Westwood Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Westwood Disability Discrimination Attorney

Facing disability discrimination in the workplace is a violation of your rights. If you have experienced such treatment, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our Westwood disability discrimination lawyer has a reputation for providing clients with individualized service. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez can handle the paperwork and anything else needed to hold your employer accountable for discriminating against you based on your disability.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez

Our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals in and around Westwood, CA. With over 20 years of experience, our attorney brings valuable knowledge of disability law, having represented clients on both sides of disputes.

This dual perspective allows us to recognize and counteract discriminatory practices effectively. We focus on providing our clients with personalized representation, ensuring they receive the dedicated attention needed to achieve the justice they deserve.

Common Examples of Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination occurs when individuals with disabilities face unequal treatment at work due to their condition. Discrimination can manifest in unequal access to training, promotions, or benefits. The Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez has handled several employment related cases involving this and other forms of disability discrimination in Westwood. Here are a few common examples of disability discrimination in the workplace:

• Refusal to accommodate: Disabled workers have the right to reasonable accommodations. These include modified work schedules, assistive technology, or physical changes to the workplace that would enable the employee to perform their job effectively.
• Discriminatory hiring practices: Another example would be an employer failing to hire a qualified job candidate because of perceived limitations related to their disability.
• Harassment: Harassment in the workplace based on a disability is a pervasive problem in the country. Offensive comments or jokes about a worker’s disability can constitute harassment.
• Retaliation: It is unlawful to retaliate against an employee for asserting their rights under disability laws, such as filing a complaint about discrimination or requesting accommodations.

While any of these forms of discrimination could lead to serious legal consequences for an employer, proving disability discrimination is not always easy. Hiring a disability discrimination attorney can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair and timely compensation after experiencing disability discrimination in the workplace.

State and Federal Disability Discrimination Laws

Disability discrimination is prohibited under multiple state and federal laws. If you are preparing to take legal action against an employer, your attorney can review your case to determine which agency should handle your administrative complaint.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the primary federal legislation protecting individuals from discrimination based on disability. The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotions, and other employment practices.

In addition to the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination in federal programs and activities. California has also enacted strong protections for disabled workers, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The FEHA prohibits discrimination based on mental and physical disabilities. Under this law, employers are required to accommodate workers unless the accommodations impose an undue hardship on the business.

How Can I Be Compensated for Disability Discrimination?

If you have experienced disability discrimination, several avenues may lead to compensation for your damages. The first step often involves hiring a disability discrimination attorney to represent you in the complaint process. Filing a complaint with a government agency can be more difficult than you think, and you must know which agency to file the complaint with. Filing with the wrong agency can significantly delay your claim.

Your attorney can ensure the administrative complaint is carefully investigated. The remedy for disability discrimination is often financial compensation through a settlement agreement you negotiate with your employer or former employer.

Compensation can include back pay for lost wages, front pay for future earnings, and damages for emotional distress caused by the discrimination. You may also be eligible for punitive damages if the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious.

Reimbursement for legal fees and costs associated with your case may also be included. In some cases, settlements can be negotiated, and your lawyer can be a valuable resource for determining how much compensation you are entitled to. It is crucial to document all incidents of discrimination and gather relevant evidence to support your claim, as this will strengthen your case.

FAQs

Q: What Can Be Done to Address Disability Discrimination in the Workplace?

A: To address disability discrimination in the workplace, individuals can document incidents, report violations to HR or management, and work with an attorney to file complaints with relevant agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Seeking legal counsel can also help you navigate the process and pursue necessary actions.

Q: What Is an Example of Disability Discrimination?

A: An example of disability discrimination would be an employer denying a worker reasonable accommodations, such as a screen magnifier for individuals with vision impairments. This refusal can significantly hinder the employee’s ability to perform their job duties effectively and can create an unfair work environment, leading to potential consequences for the employer.

Q: What Do Disability Rights Advocates Do?

A: Disability rights advocates work to protect and promote the rights of individuals with disabilities. They focus on ensuring equal access to employment, education, and public services. Their efforts include lobbying for legislation, providing legal support, raising awareness, and creating resources to empower individuals in asserting their rights and achieving inclusion.

Q: What Is the Most a Disability Discrimination Lawyer Can Charge in California?

A: There is no legal maximum for a disability discrimination lawyer to charge their client in California. The fees a lawyer can charge can vary depending on numerous factors, including the complexity of a case and the lawyer’s level of experience. The cost of a lawyer can also depend on their fee structure, which should be discussed at an initial consultation.

Schedule Your Disability Discrimination Consultation Today

Disability discrimination in the workplace can be humiliating and degrading. You do not have to deal with the financial fallout of someone else’s misconduct at work. With representation from the Law Offices of Miguel S. Ramirez, you can be compensated for your lost wages and other losses.

Our founding attorney is a straight-talker who has a reputation for getting results for his clients. Our law firm has helped many clients secure compensation for disability discrimination. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.