Why Law Firms Are Targeting Business Websites for Accessibility — And What It Means for You
In recent years, businesses across the United States have seen a rise in legal demand letters and lawsuits related to website accessibility. Law firms are increasingly targeting websites that fail to meet accessibility standards — and many business owners don’t even realize they’re at risk.
For organizations that rely on their website as a primary marketing and communication tool, this is not just a legal issue — it’s a brand, reputation, and revenue issue.
At Hazel Digital Media, we’re seeing accessibility move from “optional enhancement” to “essential digital compliance.” As a leader in website design and development, our team helps businesses build secure, accessible, and future-ready digital platforms.
Let’s break down what’s happening and what you need to know.
What Is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means designing and developing a website so that people with disabilities can perceive, navigate, interact with, and contribute to it effectively.
This includes individuals who may have:
- Visual impairments (blindness, low vision, color blindness)
- Hearing impairments
- Motor limitations
- Cognitive disabilities
- Neurological conditions
Accessible websites ensure equal access to information and services, just like wheelchair ramps ensure physical access to buildings.
What Standards Apply?
Website accessibility in the U.S. is commonly associated with:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 508 (for federal agencies)
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 / 2.2)
While the ADA does not explicitly list website requirements in its original 1990 language, courts have increasingly interpreted business websites as “places of public accommodation.”
That interpretation is driving litigation.
Why Are Law Firms Targeting Websites?
Here’s what’s happening:
- Automated software can now scan websites for accessibility violations in minutes.
- Law firms run large-scale audits targeting industries such as retail, healthcare, law firms, restaurants, professional services, and service providers.
- Demand letters are sent alleging ADA non-compliance.
- Businesses are often pressured to settle quickly to avoid costly litigation.
Common website violations include:
- Missing image alt text
- Poor color contrast
- Forms without proper labels
- Navigation that doesn’t work with a keyboard
- Videos without captions
- Improper heading structure
Many business owners are unaware these issues exist — especially if their site “looks fine” visually.
The Real Cost of Non-Compliance
An accessibility claim can cost:
- $3,000–$15,000 in quick settlement fees
- $25,000+ in legal defense
- Emergency website remediation costs
- Brand reputation damage
- Lost customer trust
In many cases, remediation costs far less when addressed proactively — especially when combined with structured ongoing website maintenance and secure infrastructure.
Accessibility Is Not Just Legal — It’s Strategic
Beyond legal compliance, accessible websites:
- Improve SEO (clean structure benefits search engines)
- Increase usability for all users
- Reduce bounce rates
- Expand your potential audience
- Improve mobile experience
- Demonstrate corporate responsibility
Accessibility and search engine optimization often overlap significantly — especially in content structure, alt text, and semantic markup. High-quality structured content also supports long-term growth through content marketing initiatives.
What Businesses Should Do Now
Conduct an Accessibility Audit
Use automated tools and manual testing. A professional evaluation from a qualified digital marketing consultant can identify risks before they become legal issues.
Review Against WCAG 2.2 AA Standards
This is the widely accepted benchmark.
Fix Structural Issues
Accessibility must be addressed in design and code — not just plugins. Custom-built platforms developed by experienced custom website design experts are far more adaptable than outdated template systems.
Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Websites evolve. Accessibility must evolve with them. Reliable website hosting and support ensures updates are implemented securely and consistently.
A Strategic Warning for Businesses
Many websites built years ago — especially template-based or DIY platforms — were not designed with accessibility in mind. If your website has not been reviewed in the last 12–24 months, it may already be vulnerable.
Accessibility is no longer a “nice to have.”
- A legal safeguard
- A marketing advantage
- A brand trust factor
- A competitive differentiator
As outlined in our guide on signs your website needs a redesign, outdated websites often carry hidden risks beyond performance and aesthetics.
Moving Forward
The question isn’t whether accessibility enforcement will continue.
It’s whether your business will address it proactively — or reactively.
At Hazel Digital Media, we help organizations:
- Audit accessibility gaps
- Implement WCAG-aligned development
- Strengthen SEO simultaneously
- Protect brand integrity
- Reduce legal exposure
If you’re unsure about your website’s compliance status, now is the time to evaluate it — before a demand letter forces the conversation. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.
In recent years, businesses across the United States have seen a rise in legal demand letters and lawsuits related to website accessibility. Law firms are increasingly targeting websites that fail to meet accessibility standards — and many business owners don’t even realize they’re at risk.
For organizations that rely on their website as a primary marketing and communication tool, this is not just a legal issue — it’s a brand, reputation, and revenue issue.
At Hazel Digital Media, we’re seeing accessibility move from “optional enhancement” to “essential digital compliance.” As a leader in website design and development, our team helps businesses build secure, accessible, and future-ready digital platforms.
Let’s break down what’s happening and what you need to know.
What Is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means designing and developing a website so that people with disabilities can perceive, navigate, interact with, and contribute to it effectively.
This includes individuals who may have:
- Visual impairments (blindness, low vision, color blindness)
- Hearing impairments
- Motor limitations
- Cognitive disabilities
- Neurological conditions
Accessible websites ensure equal access to information and services, just like wheelchair ramps ensure physical access to buildings.
What Standards Apply?
Website accessibility in the U.S. is commonly associated with:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Section 508 (for federal agencies)
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 / 2.2)
While the ADA does not explicitly list website requirements in its original 1990 language, courts have increasingly interpreted business websites as “places of public accommodation.”
That interpretation is driving litigation.
Why Are Law Firms Targeting Websites?
Here’s what’s happening:
- Automated software can now scan websites for accessibility violations in minutes.
- Law firms run large-scale audits targeting industries such as retail, healthcare, law firms, restaurants, professional services, and service providers.
- Demand letters are sent alleging ADA non-compliance.
- Businesses are often pressured to settle quickly to avoid costly litigation.
Common website violations include:
- Missing image alt text
- Poor color contrast
- Forms without proper labels
- Navigation that doesn’t work with a keyboard
- Videos without captions
- Improper heading structure
Many business owners are unaware these issues exist — especially if their site “looks fine” visually.
The Real Cost of Non-Compliance
An accessibility claim can cost:
- $3,000–$15,000 in quick settlement fees
- $25,000+ in legal defense
- Emergency website remediation costs
- Brand reputation damage
- Lost customer trust
In many cases, remediation costs far less when addressed proactively — especially when combined with structured ongoing website maintenance and secure infrastructure.
Accessibility Is Not Just Legal — It’s Strategic
Beyond legal compliance, accessible websites:
- Improve SEO (clean structure benefits search engines)
- Increase usability for all users
- Reduce bounce rates
- Expand your potential audience
- Improve mobile experience
- Demonstrate corporate responsibility
Accessibility and search engine optimization often overlap significantly — especially in content structure, alt text, and semantic markup. High-quality structured content also supports long-term growth through content marketing initiatives.
What Businesses Should Do Now
Conduct an Accessibility Audit
Use automated tools and manual testing. A professional evaluation from a qualified digital marketing consultant can identify risks before they become legal issues.
Review Against WCAG 2.2 AA Standards
This is the widely accepted benchmark.
Fix Structural Issues
Accessibility must be addressed in design and code — not just plugins. Custom-built platforms developed by experienced custom website design experts are far more adaptable than outdated template systems.
Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Websites evolve. Accessibility must evolve with them. Reliable website hosting and support ensures updates are implemented securely and consistently.
A Strategic Warning for Businesses
Many websites built years ago — especially template-based or DIY platforms — were not designed with accessibility in mind. If your website has not been reviewed in the last 12–24 months, it may already be vulnerable.
Accessibility is no longer a “nice to have.”
- A legal safeguard
- A marketing advantage
- A brand trust factor
- A competitive differentiator
As outlined in our guide on signs your website needs a redesign, outdated websites often carry hidden risks beyond performance and aesthetics.
Moving Forward
The question isn’t whether accessibility enforcement will continue.
It’s whether your business will address it proactively — or reactively.
At Hazel Digital Media, we help organizations:
- Audit accessibility gaps
- Implement WCAG-aligned development
- Strengthen SEO simultaneously
- Protect brand integrity
- Reduce legal exposure
If you’re unsure about your website’s compliance status, now is the time to evaluate it — before a demand letter forces the conversation. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.