Los Angeles Disability Discrimination Lawyers
Legal Counsel Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County & the Inland Empire
Disability discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee or job applicant is mistreated due to a physical or mental disability. This type of discrimination might involve outright bias, refusal to accommodate disability-related needs, or unjust actions taken based on stereotypes or misunderstandings about a person's capabilities.
At The Work Justice Firm, we do nothing else but represent employees in workplace injustices and disputes. Our singular focus on employment law gives us a cutting edge in legal representation for our clients. Our driving force is to protect and restore your workplace rights and best interests.
Call (323) 675-3337 or contact The Work Justice Firm online to book a free consultation with a Los Angeles disability discrimination attorney. Hablamos español.
What Does Disability Discrimination Look Like?
Disability discrimination can manifest in many ways in the workplace.
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations: An employer neglects to adjust work responsibilities, modify schedules, or provide assistive tools that enable a disabled employee to perform essential job functions.
- Harassment: Verbal or physical mistreatment, ridicule, or exclusion of employees from assignments or opportunities because of their disabilities, creating a hostile work environment.
- Unfair hiring practices: Rejecting qualified candidates solely based on a disability or perceived inability to fulfill job duties.
- Wrongful termination: Firing an employee or forcing them to quit because of their disability or after they request accommodations.
- Unequal opportunities: Denying promotions, training, or career advancement opportunities or reduction in compensation or schedule due to disability prejudice.
Disability Discrimination is Illegal in California
The above types of discrimination can have far-reaching impacts on disabled workers, both emotionally and financially. They can cause economic strain and emotional trauma and hinder career growth.
California employers cannot discriminate against employees who have disabilities.
If an employer knows that an employee has a disability or medical condition, it must engage in an interactive process with the employee to determine whether reasonable accommodations are available. The employer must provide reasonable accommodation to the employee unless it would be an undue hardship.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects disabled employees from workplace discrimination. It applies to employers with five or more employees.
The FEHA provides a broader definition of disability than federal law. Under the FEHA, a disability can be a physical or mental impairment limiting a primary life function, including employment.
Physical and mental impairments can include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Depression
- Frequent urination
- PTSD
More serious medical conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, etc., are covered under the FEHA as well.
Hear from Those We've Helped
-
"Dedication & Commitment"From our first meeting, he showed a deep understanding of my situation and offered incredible empathy and support.- Brett R.
-
"Excellent Result"Alex in particular at the work justice law firm went into detail about my case and he figured out a way for me to work my way through it successfully. I would highly recommend work justice law firm without a doubt.- Ben B.
-
"Highly Recommend"
He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed, and fought to ensure I received a fair outcome.
- Ricardo D. -
"Professional Service"I love their professional service!- Timothy
-
"Top-Notch Attorneys"If you're interested in finding a worker's compensation attorney, search no more - You found the best here!- Eduardo H.
-
"Professionalism"I can say if you want peace of mind handling your legal issues at work, look no further.- Andrew B.
-
"Unwavering Support"I am so happy I found this firm to help me with a very complex case of workplace injustice.- Lea V.
-
"Exceptional Legal Support"I had the pleasure of working with The Work Justice Firm, and I can't recommend them highly enough.- J J
Reasonable Accommodations for Disabled Workers
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and FEHA mandate that employers provide reasonable accommodations for disabled workers and prohibits discrimination against
Reasonable accommodations can take many forms, tailored to meet the unique needs of each employee, such as the following.
- Flexible work schedules: Allowing modified hours, reduced workdays, or remote work options to accommodate medical treatments, physical therapy, or other needs related to a disability.
- Assistive technology and devices: Providing tools such as text-to-speech software for individuals with visual impairments, speech recognition tools for those with physical disabilities, or specialized communication devices.
- Modified workspaces: Adjusting a workspace by installing wheelchair ramps, ergonomic furniture, or adjustable desks to create a more accessible environment.
- Job restructuring: Reallocating or redistributing non-essential job functions that an employee cannot perform due to their disability while allowing them to focus on essential tasks.
- Additional training or support: Offering one-on-one job training, extra time to learn new responsibilities, or a job coach to ensure employees have the necessary resources to succeed.
- Extended leave: Granting unpaid or additional time off for recovery, treatment, or other disability-related needs when necessary.
- Reassignment to a vacant position: Placing an employee in a different role for which they are qualified if their current position cannot be reasonably accommodated.
Reasonable accommodations are highly personalized and require an employer to interact with the employee to determine feasible adjustments. By providing these accommodations, businesses can create inclusive workplaces where all employees have a fair chance to thrive.
How a Discrimination Lawyer Can Help
The Work Justice Firm can help you by providing legal guidance, advocating for your rights, and pursuing justice through legal avenues.
We can determine if your employer violated state or federal workplace disability discrimination laws. We can also assess whether the employer failed to provide reasonable accommodations or engaged in wrongful termination or other harmful practices due to your disability.
We help clients file complaints with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Our team can advocate for modifications to job duties, work schedules, or accessibility accommodations to enable you to perform your job. As the law requires, we can hold employers accountable for engaging in the interactive process.
Finally, we can pursue compensation for damages, from lost wages to emotional distress. If settlement negotiations fail, we can file a lawsuit against the employer for discrimination and represent you in court or administrative hearings to secure justice.
Call (323) 675-3337 or contact us online to arrange a free case assessment with a Los Angeles disability discrimination attorney.
If you’re facing discrimination, harassment, or any workplace injustice, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation—no fees unless we win your case. We’re committed to defending your rights and achieving the justice you deserve.
