What Are The Consequences Of Violating The ADA’s Web Accessibility Standards?
A variety of consequences can arise if you violate the ADA’s web accessibility standards. Some of the most notable of these consequences are as follows:
-A lawsuit.
-Being forced to pay damages.
-A weakened reputation.
-Being forced to make changes to your website.
Every single one of these consequences is quite serious. By being aware of the specifics that underlie each one, you can further understand why your website must be accessible to those with disabilities.
A Lawsuit
Right away, the first major consequence a business can receive if its website is inaccessible is a lawsuit.
Receiving a lawsuit is never fun, and dealing with it even less so. But, if a business chooses not to respond to this lawsuit and its contents, it will be hit with a default judgment.
A default judgment ensures that damages will be awarded to the person who filed the lawsuit. This outcome can also occur if the claim within the lawsuit is found to be truthful, leading to the second major consequence:
Being Forced To Pay Damages
A business that is forced to pay damages will need to make use of its own finances to do so. And, if the damages are significant, the finances of that business, and even the people who run it, maybe in jeopardy.
Just as an example, a judge may award an individual with $20,000 in damages. But, if that business can’t pay these damages, then they will be in serious financial trouble and, likely, unable to continue running their business.
A Weakened Reputation
The reputation of your business may suffer due to your website being inaccessible to those with disabilities. Some of the most notable consequences of a weakened reputation are as follows:
Being unable to find new customers.
Losing customers.
Disabled people boycotting your business.
None of these consequences are easy to deal with.
Being Forced To Make Changes To Your Website
Outside of the three consequences outlined above, there is one more that you must contend with being forced to make changes to your website.
To ensure that your website is accessible to those with disabilities, it must be:
-Operable
-Understandable
-Perceivable
-Robust
And, of course, it must be all of those things while also being compatible with assistive technologies.
Given the fact that these changes will be required in the event of a successful lawsuit, it is best to ensure that your website meets the criteria outlined above before that can happen.
If your website is accessible, then the chances of a discrimination lawsuit being successful are much lower.
