Disability Discrimination
California Disability Discrimination Lawyer
Upholding Your Rights and Dignity
At Grigorian Law, P.C., we are dedicated to ensuring justice for victims of disability discrimination in California. The following provides comprehensive information about disability discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and how our committed legal team can assist you if you’ve been subject to such discriminatory practices.
What is Disability Discrimination?
Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of a disability. Under the FEHA, it is unlawful for employers in California to discriminate based on physical or mental disability, perceived disability, or a record of such disability.
Recognizing Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination can take various forms, such as:
- Hiring Practices: Refusing to hire an applicant due to their disability, despite being qualified for the job.
- Job Accommodations: Failure to provide reasonable accommodations that would allow the employee to perform their job effectively.
- Terminations and Layoffs: Unfairly targeting employees with disabilities during layoffs or terminations.
- Harassment: Subjecting an employee with a disability to derogatory comments or behavior.
Disability Discrimination Scenarios
Here are a few scenarios that may constitute disability discrimination:
- An employer refuses to provide a wheelchair-accessible workspace for an employee who uses a wheelchair.
- A qualified job applicant with a visible physical disability is not hired, while a less qualified applicant without a disability is.
- An employee is frequently subject to ridicule or offensive comments because of their disability.
Remedies for Disability Discrimination
If you have been a victim of disability discrimination, you may be entitled to remedies including:
- Back pay for lost wages
- Front pay for future lost wages
- Reinstatement to your job
- Reasonable accommodation
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Reasonable Accommodations
Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, such as making physical changes to the workspace, modifying work schedules, or providing assistive technology. Denying such accommodations without a valid business reason is unlawful under the FEHA.
What to Do if You Experience Disability Discrimination
If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination:
- Document the Discrimination: Maintain a detailed record of every incident, including dates, places, people involved, and the nature of the discrimination. If you have informed your supervisor or human resources department in writing (e.g., email or text message), then make sure to save a copy or screenshot of the writing.
- Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential legal action.
Further Information
For more detailed information about FEHA and disability discrimination, you can visit the DFEH’s website at www.dfeh.ca.gov.
How We Can Help
At Grigorian Law, P.C., we specialize in representing plaintiffs in employment disability discrimination cases. We provide legal representation to plaintiffs, advocating for your rights and dignity. If you believe you’ve been a victim of disability discrimination, you may reach out to us for a free consultation.
Your ability to work and succeed should not be limited by your disability. We’re here to ensure your rights are honored and protected.
