State and federal laws, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), protect employees from unfair treatment based on physical or mental disabilities. Despite these protections, many employers still engage in practices that violate the rights of workers with disabilities.
Common Examples of Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination occurs in many forms. Employees often face subtle or direct actions that limit their opportunities or create hostile work environments. Examples include:
Refusal to Hire
Employers may reject qualified applicants after learning about a disability, even when the disability does not interfere with job performance.
Failure to Provide Reasonable Accommodations
Employers must make reasonable adjustments that allow employees with disabilities to perform their duties. Denying requests for modified schedules, adaptive equipment, or remote work can amount to discrimination.
Harassment Based on Disability
Teasing, offensive comments, or creating a hostile environment because of an employee’s disability. Harassment can come from supervisors, coworkers, or even clients.
Unfair Discipline or Termination
Some employers use a disability as an excuse to discipline or fire an employee rather than making accommodations. This includes sudden negative performance reviews after disclosing a disability.
Unequal Pay or Benefits
Paying an employee less or denying benefits solely because of a disability.
Excluding from Opportunities
Employers may block employees with disabilities from promotions, training programs, or important projects, wrongly assuming they cannot handle additional responsibilities.
Retaliation
Employees who report discrimination or request accommodations may face retaliation, such as demotion, reassignment, or reduced hours.
Legal Protections for Employees with Disabilities
California law offers strong protections for employees with disabilities. Under FEHA, employers with five or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations and engage in an interactive process to determine what adjustments are possible.
The ADA provides similar protections at the federal level for businesses with 15 or more employees. Both laws strictly prohibit discrimination in hiring, promotion, pay, and termination decisions. Employers who fail to comply can face significant legal consequences, including damages for emotional distress, back pay, reinstatement, and penalties.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Critical for Disability Discrimination Cases
Employers often have legal teams working to protect their interests, making it difficult for employees to pursue claims alone. Hiring a disability discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles is critical for several other reasons:
- A lawyer can determine whether your case qualifies under FEHA, the ADA, or both.
- Attorneys know how to gather evidence, secure witness testimony, and prove discrimination.
- A lawyer can negotiate directly with employers to secure fair settlements.
- Attorneys can represent you in hearings before the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or in civil court.
- Legal representation ensures you meet deadlines, understand procedures and the full value of your claim.
With the help of an experienced employment lawyer in LA, employees stand a significantly stronger chance of protecting their rights and obtaining justice.
Contact Our Los Angeles Employment Law Attorneys Today
If you believe you have experienced disability discrimination in the workplace, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with our Los Angeles discrimination attorney. Our team is committed to standing up for your rights and holding employers accountable for unlawful actions.