The cost of settling a website accessibility lawsuit varies depending on your state, the lawyer involved, and the number of accessibility violations on your site. For example, in California, damages can be filed under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which mandates a payment of $4,000 to each plaintiff for every incident of non-compliance.
Settlement ranges
- Demand Letters: Settlements for demand letters typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the company size and website scope.
- Court Cases: Legal battles can escalate costs from $50,000 to over $100,000, especially when factoring in legal fees.
Good News for Business Owners – Making Your Website Accessible.
The good news is that you don’t need to completely rebuild your website to achieve accessibility. Here are practical steps to get started.
Address Common Accessibility Issues
Focus on resolving the most frequently sued-for issues. Many of these can be mitigated by implementing a user menu that allows visitors to adapt the site’s view through their web browser. Ensure the tool adheres to WCAG 2.1 AA standards, as anything less may create a false sense of security and still attract lawsuits.
Hire a Knowledgeable Developer
Find a developer experienced with WCAG compliance. They can make targeted changes to your site to improve accessibility. Be aware that not all websites, particularly those built with themes, templates, or AI-generated platforms, can be fully modified to meet accessibility standards.
Build with Accessibility in Mind
If you’re creating a new website, ensure it’s built with WCAG guidelines from the ground up. Custom-coded websites often cost less than the fines for non-compliance, making them a smart investment for your business.
IRS Tax Credits for Accessibility Improvements
If your business earns less than $1 million annually, you may qualify for IRS tax credits to offset the cost of making your website accessible. The maximum credit available is $5,000 per year.
Want to learn more about claiming tax credits?
Connect with The Web Detective today to get started.