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Could Your Website Be a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen?

  • Writer: Shelby Ruch
    Shelby Ruch
  • May 6
  • 2 min read

Hands typing on a laptop and writing notes in a bright room.
Hands typing on a laptop and writing notes in a bright room.

In today’s digital age, your website is a critical gateway for those seeking information, scheduling appointments, and accessing your services. However, if your website isn’t accessible, it can be much more than an inconvenience – it could even put you at risk of a lawsuit. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, requiring that websites and documents found online must be accessible. Just like brick-and-mortar buildings need to have handicap access, your online presence should be accessible, too. Non-compliance can lead to significant repercussions, including lawsuits that bring significant fines.


Since 2020, over 10,000 website accessibility lawsuits have been filed, according to Accessibility.com. One sector that’s been considerably impacted by these lawsuits is the healthcare industry. These legal actions underscore the critical need for healthcare providers to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to all users. It’s also important to note that fines are not the only ramifications associated with an accessibility lawsuit. Other implications may include:

  • Risk of losing contracts, funding, and assistance from local, state, and federal governments and their agencies

  • Loss of customers with disabilities, totaling over 25 million individuals in the United States alone

  • Adverse effects on your reputation and credibility


Healthcare organizations are particularly vulnerable to these lawsuits because they provide essential services, and many contract with federal and state governments. When patients can’t schedule appointments, access their medical records, or communicate with their doctor, they often and understandably turn to the courts for relief. In recent years, many major healthcare providers have faced legal challenges due to accessibility issues:    

  • Sharp Healthcare, 2023: Sued for alleged violations of digital accessibility standards on their website. The lawsuit emphasized the need for healthcare providers to make sure their platforms are accessible to all.

  • HealthSun Health Plans, 2019: Faced a lawsuit with allegations of an inaccessible website.

  • WellPoint Inc., 2014: Sued by two visually impaired plaintiffs regarding their difficulty accessing their website. Thankfully, WellPoint acted swiftly to fix the issues and enter compliance.

  • HCA Healthcare, 2017: With over 100 hospitals in their portfolio, HCA was sued for lack of alternative text for images as well as lack of support for keyboard navigation.

  • Tenet Healthcare, 2017: Named in a class action lawsuit for a violation of the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. Ultimately, their website that was inaccessible via a screen reader, which is a vital tool for those with visual impairments.

  • Healthcare Inc., 2020: Sued over claims that their online marketplace was inaccessible.


As the healthcare industry, along with many others, continues to face scrutiny and legal action, now is the time to re-evaluate your digital presence and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. By making your website accessible, you not only avoid costly lawsuits and damage to your reputation, but you also demonstrate a commitment to ensuring access to the Internet for everyone. Plus, it’s not just the law, it’s the right thing to do.

 

Don’t wait until your website becomes a liability. Let us help you get started with your accessibility journey today. Contact us at info@splashbox.com or visit our website at splashbox.com/accessibility for more information about our capabilities.

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