There are various laws in place to protect the rights of disabled workers in the Golden State, including:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs. This means an employer cannot treat a qualified employee or applicant unfavorably because of their disability and must provide reasonable accommodations.
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) – This state law mirrors the protections of the ADA, but with broader coverage. The FEHA applies to employers with at least five employees and offers additional safeguards to disabled workers to promote fair treatment in the workplace.
Because both federal and state law can apply, it is helpful to work with a disability rights attorney Calabasas employees can turn to for guidance on which claims to file and whether to proceed through the Civil Rights Department, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or directly in court. We can walk you through deadlines, required documentation, and the pros and cons of each route so you understand how the law applies to the facts of your situation.
Your Rights Under Disability Discrimination Laws
Understanding your rights is crucial when facing disability discrimination. In California, the law protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various areas, including employment, housing, and public accommodations. At Gaines & Gaines, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you are fully aware of your rights and the protections available to you.
Here are some key rights you should know:
- Right to equal opportunity: You have the right to apply for jobs, housing, and services without facing discrimination due to your disability.
- Right to reasonable accommodations: Employers and service providers are required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your disability, allowing you to participate fully.
- Protection against retaliation: If you report discrimination or seek accommodations, you are protected from retaliation by your employer or service provider.
- Access to legal recourse: If you believe you have been discriminated against, you have the right to seek legal action to protect your interests.
At Gaines & Gaines, we are committed to advocating for your rights and helping you navigate the complexities of disability discrimination laws. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you take the first step toward protecting your rights.
If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing qualifies as unlawful conduct, a brief conversation with a disability discrimination attorney can help clarify your options. We can review emails, performance reviews, medical notes, and other records to determine whether your employer has failed to engage in the interactive process or has treated you differently because of your disability. By breaking down complex legal standards into practical terms, we aim to empower you to decide whether to pursue an internal complaint, file an administrative charge, or move forward with litigation.
Common Signs of Disability Discrimination at Work
Many employees sense that something is wrong long before they are sure it rises to the level of disability discrimination, which can make it difficult to decide when to reach out for help. You may notice small changes, like being left out of meetings after disclosing a medical condition, or larger shifts, such as sudden write-ups that do not match your prior performance. Understanding common warning signs can help you recognize patterns and decide whether to speak with a Calabasas disability discrimination attorney about your situation.
Some red flags involve how your employer responds when you request time off for treatment or ask for changes that would allow you to keep doing your job safely. If managers refuse to discuss options, make negative comments about your limitations, or suddenly begin documenting minor mistakes, these actions can indicate that your disability is influencing employment decisions. We can help you gather and organize evidence, including calendars, text messages, and internal policies, so that if your case ends up in a Los Angeles County courtroom, you are prepared to clearly show what has occurred over time.
Other signs may show up in pay, assignments, or promotion opportunities, such as being passed over in favor of less qualified coworkers after you disclose a disability. A disability discrimination lawyer Calabasas workers rely on can evaluate whether these changes are likely tied to legitimate business reasons or whether they may be part of a broader pattern of unequal treatment. By carefully reviewing the timeline of events and comparing how similarly situated coworkers are treated, we can give you a realistic assessment of your options and help you decide on the next steps that best align with your personal and professional goals.
What Are Considered Reasonable Accommodations in California Workplaces?
California employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees, so long as the accommodation in question doesn’t impose an undue burden on the company as a whole. The ADA defines a “reasonable accommodation” as a modification or adjustment made to enable an employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job.
Under the ADA, employers must engage in an interactive process with the disabled employee to identify and provide reasonable accommodations, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer.
Common examples of “reasonable” accommodations in the workplace include
- Providing assistive devices or technology
- Redistributing non-essential job functions
- Modifying work schedules to make them more flexible
- Making existing facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities
- Granting additional unpaid leave for appointments and related care
Keep in mind that there are legal consequences for employers who violate the ADA or related laws. If disabled workers suspect they’ve been discriminated against in the workplace, it’s imperative to consult with an experienced employment lawyer as soon as possible to avoid life-changing repercussions, such as experiencing a wrongful termination or worsening health as a result of discriminatory misconduct.
Our team can also help you think through practical next steps if your employer ignores or denies your accommodation requests, such as documenting conversations with human resources, requesting written explanations, and gathering medical support from your providers. For employees working in and around Calabasas, including those whose cases may be heard in nearby Los Angeles County courthouses, we can explain how judges and juries often view accommodation disputes and what types of evidence tend to be most persuasive.
Why Hire a Calabasas Disability Discrimination Lawyer?
Experiencing workplace misconduct can be jarring and intimidating. Many employees hesitate to speak out against large and powerful employers who may gaslight or condition employees to stay silent about unethical behavior, and understandably so. For many disabled workers, losing their job is not an option, especially in today’s economic climate.
Employment discrimination can take many forms in the workplace, like:
- Refusal to hire
- Wrongful termination
- Unwarranted demotions
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations
- Passing up a qualified candidate for a promotion
Luckily, our lawyers have vast experience dealing with a wide range of employment law disputes, including types of cases and more. With over five decades of experience representing wronged workers in Calabasas and the surrounding areas, we’re well-equipped to prioritize the unique needs of our clients and fight to obtain a favorable outcome on their behalf in court.
When you hire a disability discrimination lawyer Calabasas employees trust, you are not just hiring someone to file paperwork; you are hiring a partner to help you weigh the risks and benefits of each decision. We can advise you on whether to remain in your position while a claim is pending, how to respond to performance write-ups that may be retaliatory, and what to expect if your matter proceeds to mediation or trial. Drawing on our experience in state and federal courts, we tailor our approach to your goals, whether you want to push for policy changes, seek compensation, or simply protect your ability to keep working.
Choose a Trusted Calabasas Employment Firm with Over 50 Years of Experience
Our compassionate advocates at Gaines & Gaines have protected the rights of wronged workers in California for over 50 years. From navigating the pitfalls of sexual harassment to pregnancy discrimination to meal and rest breaks, every employee has the right to a safe and fair working environment. Our skilled attorneys are here to hold California employers accountable for workplace misconduct. With a longstanding track record of success, you can count on us to keep your best interests at heart and fight to obtain the favorable result you deserve in court.
Over the decades, we have seen how isolating disability discrimination can feel, particularly when it involves subtle conduct like changes in assignments, exclusion from meetings, or insensitive comments about medical restrictions. As a disability rights lawyer Calabasas workers can turn to for support, we focus on listening carefully to your story, identifying patterns that may not be obvious at first glance, and building a case that reflects the full impact on your career and daily life. By combining thorough preparation with clear communication, we strive to help you move forward with confidence, whether your matter resolves through negotiation or is decided in a courtroom.
No one deserves to be mistreated in the workplace. Call (866) 400-4450 to request a free consultation with a trusted Calabasas disability discrimination attorney.
