Costa Mesa Disability Discrimination Attorney

Disability discrimination is unfortunately more common than many people realize. Some forms of such discrimination may be discreet and difficult to pick up on, while other instances may be blatantly obvious. Regardless, discrimination of any form is unlawful. If you or a loved one has been the victim of disability discrimination, it is essential to acquire legal representation as soon as possible. A Costa Mesa disability discrimination attorney can be of great help.

There are many ways in which a discrimination attorney can be of help to your case. From the beginning, they can assist in gathering evidence and completing paperwork. As your case progresses, they can continually guide you as to what your next steps should be and even represent you in court if that day comes. The value an attorney can bring to a discrimination case cannot be overstated.

For residents of California, there are both federal and state laws that protect employees from being treated unfairly in the workplace due to a disability. In addition to being protected from discrimination, employees with disabilities are also protected regarding accommodations, meaning that employers are expected to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities when needed.

Employees who are protected under these laws include applicants who have not yet become employees of a company and those who are current employees. The protections are also extended to those who have a history of disability. In 2020, the DFEH received 4422 filed complaints of employment investigations. Such numbers are encouraging for those who are filing a claim, because they are reminders that you are not alone in what you are facing.

In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act was put into place in 1974 with the goal of protecting individuals in the workplace from discrimination. Disability is defined within this Act as being any physical or mental impairment which affects any major life function. The range of types of disabilities that are included is wide, meaning that employees who suffer from any ailment that affects their daily life may be able to qualify for protection under this Act.

Examples of disabilities that are protected under this Act include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Arthritis
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Stress
• Vision impairments
• Hearing impairments

While the above list is not comprehensive, it exemplifies how many different types of disabilities are protected under state law. If you are wondering whether your disability is protected, a lawyer can shed light on such questions.

In 2022, the EEOC received 1,338 charge receipts in California for disability claims. In light of such numbers, it is important to know what your first steps should be in filing a claim and doing so quickly. For residents of Costa Mesa, your claim will likely be heard in the local civil court, located at 700 West Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Your workplace should be somewhere you feel confident and secure, where you are able to work hard and achieve your goals and dreams. However, for many individuals, the workplace can quickly become a source of harassment and hardship. At California Employment Counsel, APC, we understand the devastation that comes with being discriminated against at work.

With over 3 decades of experience in employment law, we have devoted ourselves to serving individuals who have been victims of discrimination in the workplace. We have successfully obtained victories for many clients by tailoring our services to meet the needs of their unique cases. Our team will instill the confidence you need to fight back against discriminatory practices.

Q: What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act?

A: The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal civil rights act that protects all citizens who have disabilities of any form from discrimination. This Act applies in the workplace, in all forms of government services, and in other public spaces. Anyone who is discriminated against because of a disability may be able to take legal action against the individual or entity who caused the discrimination, according to this Act.

Q:  What Kind of Disabilities Are Protected in the United States? 

A: According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, both physical and mental disabilities are protected in the United States. Examples of physical disabilities include vision and hearing impairments, the need for wheelchair use, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, and others. Examples of mental disabilities include depression, disorders such as post-traumatic stress and anxiety, Autism, Schizophrenia, and others. Included disabilities are often long-term, while short-term illnesses are not included.

Q: How To File a Disability Discrimination Complaint? 

A: To file for a disability discrimination complaint, you will work with your attorney to send the information to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. For the 2024 filing year, there were 48 cases filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is adamant about ensuring all filings are handled in a precise and compassionate manner, ensuring justice is received when deserved.

Q: What Actions Can Be Considered Discrimination? 

A: Various actions can be considered discrimination in the workplace. Any action that treats an employee differently because of their disability may qualify. Some examples can include harassment, failing to promote an employee because of their disability alone, failing to hire because of disability alone, failing to reasonably accommodate an employee’s needs because of their disability, and more.

If you or a loved one has suffered because of disability discrimination in Costa Mesa, it is imperative to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Cases involving discrimination can be extremely time sensitive, meaning the longer you wait to act, the less likely you may be to receive justice and compensation. At California Employment Counsel, APC, we have helped countless clients like yourself achieve the justice they deserve, and we can help you, too.

Contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we may be able to help. We focus on advocating for individuals who have been treated in an unlawful manner in the workplace. Our experience allows us to bring an in-depth understanding to each case we take on. No matter where you are in the process of filing a claim, we can help.