crucial factor affecting user experience, brand reputation, and business growth. Ignoring it can result in lost opportunities and customers. In an era where a strong online presence is essential for businesses, ADA compliance becomes a competitive advantage. Ensuring that your website is accessible is not just a compliance requirement but a proactive step toward creating an inclusive, user-friendly, and competitive digital space.<\/p>\n If your company faces an ADA lawsuit, here’s what you should do:<\/p>\n Q: My company is small. Can I still get sued for website accessibility issues?<\/b> Q: How much does an ADA lawsuit typically cost?<\/b> Q: What are the benefits of an ADA audit for my website?<\/b> Q: How much does a website accessibility audit typically cost?<\/b> Take the first step towards a more inclusive and accessible online presence today. Get a professional ADA audit of your website and uncover the areas that need improvement. By addressing accessibility issues, you’ll not only protect your business but also create a more welcoming digital space for all users. To learn more, click here<\/a> to request your website accessibility audit and ensure that your digital presence complies with ADA standards. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A lot of small business owners don\u2019t realize there are ADA requirements for websites\u2014let alone understand the consequences if those requirements aren\u2019t met. The CEO of ATX the Brand was recently featured in an Inc. Magazine article titled How Poor Website Accessibility Can Hurt Your Brand and Business. The article explains how ADA compliance lawsuits […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":20033,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is an ADA Lawsuit?<\/h2>\n
Common Reasons for ADA Lawsuits<\/h2>\n
How to Prevent Website Accessibility Lawsuits<\/h2>\n
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Additional Benefits of ADA Compliance<\/h2>\n
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The Broader Significance of ADA Compliance<\/h2>\n
What Happens if You Do Get Sued?<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions about ADA Compliance for Websites<\/h2>\n
\nA: Yes, regardless of your company’s size, you can be subject to ADA lawsuits related to website accessibility. ADA compliance requirements apply to businesses of all sizes, including small companies. Lawsuits can be initiated by individuals with disabilities or advocacy groups, and non-compliance could lead to legal action, potentially resulting in financial penalties.<\/p>\n
\nA: The cost of an ADA lawsuit can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, legal fees, potential settlement amounts, and court expenses. While specific costs can vary, it’s crucial to understand that ADA lawsuits can be financially burdensome, making it more cost-effective to proactively address accessibility issues.<\/p>\n
\nA: An ADA audit for your website offers numerous benefits, such as:
\nIdentifying accessibility issues that may lead to ADA lawsuits.
\nDemonstrating your commitment to inclusivity and equal access.
\nEnhancing the user experience for all visitors, potentially increasing customer engagement.
\nImproving search engine rankings, leading to better online visibility.
\nReducing the risk of legal action and associated costs.<\/p>\n
\nA: Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The investment is generally worthwhile, considering the potential savings in legal fees, penalties, and the benefits of a more inclusive and user-friendly website.<\/p>\nStart Your ADA Compliance Audit Today<\/h2>\n