Think your business is too small to be targeted for an ADA lawsuit? Think again.
According to recent data, the majority of federal ADA website accessibility lawsuits in the U.S. target small and mid-sized businesses. In fact, 67% of businesses sued had annual revenues under $25 million, and a striking 41% had already faced a similar lawsuit in the past.
If you own or manage a small business, this article will explain why you’re at risk and how Reguweb helps you stay protected.
Why Are Small Businesses Being Targeted?
Small businesses often lack the in-house resources or expertise to ensure their websites meet accessibility standards. Many assume accessibility is only a concern for large corporations or government websites. But the legal system says otherwise.
Here’s why small businesses are such common targets:
- High Volume: There are simply more small businesses than large ones.
- Less Awareness: Smaller teams may not know about accessibility laws.
- Fewer Resources: Smaller budgets mean they don’t invest in audits or compliance tools.
- Easier Legal Wins: Plaintiffs may view small businesses as easier to pressure into settlements.
What the ADA Says About Digital Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. While originally focused on physical spaces, courts have increasingly ruled that websites are also “places of public accommodation.” That means your website must be usable by people with disabilities.
Though the ADA doesn’t name specific standards, most courts refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—currently at version 2.2—as the benchmark for compliance.
Examples of Common Accessibility Violations
Here are some of the most frequent WCAG violations found on small business websites:
- Missing alt text on images
- Low contrast between text and background
- No keyboard navigation
- Inaccessible forms (no labels, errors not announced)
- No captions or transcripts for videos
Even one of these issues can form the basis for a lawsuit.
What Happens If You’re Sued?
ADA lawsuits are often filed as class actions and follow a familiar pattern:
- You receive a demand letter or lawsuit notice
- You may be required to quickly fix your website
- You could owe settlement fees and legal costs (often thousands of dollars)
- Repeat violations can increase penalties
Lawsuits are public record—so even if you settle, your reputation may be at risk.
Reguweb: Affordable Compliance for Small Businesses
Many small business owners worry that compliance tools are too expensive or difficult to use. That’s why Reguweb was designed with small businesses in mind.
Here’s how we make accessibility simple, affordable, and effective:
- 14-Day Free Trial: Start scanning your site with no commitment.
- Automated Website Scanner: Identify issues like missing alt text, poor contrast, and more.
- Accessibility Widget: Instantly enhance usability for your visitors.
- Clear Reporting: Easy-to-understand dashboards with prioritized action items.
- Manual Reviews: Available if you need deeper analysis.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Catch issues before they lead to legal action.
Plans start at just $59/month, and our platform is designed to work even if you don’t have a developer on staff.
Bonus: Accessibility Helps Your Business Grow
Beyond lawsuit protection, digital accessibility also delivers real business value:
- Reach more customers: Over 1 billion people worldwide have some form of disability.
- Improve SEO: Google favors accessible websites.
- Boost conversions: Accessible websites are easier for everyone to use, especially on mobile.
- Enhance your reputation: Showing you care about inclusion builds trust.
Real-Life Scenario
A small online boutique in Florida was sued in 2023 for not having an accessible website. The owners spent over $10,000 in legal fees and updates—just to get compliant under pressure.
Now, they use Reguweb for daily scans and quarterly audits. Their accessibility score is over 90%, and they’ve proudly added an accessibility statement to their homepage.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Lawsuit
Being a small business doesn’t exempt you from legal responsibilities—it just means you need smarter, more efficient tools to stay ahead.
Reguweb gives you:
- Compliance peace of mind
- Enhanced user experience
- Affordable protection
- Hands-on support when you need it
👉 Start your free scan today at Reguweb.com and stay ahead of ADA risks before they become legal nightmares.