Los Angeles Disability Discrimination Attorneys

Fighting Workplace Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly or harassed due to an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), you have the right to a workplace free from prejudice.

Are You Experiencing Disability Discrimination?

It isn’t always obvious. Ask yourself:

• Were you passed over for a promotion despite being fully qualified?

• Did an employer discuss your medical history before denying you a job?

• Has the way you are treated at work changed since your employer learned of a disability?

• Are you being denied reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these, you may have a legal claim for damages.

The “Interactive Process” & Reasonable Accommodations

When a worker has a disability, California law requires employers to engage in a “system of trial and error” known as the Interactive Process. They must work with you to find an accommodation that keeps you employed, such as:

• Flexible Scheduling: Adjusting hours for treatment, therapy, or recovery.

• Accessibility Improvements: Modifying the physical workspace (ramps, desk adjustments).

• Process Changes: Implementing new workflows or providing assistive devices.

Note: Employers are required to provide these accommodations unless they can prove the cost is so high it causes “undue hardship” to the business.

California Law (FEHA) vs. Federal Law (ADA)

In California, you are often protected by even stronger standards than the federal ADA:
| Feature | Federal (ADA) | California (FEHA) |
| Business Size | 15+ employees | 5+ employees |
| Disability Definition | Substantially limits life | Makes life difficult |
| Recovery Limits | Caps on damages | No limits on recovery |
| Standards | Federal Minimum | Broader Protections |

What is Covered Under the ADA?

Protections extend to any individual with a physical or mental impairment that affects daily life, including:

• Physical Disabilities: Physiological diseases, conditions, or disfigurements.

• Mental Disabilities: Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or learning disabilities.

• Medical Conditions: Cancer, genetic disorders, or recovery from surgery.

• Temporary Injuries: You are protected even if your disability is caused by a temporary injury or disease.

How Mesriani Law Group Can Help

Navigating a disability claim is a multi-step process. Before a lawsuit can be filed, a formal grievance must be submitted to the EEOC or DFEH. Our legal team ensures:

• Evidence Collection: We help you document the “interactive process” and gather medical records.

• Strict Deadlines: We manage all filings to ensure your case isn’t thrown out due to missed dates.

• Maximum Recovery: We fight for lost wages, pain and suffering, and job reinstatement.