THE LAW IS ON YOUR SIDE
In addition to protecting you from harassment and unfair hiring and firing practices, employment law protects you from being denied medical leave. This is considered to be a reasonable accommodation and if your employer maintains an inflexible policy, they may be in violation of the ADA. Before you take any steps, it is important that you take action to speak with a knowledgeable Los Angeles disability discrimination lawyer from LNN.
Employers may not ignore requests for accommodations, refuse to discuss alternatives, or punish an employee for making such a request.
Reasonable Accommodations
Many workers contact our firm because their employer refused to make simple workplace adjustments. A workplace disability discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles can evaluate whether the requested accommodation was reasonable under the law.
Reasonable accommodations are changes that allow an employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job, but they should not impose an undue hardship on the employer. Accommodations may include:
- Modified work schedules or flexible hours
- Temporary medical leave
- Ergonomic workstations or specialized equipment
- Reassignment to a vacant position
- Remote work arrangements when feasible
Employers are expected to discuss potential solutions with the employee rather than immediately denying a request or ignoring it altogether.
Key Laws that Protect Employees From Discrimination
Several laws protect workers who experience disability-related discrimination in the workplace. When you speak with our Los Angeles disability discrimination legal attorney, we evaluate which statutes apply to your situation.
Key protections may include:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities
- The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides broad protections for workers with physical or mental disabilities
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take protected medical leave in certain circumstances
- The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provides additional leave protections for qualifying employees
These laws prohibit employers from refusing to hire, terminating, or otherwise putting an employee at a disadvantage because of a disability or medical condition. They also protect workers who request accommodations or report discriminatory behavior.
Where do You Need to File a Complaint?
If you believe you were treated unfairly due to a disability, filing a formal complaint may be a part of the necessary process. A disability discrimination lawyer in California can help determine the proper agency and ensure the complaint is filed on time and without mistakes.
Employees can file a complaint with a government agency after experiencing discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws, applies to fewer employers, and generally has shorter deadlines. California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD), on the other hand, enforces state law, applies to more employers, and gives more time to file.
These agencies review and investigate discrimination claims, may facilitate mediation between the parties, and in some cases issue a right-to-sue notice, which permits the employee to move forward with a lawsuit in court. Deadlines for filing complaints can be strict, so speak with our legal team as soon as possible.
Legal Action and Damages After Disability Discrimination
Our Los Angeles attorney can help you seek compensation for losses related to disability discrimination. Potential damages in disability discrimination cases may include:
- Lost wages and lost future earnings
- Lost benefits
- Emotional distress damages
- Reinstatement to a job or promotion when appropriate
- Attorneys’ fees and litigation costs when allowed by law
Our firm carefully reviews employment records, communications, and company policies to build a strong case, so we can help you hold your employer accountable and recover financial losses.
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