#United States #Los Angeles #Digital Inclusion #EcomBack #ADA Accessibility Lawsuit

Surge in ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuits: Mid-Year Report 2025

The first half of 2025 has seen a remarkable surge in ADA website accessibility lawsuits, escalating by 37% compared to the previous year, with 2,014 cases filed between January and June. This alarming trend underscores the growing legal concerns businesses must navigate to ensure digital compliance. According to the 2025 Mid-Year ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit Report published by EcomBack, several key findings are now paving the way for a broader understanding of this critical issue.

Key Findings from the Report

The report reveals several noteworthy statistics:

• - State Trends: The leading states for filings include New York (637), Florida (487), California (380), and Illinois (237). Notably, Illinois experienced a staggering 745% increase compared to 2024, emphasizing shifting legal landscapes across the country.
• - Repeat Filers: A small group of individuals and law firms have had a disproportionate impact, with just 31 plaintiffs and 16 law firms representing half of all lawsuits.
• - Platform Vulnerability: Various platforms, including Shopify, WordPress, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, faced lawsuits, indicating no safe harbor for digital entities.

Industry Impact and Hotspots

Over 90% of all ADA website lawsuits were aimed at ten specific industries, with restaurant and food services, lifestyle and fashion, and medical and health services ranking prominently. The trend suggests that sectors catering directly to consumers need to prioritize accessibility in their digital strategies to avoid legal repercussions.

The report highlights that organizations relying on quick-fix accessibility solutions, such as widgets and overlays, saw a significant number of lawsuits—456 cases targeted websites using these tools. This signals the reality that businesses must opt for comprehensive, code-level remediation of their sites rather than attempts at quick compliance through superficial tools.

Another worrying trend is the prevalence of demand letters that, while not filed in court, are being used as leverage for private settlements, especially in states like Pennsylvania and California.

Looking Ahead: The Looming Title II Deadline

The upcoming deadlines imposed by the Department of Justice's ADA Title II final rule, announced in April 2024, add another layer of urgency for compliance efforts. As the deadline for state and local governments to conform to WCAG 2.1 AA looms in April 2026, the potential financial burden on municipalities could escalate to billions of dollars, raising concerns about serial litigation from plaintiffs seeking settlements under outdated guidelines.

EcomBack's President, Nayan Padrai, emphasizes the importance of evolving standards that address the needs of modern technology in promoting genuine digital inclusion. “Enforcing WCAG 2.1 in 2026 is like mandating dial-up in the age of 5G,” he stated, underscoring the necessity for standards that are in line with advancements in assistive technology.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Proactive Strategies

The statistics from the first half of 2025 indicate that the landscape of ADA website accessibility litigation is rapidly evolving. Businesses must abandon reliance on quick fixes and instead adopt proactive, strategically sound approaches that include thorough assessments, code-level updates, and a commitment to ongoing compliance practices. Progress in digital accessibility requires sustained efforts to create an inclusive environment for all users, echoing the spirit of the ADA in its original form.

About EcomBack

EcomBack stands out as a leader in providing digital accessibility solutions, compliance guidance, and web remediation services to ensure that digital spaces are welcoming to all individuals, thus helping businesses navigate their compliance journey effectively.