If your employer treated you unfairly because of a disability, medical condition, or need for an accommodation, you may have legal rights. A Burbank disability discrimination attorney can help you understand what happened and what steps may come next. At Sparrow Law Group, a Burbank employment law attorney can review your situation and help you stand up for fair treatment at work.
Why Choose Us at Sparrow Law Group?
Workplace problems can feel personal, stressful, and unfair. Sparrow Law Group represents employees who have been mistreated by their employers and works to protect their rights.
- Experience from the employer side: Our founding partners previously represented employers, so we understand how companies often defend these claims.
- A personal understanding of workplace disputes: Our team brings insight into how hard it can be to face unfair treatment at work.
- Focused, people-first advocacy: We take time to hear your story, explain your options, and build a strategy around your needs.
Examples of Disability Discrimination in the Workplace
Disability discrimination can happen when an employer treats a qualified worker unfairly because of a disability, medical condition, past illness, or a condition the employer believes the worker has. California law protects many physical and mental health conditions, including chronic illness, mobility issues, anxiety, depression, pregnancy-related conditions, and other medical needs.
Disability discrimination may include being fired, demoted, paid less, or denied a promotion because of a health condition. It can also include refusing to make reasonable changes that would help you do your job safely, such as adjusting your schedule, allowing medical leave, changing certain job duties, providing equipment, or allowing extra breaks when needed.
You could also face harassment because of your disability. This may include rude comments, jokes, teasing, bullying, or being treated like a burden. In other cases, an employer may force you out after you request help, take approved medical leave, or return to work with restrictions. These actions may be illegal if they are tied to your disability or medical needs.
How Do I Prove Disability Discrimination in Burbank, California?
To prove disability discrimination, you usually need facts that show your employer knew about your disability or medical need and treated you unfairly because of it. You may also need to show that you could perform the main parts of your job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Helpful evidence may include:
- Written notes: Keep a journal with dates, names, and details about what happened.
- Emails and texts: Save messages, reviews, letters, or schedule changes that mention your health, leave, performance, or accommodation request.
- Medical records: Keep doctor’s notes or other records that explain your work-related needs.
- Witness names: Write down the names of coworkers or supervisors who saw or heard what happened.
Many times, your employer will give another reason for its actions. For example, the company may say the decision was based on performance, attendance, restructuring, or budget issues. Our lawyers can look at whether that reason makes sense or whether the timing and facts point to discrimination.
How Long Do You Have to File a Disability Discrimination Claim in California?
In many California employment discrimination claims, you must first file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department before filing a lawsuit. The deadline is often three years from the date of the unlawful act. Some claims may involve shorter deadlines, especially if federal law applies or if the case involves a government employer.
Call a Burbank Disability Discrimination Lawyer Today
If you believe your employer punished you, ignored your needs, or treated you unfairly because of a disability, Sparrow Law Group can help. Call today to speak with a Burbank disability discrimination lawyer about your rights and options.