The Interactive Process
California law requires employers to engage in a good-faith interactive process when an employee requests workplace accommodations. This means the employer must communicate with the employee to evaluate reasonable solutions that allow them to continue performing essential job functions.
Reasonable accommodations may include:
- Modified work schedules
- Leave for medical treatment or recovery
- Reassignment to a vacant position
- Remote work arrangements
- Ergonomic equipment or workplace modifications
Employers are not permitted to ignore accommodation requests or automatically deny them without discussion. In many disability employment cases, companies fail to properly document the interactive process or retaliate after an employee requests assistance.
Protecting disability rights for employees in Los Angeles often requires reviewing internal communications, accommodation records, and workplace policies. Employers that fail to participate in the interactive process in good faith may face liability under California employment law.
Can You Be Fired Because of a Disability?
California is an at-will employment state, but employers cannot terminate workers for unlawful reasons. If your employer fired you because of a disability, medical condition, or accommodation request, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
Disability retaliation cases often arise after an employee reports workplace discrimination or harassment, requests medical leave, files an internal complaint, or seeks accommodations following an injury or medical diagnosis.
Many workers in Los Angeles rely on disability rights laws to challenge unlawful terminations and retaliatory workplace conduct. The timing of a termination, accommodation request, or medical leave may help reveal whether discrimination or retaliation occurred.
Employment law cases are subject to strict filing deadlines. In many situations, employees must first file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department before pursuing a lawsuit. Prompt legal action could help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
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