Irvine Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Disability discrimination in the workplace is illegal under both California and federal law. If your employer denied you reasonable accommodations, terminated you because of your condition, or harassed you due to your disability, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Call (949) 379-6250 or contact our Irvine discrimination lawyers at Aegis Law Firm to arrange a free consultation today. 

Why Choose Our Disability Discrimination Lawyer

• Employment Law Focus: We handle only employment cases, giving your claim the full benefit of our focused experience.
• Award-Winning Team: Our attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Avvo, reflecting our dedication to professional excellence and client satisfaction in workplace discrimination cases.
• Proven Results: We have recovered over $300 million for employees across California.

What Qualifies as Disability Discrimination?

Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably due to a disability. This includes:

• Wrongful termination due to a disability
• Refusing to hire or promote because of a medical condition
• Failing to provide reasonable accommodations
• Creating a hostile work environment through harassment
• Retaliating after a request for accommodation or medical leave

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides broader protections than federal law. It applies to employers with five or more employees and covers both physical and mental impairments that limit major life activities.

Your Right to Reasonable Accommodations

Under FEHA, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to help disabled employees perform their job duties. Accommodations may include:

• Modified work schedules
• Ergonomic equipment or assistive devices
• Job restructuring or reassignment
• Medical leave for treatment or recovery
• Adjustments to training or testing materials

An employer must engage in a timely, good faith interactive process to identify appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Refusing to do so may qualify as disability discrimination.

Common Examples of Disability Discrimination in Irvine Workplaces

Discrimination based on disability can be subtle or overt. Common violations include:

• Reassigning a worker to less desirable tasks after disclosing a disability.
• Disciplining an employee for taking medical leave under FEHA or the FMLA.
• Denying a request to work from home when remote work is feasible.
• Making offensive jokes about an employee’s condition.
• Firing an employee after a cancer diagnosis or injury.

Under California law, a disability includes any physical or mental condition, illness, injury, disfigurement, or anatomical loss that limits a person’s ability to engage in major life activities.

Types of Compensation Legal Remedies Available

Workers who face disability discrimination may be entitled to:

• Back pay and lost wages
• Future wage loss and reduced earning capacity
• Emotional distress damages
• Reinstatement to their former position
• Reasonable accommodation implementation
• Civil penalties and attorney’s fees

In egregious cases, courts may also award punitive damages to punish unlawful behavior and deter future violations.

Why You Need an Irvine Disability Discrimination Attorney

Disability discrimination cases in Irvine, CA involve complex legal standards and require detailed evidence. Additionally, employers often deny wrongdoing or claim they had no knowledge of your condition. An experienced attorney can help by:

• Evaluating whether you qualify for protection under FEHA or the ADA. 
• Gather medical documentation, personnel files, and internal communications that support your claim.
• Interview co-workers and managers who witnessed discrimination or retaliation.
• Represent you in negotiations, mediations, and hearings.
• File a civil lawsuit if necessary and take your case to trial.
• Fight for the maximum compensation available, including emotional distress damages and punitive damages when appropriate. 

Having an attorney by your side ensures your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Contact Us Today

If you believe your employer discriminated against you due to a disability or medical condition, you do not have to face it alone. Contact our Irvine disability discrimination attorney at Aegis Law Firm today for a free consultation.