ADA Compliance and Legal Protection: How accessWidget Helps Businesses Stay Accessible
Web accessibility is no longer optional—it’s a legal necessity. Businesses across the U.S. are facing increasing scrutiny under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and lawsuits targeting non-compliant websites are on the rise. Many companies, especially small and mid-sized businesses, find themselves facing legal action simply because their websites do not meet accessibility standards.
However, a landmark court ruling has reinforced the importance of proactive web accessibility solutions. The ruling recognized accessWidget, an AI-powered accessibility solution from AccessiBe, as a valid measure for achieving compliance.
At North County Digital, we help businesses ensure their websites are ADA-compliant with minimal effort. Through our partnership with AccessiBe, we offer the accessWidget—a simple and cost-effective solution available at an even lower monthly rate than working with AccessiBe direclty. With this tool, your business can improve website accessibility, enhance user experience, and reduce legal risks.
Court Recognition: How accessWidget Helped Dismiss an ADA Lawsuit
A recent legal case, Erkan v. David A. Hidalgo, MD, P.C., highlights just how important proactive accessibility measures are for protecting businesses.
The Case
A plaintiff filed an ADA lawsuit against Dr. David A. Hidalgo, alleging that his medical practice’s website was inaccessible to individuals with disabilities. This type of lawsuit is increasingly common, as businesses are required to ensure that their digital platforms accommodate all users, including those with visual, auditory, and mobility impairments.
The Defense
To counter the claims, Dr. Hidalgo demonstrated the accessibility improvements made to his website, which included the implementation of accessWidget. AccessiBe also provided critical litigation support, such as audit reports, accessibility statements, and ongoing technical assistance, to prove compliance with accessibility standards.
The Court’s Decision
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York ruled in favor of Dr. Hidalgo, recognizing that his efforts—including the use of accessWidget—were sufficient to dismiss the lawsuit.
In the ruling, the judge explicitly stated that “the site’s use of an accessibility widget” helped resolve the concerns, ensuring that the alleged accessibility issues would not recur.
This case sets an important precedent: businesses that proactively address web accessibility using tools like accessWidget are better protected from legal action.
What This Means for Your Business
With over 4,000 ADA website accessibility lawsuits filed in 2024 alone, the need for compliance has never been greater. Unfortunately, many lawsuits target small and mid-sized businesses that may not even be aware of accessibility requirements.
Even businesses with good intentions can find themselves facing costly litigation if their websites do not properly accommodate users with disabilities. That’s why implementing a reliable, court-recognized accessibility solution like accessWidget is crucial.
Benefits of accessWidget for Your Business
✔️ Legal Protection – Courts have recognized it as a valid accessibility solution.
✔️ Enhanced User Experience – Improves site navigation for visually impaired, hearing impaired, and mobility-challenged users.
✔️ Automatic Updates – AI-powered technology continuously monitors and improves website accessibility.
✔️ Affordable Compliance – At just $49 per month, it’s one of the most cost-effective accessibility solutions available.
✔️ Risk Mitigation – Helps businesses avoid lawsuits and costly legal settlements.
Without an ADA compliance strategy, businesses face the risk of legal action, damage to their reputation, and potential financial losses. With accessWidget, compliance is simple, cost-effective, and legally recognized.
Why Choose North County Digital for ADA Compliance?
As an AccessiBe agency partner, North County Digital offers businesses a seamless solution for meeting ADA and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance standards.
When you choose North County Digital, you get:
🔹 Effortless Implementation – We handle the installation and configuration of accessWidget on your website.
🔹 Ongoing Accessibility Monitoring – Our system continuously scans and updates your site for compliance.
🔹 Litigation Support – If you face an ADA lawsuit, AccessiBe provides audit reports, accessibility statements, and expert legal assistance.
🔹 Scalability for Any Business – Whether you’re a small business, eCommerce site, or corporate enterprise, accessWidget is a flexible and scalable solution.
Unlike manual accessibility fixes, which can be costly and time-consuming, accessWidget automates compliance, ensuring your website is always up to date with accessibility regulations.
ADA Compliance: A Smart Business Decision
Investing in web accessibility isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s about expanding your audience and enhancing user experience for all visitors.
The Business Benefits of Accessibility:
✅ Larger Customer Base – Over 60 million Americans live with disabilities, representing a significant market.
✅ SEO Boost – Google prioritizes accessible websites, leading to better rankings in search results.
✅ Improved Brand Reputation – Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity strengthens customer trust and loyalty.
✅ Compliance with Federal Laws – The ADA and other accessibility regulations are actively enforced, making compliance a smart legal strategy.
With more businesses facing ADA lawsuits each year, the best way to stay protected is by taking action now.
Get Started with ADA Compliance Today
Don’t wait for a lawsuit to force your hand. Protect your business and enhance accessibility today with accessWidget—the court-recognized solution for ADA compliance.
At North County Digital, we make the process simple, affordable, and effective. For just $49 per month, your website will be accessible, legally compliant, and better optimized for all users.
📩 Contact Us today to get started and ensure your website meets ADA compliance standards!
