The Invisible Wave: $200 Million in Accessibility Settlements in the US – and What’s Coming to Europe

While many European companies are still trying to catch up with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the United States has already spent years facing a parallel industry of digital accessibility lawsuits and settlements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The surprising part? Most of those settlements never reach the courts.
Specialized law firms send mass demand letters to businesses whose websites or apps present accessibility barriers, alleging ADA violations and demanding compensation along with a remediation plan.

Faced with the risk of litigation, reputational damage, and legal fees, over 90% of U.S. companies choose to settle privately.

According to industry estimates, the total value of these “silent settlements” now reaches between $100 and $200 million per year, combining thousands of small agreements between $5,000 and $40,000 and a few high-profile cases worth much more.

The Same Wave Has Reached Europe

Since June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) has been fully enforceable across the EU, making WCAG 2.1 compliance a legal obligation for online stores, apps, digital services, banks, insurers, transport platforms, and almost every digital product that reaches consumers.

This means that, as in the U.S., any person with a disability can now report digital accessibility barriers, and we’re already seeing the first legal claims and settlements beginning to appear.

What was once seen as a "technical detail" has become a real legal, financial, and reputational risk for businesses that fail to act.

The Solution: Accessible Talent

All of this could be prevented if design and development teams integrated accessibility from the start.

Yet, the reality remains concerning: most digital professionals still refuse to update their skills in accessibility.

Many treat it as "extra work", when in fact it’s simply part of building high-quality, legally compliant technology that works for everyone.

Hiring and training accessible talent, professionals who understand and correctly apply WCAG, not only prevents lawsuits but also:

• Reduces redesign and maintenance costs
• Improves user experience and SEO
• Protects your brand from fines and settlements
• Ensures compliance in both public and private tenders under the EAA
• Guarantees future compatibility with AI agents, voice assistants, and emerging automation systems, all of which rely on accessible, well-structured content to interact effectively with digital products

In Summary

Europe is now experiencing what the U.S. went through years ago, but it still has the chance to handle it better.

Compliance shouldn’t be driven by fear of lawsuits, but by a commitment to digital quality and inclusion.

Accesstia helps companies and professionals take that step before lawyers take it for them.