Pasadena Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Pasadena Disability Discrimination Attorney

Many Americans live with disabilities, and such disabilities should not prevent individuals from fully participating in work and life. Unfortunately, some workplaces use discriminatory practices, leading to financial damages, legal injustice, or both. If you have experienced discrimination because of a disability, you should know that there are options for seeking remediation. Contact an experienced Pasadena disability discrimination lawyer for help.

Hire a Pasadena Disability Discrimination Lawyer

At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we believe that employees should always be treated with dignity and respect. However, we know that sometimes that is not our reality. We have been advocating for the interests of employees in Pasadena who have been mistreated by their employers since 2011, and we have the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively represent you.

When an employee is treated unfairly by their employer, they may feel like they don’t stand a chance at seeking justice. Many companies have well-funded legal teams that exist to push back against claims such as those related to disability discrimination. The good news is that you do not have to face your employer’s attorneys alone. When you choose Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., to represent you, you can navigate the legal process with confidence.

Disability Discrimination in California

Disabilities are not rare among American adults, with about 27.8% living with some kind of physical or mental disability. Disability discrimination is not defined by any one particular action but rather encompasses a wide range of behaviors and attitudes that prevent disabled people from accessing the same opportunities and advantages as their non-disabled counterparts. Some examples of disability discrimination include the following:

• Refusing to hire a qualified disabled person
• Denying deserved promotions or raises to a disabled employee due to their disability
• Refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for a disabled employee
• Retaliation against an employee for requesting a disability accommodation
• Terminating, demoting, or otherwise taking adverse action against an employee because of a disability

Laws in California Protecting Workers Against Disability Discrimination

Workers in California are protected from disability discrimination by both federal and state-level laws. On the federal level, workplace disability discrimination is prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. This law, enacted in 1990, requires that employers take necessary steps to make employment accessible for people with disabilities.

In California, employers must also comply with the Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA. FEHA provides a definition of disability that includes conditions that do not significantly limit a person’s functionality. Therefore, it is easier for workers to qualify as disabled under FEHA than it is under the ADA.

Between the ADA and FEHA, California’s non-discrimination laws are some of the most employee-focused in the country. Workers cannot be discriminated against based on a disability, whether defined or perceived, and employers may not ask for information regarding the nature of a worker’s disability. Furthermore, employers must provide reasonable accommodation, and all potential hires must be evaluated based on merit, regardless of disabilities.

What to Do if You Are Facing Discrimination at Work

If you are facing discrimination at work because of a disability, you do not have to accept your employer’s mistreatment. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and prepare to push back against discriminatory behavior: 

• Document everything. Outcomes in discrimination cases are largely based on perception and patterns of behavior. It is important to document every instance of discriminatory behavior.
• Discuss the problem with human resources. In most cases, an employee cannot pursue a discrimination claim through the legal system if they have not attempted to resolve the matter through workplace channels.
• Gather communications. Save any relevant written communications. If discriminatory actions are taking place during meetings, send emails recapping the communications to those involved.
• Hire a disability discrimination lawyer. When you are facing disability discrimination at work, you need an attorney with deep knowledge of employment discrimination laws.

FAQs

What Court Handles Disability Discrimination Cases in Pasadena?

In the whole state of California, the court that handles a specific disability discrimination case usually depends on which law the plaintiff is invoking. For example, a claim filed under the California Fair Housing and Employment Act would likely be handled through the Los Angeles County branch of the Superior Court of California. There are several possible court locations, including the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Disability Discrimination Attorney in Pasadena?

The cost to hire an attorney to handle your disability discrimination case can vary widely from practice to practice. The complexity of your case, the experience of your attorney, and even whether the case is argued in court will all factor into the costs you could pay. To understand your specific costs, speak with your attorney during an initial consultation.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Disability Discrimination Case?

It can be difficult to predict how long it might take for a disability discrimination case to resolve. There are several factors that can contribute to the length of time any one case might go on. Some examples include the willingness of the defendant to settle the case, how easy or difficult it is to prove discrimination, and how busy the court system is at the time. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others could stretch on for a year or more.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Disability Discrimination in California?

There is a statute of limitations for disability discrimination in California. A person intending to file a claim against an employer for disability discrimination must first file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. Complaints with the Civil Rights Department must be filed within three years of the discrimination, and court claims must be filed within one year of the Civil Rights Department’s determination that the practices were legally discriminatory.

Contact Our Pasadena Disability Discrimination Lawyer

If you need to act against your employer because of discriminatory practices, you may feel anxious or overwhelmed about the prospect. At Shirazi Law Firm, P.C., we are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your case.