Blind users were allegedly denied the same access and browsing experience as sighted customers

FASHION giant Fashion Nova has agreed to pay $5.15 million to settle a major class action lawsuit claiming its website was inaccessible to blind users.

The deal brings to a close a years-long legal battle over allegations that the retailer's site didn't work with screen-reading software.

This locked out visually impaired shoppers from a proper online experience.

The settlement covers a nationwide group and a California subclass of legally blind individuals who tried to use Fashion Nova's site with screen readers since February 2018.

The lawsuit accused the fast-fashion brand failing to make its online store compatible with assistive technology.

As a result, blind users were allegedly denied the same access and browsing experience as sighted customers.

Fashion Nova, known for its trendy, low-cost clothing, has not admitted any wrongdoing, but agreed to settle to resolve the accessibility claims.

Only legally blind individuals in California are eligible for cash payments under the deal.

Each approved claimant could receive up to $4,000. depending on how many people file.

If there's not enough money to cover $4,000 per person, the settlement administrator will divide the remaining amount equally among everyone who submits approved claims.

To get a payout, class members must file a valid claim form by October 20, 2025.

The deadline to object or exclude yourself from the settlement is also October 20, 2025.

A final approval hearing is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The lawsuit argued that Fashion Nova's website created barriers for blind shoppers, in violation of disability rights protections.

Screen-reading software, used by blind and visually impaired individuals, reads out text and navigational elements on websites.

But the Fashion Nova site allegedly lacked proper coding, making key features inaccessible.

The case is one of a growing number of digital accessibility lawsuits targeting major companies over poorly designed websites.

Experts say the legal pressure has pushed many brands to upgrade their online platforms to meet accessibility standards.

California class members who believe they qualify are encouraged to submit claims through the settlement administrator's website.

Anyone filing must do so truthfully - submitting a fraudulent claim is a federal offence and could impact genuine claimants.

"If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim," the notice warns.

The settlement is seen as a wake-up call for major online retailers, as lawsuits over digital access continue to surge across the U.S.

Americans to get $4k checks from accessibility settlement in certain states