Disability Discrimination in the Workplace
Workers with disabilities have certain legal protections, giving them recourse in the event of workplace discrimination. When employers discriminate against employees with disabilities, it’s important to take action. A disability discrimination attorney can help gather evidence and present a strong case to stop employers from continuing with discriminatory practices.
The attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau represent those who have experienced disability discrimination in the workplace in Daytona Beach, FL, Palm Coast, FL, and neighboring areas. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, please contact our law firm to discuss your claim.
Discrimination Against Disabilities Is Against the Law
It’s against both federal and Florida state law to discriminate in the workplace against someone with disabilities. The Florida Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the state level, as does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on the federal level.
ADA specifically protects against disability discrimination in the workplace, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or applicants with disabilities throughout all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, pay, and termination.
What Disabilities Are Protected Under ADA?
Disabilities under ADA and many other laws include physical or mental impairments that impact the ability to perform daily tasks such as walking, bending, lifting, and communicating.
Chronic conditions, such as cancer, HIV, and certain respiratory conditions, can also be considered disabilities as protected by law.
Examples of Disability Discrimination in the Workplace
Disability discrimination in the workplace is the unequal treatment of an employee or applicant based on their disability.
Workplace discrimination can be subtle, like denying a promotion, or more overt, like making jokes about an employee’s disability. It’s important to be aware of how discrimination can look since it’s not always obvious.
With this in mind, discrimination in the workplace can happen when:
- An employer refuses or fails to make reasonable accommodations for an employee with a disability to perform their job duties
- Terminating employment due to disability-related absences
- Harassing an employee because of their disability
- Making jokes in the workplace about an employee’s disability
- Failing to give employees with disabilities the same opportunities as other employees
- Taking back a job offer after discovering the applicant’s disability
- Asking job applicants about medical conditions, both past and present
- Requiring a medical examination prior to making a job offer
Taking Action After Discrimination
No one should be discriminated against in the workplace due to a disability. When discrimination happens, it’s important to speak with an attorney to help hold employers accountable and to collect compensation for damages.
A workplace discrimination attorney can help gather evidence that disability discrimination took place and help those who have been discriminated against receive compensation for such damages as:
- Lost health benefits
- Back pay
- Front pay
- Lost sick leave
- Reinstatement
- Compensatory damages
- Punitive damages
Contact the Attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau
Discrimination in the workplace is wrong and should not be tolerated. If you believe you have been discriminated against in the workplace, please call our Daytona Beach office at (386) 258-7313 or contact us online to discuss your legal options.