Torrance Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Torrance Disability Discrimination Attorney

Millions of people live with disabilities, and they should be able to work without fear of discrimination. In California, there are protections in place that are meant to keep disabled people from being discriminated against by their employers. If you are a disabled Torrance-area resident and have experienced disability discrimination in your workplace, you can seek justice by contacting a seasoned Torrance disability discrimination lawyer.

About Shirazi Law Firm, P.C.

Large companies with massive legal teams often assume they can enforce whatever policies they please because their legal counsel can handle the claims that follow. However, the team at Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., is devoted to holding harmful California employers accountable for their actions. We leverage over a decade of legal experience, comprehensive knowledge of state and federal employment laws, and insight into local courtrooms.

When you hire a Torrance employment lawyer from our firm, you can trust that a steadfast legal advocate can stand by your side as you pursue justice for disability discrimination.

What Constitutes Disability Discrimination in California?​

In the United States, 28.7% of the population lives with some kind of disability. Although disability discrimination is a broad term encompassing many different situations, it is fairly easy to define. If an employer treats an employee or a candidate unfairly based on a disability, the employer is likely engaging in disability discrimination in the legal sense.

​What Rights Do Disabled Workers Have in California?

​California has multiple laws that are designed to protect disabled workers, among others, from workplace discrimination or harassment. The most applicable of these laws is the Fair Employment and Housing Act. This law, called FEHA for short, was enacted in 1959 and guarantees disabled California workers the following rights:​

• Disabled people have the right to look for and maintain jobs. California employers cannot refuse to hire a candidate because the candidate is disabled unless the disability in question makes them unable to do the job.
• People with disabilities in California should not be harassed or subjected to a hostile work environment as a result of their disability.
• Employers may not legally ask an employee to undergo a medical evaluation unless such an evaluation is necessary to ensure that the employee can safely perform their job duties.
• Employers may not legally ask employees or prospective employees about their physical or mental health conditions, including disabilities, unless the questions are directly relevant to the employee or candidate’s ability to do the job in question.

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

If you experience disability discrimination in Torrance, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and make sure the situation is properly addressed ahead of any potential legal claim:  ​

• Keep a Record of the Discrimination. Make sure to record every instance of discriminatory behavior, whether it is a significant action or a small comment. Keep any supporting evidence you have, such as emails or written notes, that may help you substantiate your claim.
• Go to Human Resources. If your company has a dedicated human resources department, as most employers in the state should, report the discriminatory behavior to them. Even if you do not expect that they will take any action, going through the proper channels first is a good idea.
• Document All Communication. If you are discussing the discrimination against you or any related topic with anyone at work, try to do so in writing when possible. If you have verbal conversations, it may be helpful to write recap emails summarizing the conversations and send them to participants.
• Hire a Disability Discrimination Lawyer. Your attorney can review the details of your case, along with any documentation you might have, and give you advice on how to proceed. If you need to file a disability discrimination claim, your lawyer can handle the paperwork and the communication on your behalf. If your case ends in a trial, a seasoned lawyer can also represent you in court.

Why You Should Hire a Disability Discrimination Lawyer in Torrance

​Sometimes, disability discrimination in California results in real financial losses for victims. Disabled employees may even be wrongfully terminated. They may miss out on a raise that they should have gotten or even a promotion. If you believe you have suffered financial losses because of disability discrimination, you may have grounds for a claim. You should hire a disability discrimination lawyer to help you determine the proper method of securing justice.

​FAQs About Torrance, CA Disability Discrimination Laws

​Does Pregnancy Discrimination Overlap With Disability Discrimination in California?

​Yes, in California, pregnancy discrimination can overlap with disability discrimination. While pregnancy is not in itself a disability, it can bring about medical conditions that create short-term disabilities, and pregnant employees can experience discrimination based on those medical conditions. Therefore, if you are pregnant and experiencing discrimination, you may have grounds for both kinds of claims in California.

​Where Are Disability Discrimination Hearings Held for Torrance Residents?

​Disability discrimination cases, along with other employment discrimination claims, are generally handled by the Superior Court of California. This court is housed in many courthouses throughout the state in order to serve the nearest residents. If you file a disability discrimination case in Torrance, any related hearing is likely to take place at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Avenue in Long Beach.

​Can Mental Health Conditions Qualify as Disabilities in California?

​Yes. In California, mental health conditions can qualify as disabilities for the purpose of workplace disability discrimination. According to the Fair Employment and Housing Act, a mental health disorder is considered a disability when it limits at least one life activity for the sufferer. Activities like working, socializing, and physically taking care of oneself are considered life activities.

​How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Disability Discrimination Lawyer in Torrance?

​The cost to hire an attorney and file a disability discrimination claim can vary significantly from case to case in Torrance. Lawyers in California create their own individual pricing structures, so the amount you pay can vary depending on the services you require, the complexity of your case, and your lawyer’s experience. However, most attorneys who handle discrimination cases take them on a contingency basis.

​Contact A Torrance Disability Discrimination Lawyer Today

​If you are disabled and have been discriminated against in your Torrance workplace, don’t wait to take legal action and hold your employer accountable. Contact Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., to schedule a consultation and discuss your needs today.