Understanding Disability Discrimination in the Workplace: Your Rights Under California Law
At Sparrow Law Group, we specialize in fighting for employees who face discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace. One of the most pervasive yet underreported forms of discrimination is against employees with disabilities. California’s robust employment laws offer strong protections for workers, and in this blog, we’ll explore the issue of disability discrimination, your rights, and how to take action if you’ve been affected.
What Is Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats a qualified employee or job applicant unfavorably due to a physical or mental disability. This form of discrimination violates both federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California state laws, particularly the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Examples of Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination can take many forms, including:
- Failure to Accommodate: Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations such as modified work schedules, assistive devices, or ergonomic adjustments.
- Unlawful Termination: Firing an employee due to their disability or their need for accommodations.
- Hiring Bias: Refusing to hire qualified candidates because of a visible or disclosed disability.
- Harassment: Subjecting an employee to offensive remarks or behaviors related to their disability.
- Exclusion from Opportunities: Denying promotions, training, or other professional opportunities based on disability status.
Your Legal Protections
California provides some of the strongest legal protections for workers with disabilities. Here are the key provisions you need to know:
- Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): FEHA prohibits discrimination against employees with disabilities and requires employers to engage in an “interactive process” to determine reasonable accommodations.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): At the federal level, the ADA ensures equal access to employment and prohibits workplace discrimination based on disability.
- Reasonable Accommodations: Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations that enable employees with disabilities to perform their essential job duties, provided it does not impose an undue hardship on the business.
- Retaliation Protections: It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who assert their rights or request accommodations for their disability.
Steps to Take If You Face Disability Discrimination
If you suspect you’ve been subjected to disability discrimination, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Document Everything: Keep a record of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, and communications with your employer.
- File an Internal Complaint: Report the discrimination to your HR department or supervisor to create an official record.
- Consult a Disability Discrimination Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
How Sparrow Law Group Can Help
As Los Angeles-based employment attorneys, Sparrow Law Group has extensive experience handling disability discrimination cases. Whether you need legal advice, assistance with filing a complaint, or representation in court, we are here to help you achieve justice and hold your employer accountable.
Contact Us Today
Disability discrimination should never be tolerated. If you’ve experienced unfair treatment in the workplace, contact Sparrow Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights. Let us be your wingman for your rights.
By focusing on employee rights and leveraging our expertise in California employment law, Sparrow Law Group is committed to helping workers stand up against discrimination. Visit our website at www.sparrowllp.com to learn more or call us directly to discuss your case.
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