Long Beach Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Disability Discrimination Attorney in Long Beach, CA – $2M+ Recovered

People living with disabilities deserve to work and support themselves when they are able to do so. In California, disabled individuals have legal protections in the workplace that are designed to prevent employers from unfairly discriminating against them when it comes to gainful employment. If you have experienced disability discrimination at work in the Long Beach area, an experienced Long Beach disability discrimination lawyer can help you pursue justice.

Shirazi Law Firm, P.C.:Your Long Beach Employee’s Rights Attorney

​At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we have been advocating for California employees since 2011. We’ve seen firsthand how employers often think they have the upper hand when it comes to the enforcement of fair practices, which is why we’re devoted to using powerful legal strategies to hold them accountable for mistreatment. If you’ve faced unfair or discriminatory treatment in your Long Beach workplace because of a disability, our team is ready to help.

​What Constitutes Disability Discrimination in California?

​Disability discrimination is a widespread problem in the United States, where 28.7% of the population lives with some form of disability. Disability discrimination is a broad term, and there are many scenarios that fit the definition in California.

​If a California employer denies a disabled person reasonable accommodations to do their job, refuses to hire a qualified candidate because of a disability, or passes over a qualified disabled person for a promotion because of their disability, a Long Beach Employment Lawyer can help determine whether the employer is engaging in discriminatory practices.

​What Rights Do Disabled Workers Have in California?

​In California, disabled workers are protected from discrimination under various state and federal laws. One of the most relevant of those laws is the Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA, which was established in 1959. Under this law, disabled workers in California have the following guaranteed rights:

• The Right to Seek and Hold Employment. Disabled workers in Long Beach have the right to seek and hold employment, and employers cannot deny a person a job based solely on the fact that the candidate has a disability, unless that particular disability makes it impossible for the candidate to do the job.
• The Right to a Safe, Harassment-Free Workplace. Disabled employees have the right to work in an environment free of harassment or hostility, particularly as it relates to their disability.
• The Right to Fair Treatment Regarding Medical Conditions. California employers cannot require medical evaluations unless such evaluations are directly related to a candidate’s ability to do a job safely. Additionally, employers cannot ask employees or candidates to reveal information about their physical or psychological conditions unless the inquiries are directly related to the candidate’s ability to safely perform their job.

This list is not exhaustive, as the protections under FEHA are far-reaching and comprehensive. To learn more about the rights you hold as a disabled employee in Long Beach, you should hire a disability discrimination lawyer from Shirazi Law Firm, P.C.

​What to Do If You Experience Disability Discrimination in Long Beach, CA

​Your workplace should be free of harassment and discrimination in Long Beach. If you have a disability and your employer is discriminatory because of it, you have the right to take legal action and should take the following steps:​

• Document Harmful Behavior. Every time you perceive discrimination, whether it is an ongoing pattern or a single instance, you should thoroughly document everything that takes place. If you have any written communications to support your claims (emails, text messages, handwritten notes), you should keep all of those things together.
• Report the Incident to Human Resources. The first line of defense in any discrimination case is your company’s human resources department. You should report any discriminatory practices to them. If you end up taking further legal action, you will likely need to show that you reported the misconduct through the company channels first.
• Create a Paper Trail. Any time you discuss the discriminatory practices with your supervisor or anyone else at work, make sure you put those communications in writing.
• Hire a Disability Discrimination Lawyer. If you have suffered a wrongful termination, a missed raise, a missed promotion, or other financial losses because of discriminatory employment practices related to your disability, you likely have grounds to file a disability discrimination claim. You should hire a disability discrimination lawyer to help you secure the justice and compensation you’re owed.

FAQs About Long Beach, CA Disability Discrimination Laws

​Is Pregnancy Considered a Disability in California?

​When discussing employment discrimination, pregnancy can be considered a disability in California. Because medical conditions related to pregnancy can result in short-term disabilities and the need for accommodations, discrimination against a pregnant employee can also qualify as disability discrimination. If you have been discriminated against because you are pregnant, you may be able to file a disability discrimination claim as well.

​Where Are Disability Discrimination Cases Handled in Long Beach?

​In the state of California, workplace discrimination cases, including those dealing with disability discrimination, are generally handled by the Superior Court of California, which is housed in various courthouses around the state. For a Long Beach resident filing a disability discrimination claim, any necessary hearing is likely to take place at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Avenue.

​Are Mental Health Conditions Considered Disabilities Under California Law?

​Yes, some mental health conditions can be considered disabilities in California. According to the definitions set down in the Fair Employment and Housing Act, a mental health condition can be considered a disability if it limits at least one major life activity for the person with the condition. Life activities include physical and mental activities such as self-care, socializing, and working.

​How Much Does a Disability Discrimination Lawyer Cost in Long Beach?

​Lawyers in Long Beach generally set their own individual rates and fee structures, so the amount you pay can vary drastically depending on your lawyer’s experience and the services you require. However, many Long Beach attorneys who handle employment discrimination cases do so on a contingency basis. This means they do not require an up-front fee from their clients and instead receive a percentage of the settlement they secure.

​Need Representation? Contact A Long Beach Disability Discrimination Today

​If you have suffered financial losses because of disability discrimination at your Long Beach workplace, you have legal options. Contact Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., today to talk about your case and take the first steps toward protecting your rights.